SOCIABLE WEAVER
Philetairus socius
DESCRIPTION
The sociable weaver is a small, social bird known for its unique communal nesting behavior. These birds build large, elaborate nests that can house multiple breeding pairs and their young.
FUN FACTS
- Sociable weavers can build nests that weigh over 1,000 kg | Their nests can last for many years and are reused by successive generations | They are known to have a complex social structure with cooperative breeding
QUICK INFO
Lifespan5-10 years in the wild.
Average Weight30-40 g
Average Length15-18 cm
Diet TypeGranivore
Social Structuregroup — they live in large colonies that can consist of dozens to hundreds of individuals.
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer.
- Habitat
- They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions, often found in savannas and grasslands. Their nests are typically built in trees or on telephone poles.
- Biomes
- Savanna, Grassland
- Native Range
- They are native to southern Africa, particularly in countries like Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
- Continent
- Africa
- Countries
- Namibia, Botswana, South Africa
- Diet
- Sociable weavers primarily feed on seeds, grains, and insects. They are known to forage on the ground and in trees for food.
- Diet Type
- Granivore
- Favorite Food
- seeds, grains
- Social Structure
- group — they live in large colonies that can consist of dozens to hundreds of individuals.
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 20-100
- Territorial
- 0
LC
VU
30-40 g
Weight
15-18 cm
Length
- Coloration
- They have a brown and white plumage with streaked patterns.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males and females are similar in appearance.
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years in the wild.
- Offspring per Birth
- 2-5
- Sexual Maturity
- 6-12 months
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer.
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, with no major declines reported.
- Wild Population Estimate
- Not precisely estimated, but considered common in their range.
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urbanization poses a threat to their populations.
- Predators
- Snakes, birds of prey, and mammals may prey on sociable weavers.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They often rely on their large communal nests for protection against predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon