Weaver news

How large are weaver colonies?

2010-08-19 (72)


Weaver colony sizes vary between species with solitary species having 1 or 2 nests and colonial species may have over 100 nests in one colony. Single-male colonies, like Southern Masked Weavers, typically have less than 10 nests but sometimes this may be larger especially if there are more males than the usual one. One result of PHOWN (Photos of weaver nests) project is having a nest count per colony. To see up-to-date minimum, average and maximum colony sizes for records submitted to PHOWN click here.

While birding, you can look out for weaver colonies and contribute photos with nest counts to the ADU Virtual Museum. As soon as your record is accepted, the average colony sizes will be automatically updated. To take part read here.