Sociable Weaver

Philetairus socius

The Sociable Weaver is found in the drier regions of South Africa. They are also found in Botswana and Namibia.

The enormous nests of the Sociable Weaver are their claim to fame. These nests are actually made by colonies of birds and are re-used. They are found in trees as well as man-made structures.

Unlike many of the Weavers this one eats insects more than seeds and other plant material. The diet of insects helps give them a supply of water in the arid environment that they call home.

The nests of the Sociable Weaver are often visited by snakes, particularly Cape Cobras. The snakes eat both eggs and chicks. Despite the high level of predation by snakes it is believed that the population of the Sociable Weaver is increasing as pylons have provided new nest sites for them.

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References

List of South African Birds