Weavers work on a nest
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Duration: 03:18Ambient
Commentary
Filesize: About 112 MB
Resolution: 1280x720
Ambient
Commentary
Filesize: About 51 MB
Resolution: 854x480
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Popular
05 Nov, 2007
Unusually in this genus of birds, the male and female spectacled weaver build their nest together.
Today, on the edge of the riverine forest alongside the Blyde River in Mpumalanga, South Africa, we encountered a pair of spectacled weavers (Ploceus ocularis) preoccupied with the construction of a nest.
The diligence and dexterity with which these birds weave nests is one of nature’s miracles.
There are almost 100 species of weaver in Africa and Asia. In the majority of species, the male is responsible for nest building. When he has completed a nest, the female arrives for an inspection. If she finds the nest to her liking, she will occupy it and begin laying eggs.
If she rejects the nest, the male normally destroys it and starts building another, often on another branch. This process continues until the female is satisfied. The nest has to be able to withstand the elements and predators.
With the spectacled weavers, the female may participate in the building of the nest too. It takes about three weeks to complete.
The weaving process itself is complex. Close inspection reveals that the strips of pliable green material are secured with real knots onto the branch, making for a stable and strong construction.
– by Paul Myburgh, Earth-Touch crew © Earth-Touch
More about this clip
Country: South Africa
Habitat: Deciduous or Evergreen Forest, Blyde River Canyon
Location: Blyde Canyon, South Africa
Tags: Spectacled, Weaver, Nest, Build, Male, Female, Egg, Riverine, Forest, Bird, Inspect, Destroy, Satisfy, Predator, Elements, Pliable, Construct, Knot, Expedition footage, Spectacled weaver, Birds, Vertebrates, Blyde canyon, South Africa, South Africa, Africa, Blyde River Canyon, Deciduous or Evergreen Forest
