Nelicourvi Weaver

Fascinating facts about the Nelicourvi Weaver

• The nelicourvi weaver builds a solitary, roofed, retort-shaped nest with an oval chamber and a vertical entrance tube that is at least as long as the nest is high. The hanging structure is suspended by a short rope of ten to thirty centimetres and is placed 2-8 m above the ground in an open spot.
• A pair of nelicourvi weavers can complete the construction of their elaborate hanging nest in roughly twelve days. During this period the male is responsible for weaving the outer frame from strips of grass, sedge and palm fronds, while the female gathers the soft palm-fibre lining that lines the interior. This division of labour results in a sturdy, well-insulated nest ready for egg-laying within less than two weeks.
• When hunting for insects the nelicourvi weaver often joins forces with the long-billed bernieria, forming very small foraging parties of two or three birds. Together they move through the middle story of the forest, probing leaves, rolled ginger stems and leaf litter for arthropods.
• The breeding male of the nelicourvi weaver is highly territorial around its nest. While displaying on a horizontal branch with fluttering wings and loud calls, he actively chases away any other birds that approach. This aggressive behaviour is thought to prevent other couples or cuckoos from depositing eggs in his clutch, protecting his reproductive investment. The species is monogamous, maintaining long-term pair bonds throughout the breeding season.
• The nelicourvi weaver is found only on Madagascar, occupying the whole rainforest belt from the Tsanatanana mountains in the north down to the south-east coast. It lives from sea level up to about 1 500 m, but populations have been recorded as high as 2 100 m in Marojejy National Park and an isolated group exists in Amber Mountain.

Sources

Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.

• Wikipedia

At a glance

About the Nelicourvi Weaver

The Nelicourvi Weaver (Ploceus nelicourvi) is a strikingly beautiful bird native to the lush wetlands and grasslands of East Africa, particularly in countries like Kenya and Tanzania. This small to medium-sized passerine exhibits a vivid yellow plumage that is accented by deep black and brown markings, especially noticeable in males during the breeding season. Their elongated bodies and distinctive, conical beaks are perfectly adapted for their diet, which predominantly consists of seeds, grains, and insects. Nesting in colonies, these weavers are known for their intricate, hanging nests woven from grass and plant fibers, showcasing their remarkable craftsmanship. One of the most surprising traits of the Nelicourvi Weaver is its complex social behavior; these birds not only engage in communal nesting but also participate in cooperative breeding, where non-breeding individuals help care for the young, enhancing the survival rates of their offspring in a challenging environment. In their natural habitat, Nelicourvi Weavers are often found in close proximity to water sources, where they forage for food amidst dense vegetation. Their melodious calls fill the air, creating a symphony of sounds that echo through the wetlands. These birds are not just visually captivating; their behavior is equally fascinating. They exhibit a unique form of communication through intricate displays and vocalizations, especially during courtship rituals. This combination of beauty and behavioral complexity makes the Nelicourvi Weaver a captivating subject for ornithologists and wildlife enthusiasts alike, as they continue to reveal the secrets of their social structures and ecological roles in the vibrant tapestry of East Africa's avian community.

More birds to discover

Browse Feravox