FaunaHub

Weaver (family Ploceidae)

BirdNest-builderOld World

Male southern masked weaver (Ploceus velatus), a bright yellow bird with a black face mask.

Male southern masked weaver (Ploceus velatus).

Image: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Overview

Weavers (family Ploceidae) are small, finch-like Old World birds, many of them bright yellow with black markings, named for their extraordinary nest-building skill. The southern masked weaver (Ploceus velatus), shown here, is a classic example: the male knots and weaves strips of grass and leaves into an intricate, enclosed hanging nest, tying real knots with his beak and feet.

This building ability is among the most sophisticated of any bird, and weaver colonies — sometimes with many nests in a single tree — are a familiar sight across Africa and parts of Asia.

Note: the weaver family is large and varied; details here use the southern masked weaver as a reference. Treat general statements as approximate and verify against authoritative sources.

Habitat & Range

Weavers occur across sub-Saharan Africa and into parts of Asia, in habitats from savanna, grassland, and wetlands to woodland and gardens. Many nest near water or in isolated trees, and the southern masked weaver is widespread and adaptable across southern Africa, including in towns and gardens.

Diet

Weavers are mainly seed-eaters, feeding on grass and other seeds, but they also take insects (especially when feeding chicks), as well as nectar and fruit in some species. Their stout, conical bills are well suited to handling seeds — and, remarkably, also to the delicate work of weaving nest material.

Behavior

The male weaver's nest-building is the family's signature behaviour: he strips fresh greenery and weaves it into a rounded, often flask-shaped nest with a downward entrance, frequently hanging from a branch tip where it is hard for predators to reach. He may build several nests and display at them to attract a female, who inspects the work and may reject a poor effort. Many weavers are social and nest in noisy colonies; some species even build huge communal structures.

Human Interaction & Conservation

Weavers are popular and conspicuous birds, admired for their building skill and often welcomed in gardens. A few seed-eating species can be agricultural pests where they gather in large flocks. Most weavers are common, though some restricted species are of conservation concern. Consult authoritative sources for species-specific status.

More photos of the weaver

A male weaver weaving a hanging grass nest.

Southern masked weaver (Ploceus velatus) building its woven nest.

Image: Bernard DUPONT, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently Asked Questions — Weaver

How do weavers build their nests?
Male weavers strip thin lengths of grass or leaves and literally weave and knot them together using their beak and feet, creating an enclosed, often hanging nest with a narrow entrance. It is one of the most complex nest-building behaviours of any bird, and males may practise and improve over time.
Why do male weavers build several nests?
Nest-building is central to courtship. A male often constructs multiple nests and displays at them to attract females; a female inspects the workmanship and may accept a good nest or reject a sloppy one, sometimes prompting the male to tear it down and start again. Good building skill helps him breed.
What do weavers eat?
Most weavers are primarily seed-eaters, with stout conical bills for cracking grass and other seeds. They also eat insects — important protein for growing chicks — and some take nectar or fruit, depending on the species and season.
Do all weavers nest in colonies?
Many do, gathering in noisy colonies where a single tree can hold numerous nests, but not all. Some weavers are more solitary. A few species build enormous communal nests housing many pairs, which are among the most impressive structures made by any bird.

Sources and further reading

Authoritative wildlife references used for general educational context. Conservation status should always be verified against current IUCN Red List data. External links open in a new tab.