Weaver Bird (Ploceus cucullatus) lives in subtropical forests across Sub-Saharan Africa. It feeds on insects and seeds. Its conservation status is Least Concern.
Fascinating facts about the Weaver Bird
- The village weaver now lives far beyond Africa, having been introduced to Portugal, Venezuela and Caribbean islands such as Hispaniola, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Mauritius and Réunion. These overseas populations have settled in habitats that mirror the bird's native sub-Saharan environment, allowing it to thrive as it does at home. Its spread shows the species' ability to colonise new areas where climate and food resources are similar to those of its original range.
- A village weaver colony may hold up to 150 nests, creating a massive gathering of birds. In a single tree it is common to see eight to a hundred nests tightly packed together, producing a noisy, bustling community. Such colonies are often found in towns, villages and hotel grounds as well as in open woodlands, reflecting the species' preference for open or semi-open habitats where large noisy groups can thrive.
- Constructing a village weaver nest demands about 300 long leaf strips, each torn from palms or large grasses and carried individually by the male. The finished nest measures 14-17 cm in length and 11-13 cm in height, with a downward-facing entrance tube that extends 4-8 cm outward. While the male builds the woven structure, the female adds the soft lining of grass, palm fibres and feathers that forms the cosy nesting cup.
- The entrance of the village weaver's nest projects outward as a short tube that measures between four and eight centimetres, forming a narrow passage for the birds. Each nest is built to a size of fourteen to seventeen centimetres in length and eleven to thirteen centimetres in height, providing a compact but sturdy home.
- Village weavers feed principally on seeds and grain, which can bring them into conflict with farmers as they become crop pests. When they are rearing chicks, however, they readily switch to catching insects, especially to provide protein for the growing young. This dietary shift helps to partially offset the agricultural damage caused by their seed-eating habits. The reliance on insects during the breeding season therefore moderates their overall impact on crops.
Sources
Every fact above was checked against these pages, and kept only where one of them states it.
At a glance
RangeSub-Saharan Africa
HabitatSubtropical forests
DietInsects and seeds
About the Weaver Bird
In the sun-drenched savannas, the weaver bird dances through the grasses with effortless precision, its slender form darting between the blades as it searches for the perfect thread to weave into its intricate nest. With each delicate movement, the bird's bright plumage glimmers like polished jewels, a testament to the remarkable craftsmanship that has earned it its name. As it works, the weaver bird's melodic song fills the air, a joyful accompaniment to the meticulous construction of its elaborate home.
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