A Weaver’s Miracle

Several Weaver bird species can be spotted across Europe and tropical Asia. Amongst the four weavers found in the Indian Subcontinent (India, Pakistan, Nepal,, Bangladesh, Srilanka, Bhutan and Maldives), Delhi NCR witnesses three – Baya Weaver, Streaked Weaver and the Bengal Weaver. Baya weavers make their nests on trees while the other two prefer their nests in reeds such as Typha angustata.

Weavers nest primarily in colonies and often make their fascinating-shaped nests (as shown in the pictures) in a way where the entry/exit point is right over water. This is done to avoid predators from attacking.

The male birds are often seen hanging upside down and fluttering their wings to impress and attract a female, the male bird constructs the nest using strands carefully taken out of grasses to entice prospective mates.

The males have a lot to prove to the females. The quality of their nest shows their skill and worth to observant females, who ultimately pick which structure to live in. If the female approves of the structure, she will help complete it.

A Black-breasted Weaver (Male) (c) Abhishek Gulshan

Young weaver birds learn this skill over years by carefully observing older birds. However, they mostly end up being rejected in their initial attempts. In case the structure is rejected a few times, the male bird will abandon it and will start building a fresh one, with the hope of succeeding.