Weaver birds are medium-sized passerines found in Asia and Africa. Unlike the kingfisher or the roller, the weaver bird may not have outstanding plumage to awe bird enthusiasts. What the weaver bird does have, is impressive nest-building prowess. If there ever were architects in the winged world of birds, the weaver would be serious contenders for any architectural award!

Weaver Birds

Weavers use local material in the construction of these spectacular nests. Flexible materials (leaf fibres, blades of grass or twigs) are these artisans’ choice when shaping their homes. Weaver bird nests are usually built on the branches of sturdy trees. As a result of the bird’s gregarious nature, there are several weaver nests near each other within the same branched tree. Unlike the traditional cup-shaped nest, most weaver bird nests are kidney-shaped. Sometimes they have many entrance and exit points. There are over a hundred species of this bird, which belong to one of three subfamilies. Each marked by a distinct nest appearance. This could be complexity of construction, size, shape and the material used.

• Bubalornithinae: stick nest building buffalo weavers
• Plocepasserinae: grass nest building sparrow and social weavers
• Ploceinae: woven nests building “true” weavers

Colony Living

While some weaver species prefer their own private nest, others enjoy the proximity of their kin within a colony. The name social weavers is apt for these birds, as they build nests so close to each other. In fact, they are so close they merge into a huge living space which is like an apartment block. These nests are the largest built by any bird and is capable of housing over a hundred pairs of birds at any given time.

Co-operation

Like the bee-eater, these social birds practice co-operative breeding. This is where non-mating individuals render help in the raising of young of breeding pairs, at the expense of their own reproduction. Strength in numbers provides the colony with ample protection from predators. For example, larger birds, lizards and snakes – particularly the cape cobras. As a result this increases the colony’s survival rate. As accomplished as social weavers are as builders, there is a specific family of weavers that reign as master builders – the Ploceinae.

Southern Masked Weaver

Birds in the Ploceinae family are the virtuoso architects. One of them, the southern masked weaver (also known as the African masked weaver) is a resident breeding bird found in Southern Africa. The mating season from September to January sees male weavers, coloured in bright yellow plumage, hard at work. With remarkable intricacy they construct a sturdy nest in hope of impressing a female. They build in painstaking stages. Beginning with a sturdy ringed foundation, roof, required chambers and finishing off with an entrance. The weaver’s choice materials of weed, palm and grass are all coiled, looped and woven together. The end result is a tidy, tight-fitting, waterproof mesh waiting for a female’s approval.

Nest Building Rigour

Nest weaving is a complex and skilful process. Each nest takes approximately 9-14 hours to complete. The task of nest building is undertaken by the male. The weaving skills are not part of the bird’s genetic template. Different male southern masked weavers approach the task to nest building in different ways. Through relentless trial and error, this masked architect polishes its construction techniques. Mature male masked weavers with ample experience show finesse in construction. They must provide a nest sturdy enough to withstand the African elements and attacks from predators. A sure-fire way to win over the female of the species.

Female Weavers

Female southern masked weavers raise their young. Unlike the social weavers, southern masked weavers, although in a colony, live in self-contained units. Strength of a nest will only mean a safer environment for her to raise her young. Female weavers inspect with a discerning eye. If unimpressed, the female will show disinterest as the male Weaver dismantles the nest and rebuilds to perfection. Agreeable females imprint her approval with finishing touches to the nest chamber with soft grass and feathers. Only then will mating begin.

Weaver Bird Breeding Rights

The southern masked weaver males are polygamous. Success with one female will lead to consecutive nest building to woo another. Male southern masked weavers will mate as many as two to five females within a breeding season. Building nests close to others, the male defends his small territory from competition as well as predators.

Male weavers can sometimes end up rebuilding nests over 25 times to please his female prospect. It is a painstaking process driven by a primal need – to procreate and continue its genes. It is common for this masked Casanova to build many nests within a branch for its harem. A testimony of the masked weaver’s architectural dexterity and courting skills.

Author: Reehana Shihab

Editor: Tim Plowden