Sociable Weaver

Overview

The sociable weaver (Philetairus socius) is a bird in the weaver family that is endemic to Southern Africa and the only species in its genus. It is renowned for constructing large, compound community nests that are among the most spectacular structures built by any bird.

Identification

• Approximately 14 cm in length with a weight of 26–32 g, and sexes are indistinguishable.
• Features a black chin, black barred flanks, and a scalloped back.
• Tail length ranges from 42 to 48 mm.

Habitat

This species ranges across northwestern South Africa, southwest Botswana, and Namibia, with its range centred in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. It is strongly associated with the arid savannas of the southern Kalahari region and requires stiff grasses, such as Stipagrostis ciliata, for nesting material.

Diet

Insectivorous, with insects making up 80% of its diet, it also feeds on seeds and other plant products. Foraging is predominantly on the ground but also occurs on the bark and leaves of trees, and the bird obtains all its water from its diet as an adaptation to the dry Kalahari Desert.

Did you know?

The nests can house over 100 pairs of birds and several generations at a time, with some large nesting colonies remaining active for over 199 years. The internal temperature of the occupied chambers varies by only 7–8 °C while outside temperatures range from 16–33.5 °C, providing significant thermal regulation.