Mystery Bird: Taveta Golden Weaver, Ploceus castaneiceps

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[Mystery bird] Taveta Golden Weaver, also known as the Taveta Weaver, Ploceus castaneiceps, photographed in the Pangani River Camp, Tanzania, Africa. [I will identify this bird for you in 48 hours]

Image: Dan Logen, January 2010 [larger view].

Nikon D300, 600 mm lens, ISO 800, 1/640 sec, f/7.1, Exposure compensation 0.

Please name at least one field mark that supports your identification.

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I suspect this one is named after one of the Bantu tribes from southern Kenya- a male still in non-breeding plumage or perhaps a sub-adult, showing a hint of the "chestnut" color on the "head" that specifies it's place...

By David Hilmy (not verified) on 27 Feb 2010 #permalink

Looks to me like a Taveta Golden Weaver (Ploceus castaneiceps), based on the yellow body, orange spot on the back of the head, and lack of other markings.

A duck. Because it's yellow. Admittedly, it should be bobbling around in some soapy bathwater, but I'm guessing someone nailed it to that branch as a practical joke.

But blf, canaries are also yellow. And the habitat is also suitable for them. Not that I've ever nailed a canary to a branch. Definitely not.

Anyway, nothing was proved in court. Got it?