
Lesser Masked Weaver
The lesser masked weaver (Ploceus intermedius) is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae.
Species insights
Most records Oct to Nov
When Lesser Masked Weaver sightings peak, from open records. Outside these months it is seen less often, not never.
Curve from 1,041 national iNaturalist observations, not from one property. Single-month spikes are discarded as upload artefacts, and below 50 records we show no curve at all.
Mpumalanga and beyond
Provinces where Lesser Masked Weaver is most recorded. Tap one to find places to stay.
1,041 records, iNaturalist
Parks where hosts record the Lesser Masked Weaver
Stays that give back
Across South Africa
Reliably seen · Birder friendly
Reliably seen · Birder friendly
Reliably seen · Birder friendly
Reliably seen · Birder friendly
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Reliably seen · Birder friendly
Reliably seen · Birder friendly
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
Lesser Masked Weaver recorded here
iSimangaliso wetlands, sand forest, and Sodwana reefs
See places that give backPlanning a trip
When and where to find the Lesser Masked Weaver
Hosts have recorded the Lesser Masked Weaver at stays in or beside Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Best hours of the day
- The first hours after sunrise, and late afternoon. Birds call and feed most in the cool.
- Midday. Quieter, especially in summer heat.
Where to base yourself
- LimpopoSelf-driveStays in Limpopo
- KwaZulu-NatalSelf-driveStays in KwaZulu-Natal
Ways to look
Drive yourself
Your own vehicle and pace, on the park's roads.
Where hosts record it
IUCN Red List
Least Concern
Species
Ploceus intermedius
Records
1,041
iNaturalist observations
Every booking on Spekboom supports conservation.
Questions travellers ask
A record means a host has seen the Lesser Masked Weaver on the property or nearby. It is never a guarantee of a sighting.
Which parks and reserves are best for the Lesser Masked Weaver in South Africa?
Hosts on Spekboom have recorded the Lesser Masked Weaver at stays in or beside Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Ithala Game Reserve, Spioenkop Dam Nature Reserve and Weenen Game Reserve. A record means a host has seen it on the property or nearby, which makes these the places to base yourself; it is never a guarantee of a sighting on any given day.
Where can you see the Lesser Masked Weaver in South Africa?
The Lesser Masked Weaver is most recorded in Mpumalanga (38% of records), KwaZulu-Natal (29% of records), Limpopo (26% of records), based on 1,041 iNaturalist observations. 50 places to stay on Spekboom in South Africa have recorded the Lesser Masked Weaver on site or nearby.
When is the best time to see the Lesser Masked Weaver?
Sightings of the Lesser Masked Weaver peak from Oct to Nov, based on 1,041 iNaturalist records. You may still see it outside those months, sightings are just less frequent.
What is the conservation status of the Lesser Masked Weaver?
The Lesser Masked Weaver (Ploceus intermedius) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
What is the Lesser Masked Weaver?
The lesser masked weaver (Ploceus intermedius) is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae. It builds its nests in large colonies, often alongside the village weaver and sometimes the red-billed buffalo weaver. This species is commonly parasitised by the Diederik cuckoo.






























