Oschadleus HD, McCarthy A. 2014. Cape sparrows using weaver nests. African Journal of Ecology online.

In this paper the authors document 32 cases of Cape Sparrows using the nests of weavers, usually for breeding but for roosting in one example. The weaver nests belonged to Cape Weavers in 25 records, Southern Masked Weaver 5 times, and twice unidentified weaver nests. The preference for Cape Weaver nests was explained by the larger size of this weaver's nest. The majority of records were from the Western Cape, with 4 records from Lesotho, one from gauteng and 1 from the Northern Cape. The regional preference was explained by timing of breeding seasons. The Cape Weaver completes breeding earlier in the Western Cape than does the sparrow, allowing the sparrow to take over old weaver nests while it is still breeding.

This paper acknowledges funding from Project for the Enhancement of Research Capacity (PERC, UCT).