Thursday 29 December 2011

Masked weaver building a nest.


Among African weaver birds it's the male that builds the nests. When he has finished building one he invites a female weaver bird to come and inspect it, with lots of wing fluttering and chirping to attract her attention. If a female is interested she will enter the nest and inspect it, while the male flies around overcome by great excitement. If she approves of the nest everything is fine, but if it does not meet her exacting standards she proceeds to destroy it, while the male watches meekly. Afterwards he starts to build another nest in the hopes that it will meet with some ladies approval. 




The male weaver bird will build dozens of nest every year. To watch these birds build their nest is absolutely fascinating and mind boggling.




Nests are always built at the extremities of the branches with all the foliage stripped of. This is to make it difficult for nest robbing snakes to reach the nest. 




This is one of two palm trees growing in Jane's front garden. 

6 comments:

Jo said...

Weavers always fascinate me too, Phil. When the female approves, she flies down to plants with little flowers (often from the vygie species) picks a bloom and returns to decorate the nest. Just like a woman, hey? Hang the curtains, add scatter cushions and centre pieces. Ha-ha. Love and blessings, Jo

Pumice said...

The parallels to human behavior are scary.

Grace and peace.

Kay L. Davies said...

Wonderful, Phillip. I'm amazed at the number of nests on Jane's tree. It must be great fun when the baby birds begin to emerge. Perhaps you and your new camera could arrange to be there when that happens!
K

Joel said...

Beautiful little birds. I'd love to them do that myself. This is the next best thing though. And it speaks of warmth and sunshine, something we have little of at the moment! Thanks for posting this Phillip.

Mark Kautz said...

You always come up with interesting stuff. Such a different world than here.

Mark

Pat Tillett said...

Wow! That is amazing! And I thought my wife was tough...