When we reached Balkhu, weavers were playing around their nest. It was as if these birds were playing catch.
Weavers, which look like sparrows, are small passerine birds belonging to the Ploceidae family.
These birds are known for their intricate nests, which are woven using grass, leaves, twigs, and other plant materials. These nests are downward facing and are suspended from branches of trees.
Experts say, male weaver birds construct these nests with the purpose of enticing females during the breeding season.
Notably, each nest exhibits distinctive features and designs, distinguishing them from one another.
Male weavers have a competition with each other. There is a belief that a female weaver goes with the male which has built the best nest.
Males during the breeding season usually display vivid yellow markings and attract females through displays of hanging upside down from the nest, accompanied by calls and fluttering of wings.
Weaver birds play vital role ecologically. They help disperse seeds and control insect populations by consuming insects, contributing to the overall balance of ecosystems.
Furthermore, their nests serve as important shelters and resources for other bird species and animals, promoting biodiversity and supporting ecological interactions.
The lifespan of these birds are 10 to 20 years.
These birds are believed to be very smart and can perform tricks, especially when trying to impress a potential mate.
Some weaver species are believed to practice social parasitism by laying eggs in the nests of other weavers. The host parents are tricked into raising these chicks as their own.
Predominantly found in Africa and Asia, Weavers are mostly found in mid-hills and Terai regions in Nepal.
