10/06/2026
๐ฆ Birds of Rosendal #1 ๐ฆ
It feels only fitting to start our Birds of Rosendal series with one of our most familiar and entertaining locals โ the White-browed Sparrow-Weaver (Koringvoรซltjie).
Scientific name: Plocepasser mahali
Size: 18cm
https://newmansbirds.com/birds/white-browed-sparrow-weaver/
Nowโฆ some of us in Rosendal may affectionately refer to them as โVet Sand Mossiesโโฆ but perhaps weโll keep that nickname between ourselves ๐คซ๐
The White-browed Sparrow Weaver might not be the flashiest bird in the thornveld, but it might just be the most community-minded.
Their large communal nests can be spotted all over town โ hanging from telephone poles and tucked into trees โ and their friendly chatter is almost always part of Rosendalโs soundtrack.
Living in family groups of up to 14, these cooperative nesters build their iconic messy bundles of grass and twigs in camel thorn trees, then open the door to up to nine other species who shelter inside. Scientists studying them are even exploring whether their rich social lives make them smarter.
Bold white eyebrow. Flash of white in flight. Loud liquid song from the treetops. Look and listen for them in dry thornveld across the country and especially in Rosendal.
๐ธ Beauford Pretorius
๐ธ Beauford Pretorius
