The
village weaver (
Ploceus cucullatus) is a species of bird in the family
Ploceidae. It is found in much of sub-Saharan Africa and has been
introduced to some islands in the Indian Ocean and the Caribbean. Village weavers forage and
roost in large groups, often with other weaver species. In some areas, they move periodically along fixed routes. The birds look for food on the ground, but also look up to search vegetation and trees. Village weavers nest in colonies and are very active during the breeding season. Birds fly in and leave again constantly, making significant noise. Colonies can contain as many as 150 nests, but eight to a hundred nests in a single tree are usual. This male village weaver was photographed in
Kakum National Park, Ghana.
Photograph credit: Charles J. Sharp
