ExploreBirds

Village Weaver

Ploceus cucullatus

The Village Weaver is a colorful bird known for its amazing nests. They weave their homes from grass and twigs, making them look like little hanging baskets in trees.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Village Weaver is a stout, medium-sized bird. Breeding males are strikingly bright yellow with a black face, bill, and throat, often having a chestnut wash on their breast. Females and non-breeding males are duller, olive-yellow, and streaked, making them less vibrant.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyPloceidaeGenusPloceus
Village Weaver
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Village Weaver

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Male weavers often build multiple nests in a season, hoping one impresses a female!

Their sturdy woven nests can sometimes survive for more than a year.

Weaver nests often include a small tunnel-like entrance to deter predators.

Young weavers learn weaving skills by observing their parents and practicing.

Special abilities

Ability

Master Architect

Village Weavers can intricately weave complex hanging nests from grass and leaves because of their specialized beaks and strong feet.

Ability

Nest Judge

Village Weavers have a unique system where females inspect male-built nests, and if rejected, the male will often dismantle it to rebuild.

Ability

Community Builder

Village Weavers can live in huge colonies, building hundreds of nests close together which helps with predator defense and resource sharing.

Measurements & details

Length
15-17 cm
Wingspan
25-28 cm
Weight
0.038-0.048 kg
Lifespan
5-7 years
Top Speed
40 km/h
Clutch Size
2-4
Incubation
12-15 days

Diet & Feeding

These busy birds enjoy a meal of seeds and insects, helping to keep gardens healthy!

Primary Foods

  • grass seeds
  • cereal grains
  • caterpillars
  • beetles
  • termites
  • nectar

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

African Goshawk

Accipiter tachiro

A predator of adult weavers and chicks.

parasitizes

Pin-tailed Whydah

Vidua macroura

Brood parasite laying eggs in weaver nests.

eats

Migratory Locust

Locusta migratoria

Consumes insects like locusts for protein.

eats

Maize

Zea mays

Feeds on seeds from agricultural crops.

Traits

Also known as

African WeaverYellow Weaver

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't disturb their nests.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Village Weaver?

15-17 cm

What is Village Weaver's wingspan?

25-28 cm

How much does Village Weaver weigh?

0.038-0.048 kg

How long does Village Weaver live?

5-7 years

How fast can Village Weaver move?

40 km/h

What does Village Weaver eat?

These busy birds enjoy a meal of seeds and insects, helping to keep gardens healthy!

Where is Village Weaver usually found?

Grasslands

How does Village Weaver hunt?

Foraging

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