Sociable weaver

Introduction: In Namibia, sociable weavers (Philetairus socius) spend some 20% of their time at their colony, mainly involved in nest building/repairing duties. Arid dry woodland and savannah, which includes mopane woodland, provide the ideal habitat for colonial and cooperative breeding.

Distribution: From Etosha National Park south through most of central and southern Namibia, less for the Namib Desert, but including Swakopmund and Walvis Bay and the Kalahari Desert.
Diet: Forages in flocks throughout the day for seeds and arthropods.

Description: A small sparrow like weaver with a short tail.
Breeding: Breeds in huge, domed communal nests, with the breeding season probably lasts from August/September until April/May. Usually 2 to 6 eggs are laid and incubated for around 14 days. Philetairus is a Greek meaning for 'loving companions'.

Size: 26cm.

Weight: 14g.