Baya weaver bird known for its remarkable nest-building skills | wildlife documentary | nature 

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The Baya Weaver is a fascinating bird known for its remarkable nest-building skills and social behavior. Here are some interesting facts about the Baya Weaver:
1. Appearance
Size: About 15 cm (6 in) in length.
Color: Males have bright yellow plumage during the breeding season, with black masks on their faces. Females and non-breeding males are duller, mostly brown with streaks.
2. Habitat
Found across South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia.
They prefer open grasslands, agricultural areas, scrublands, and wetlands near water sources like rivers or lakes.
3. Diet
Primarily feeds on seeds, grains, and insects.
Often seen foraging in flocks, especially in fields of rice and wheat.
4. Nest Building
Famous for their intricately woven nests, which are made from long strips of grass, palm, or paddy leaves.
The nests are shaped like a hanging bottle and are suspended from tree branches, often near water to deter predators.
Only males build the nests, and they create several nests to attract females. The quality of the nest influences the female’s choice of mate.
5. Breeding Behavior
Breeding occurs during the monsoon season.
Males become brightly colored during this time to attract females.
The female inspects the male’s nest before accepting him as a mate. If she approves, she completes the nest by lining it with soft materials like feathers and grass.
6. Social Structure
Baya Weavers are highly social birds, living and breeding in colonies.
They often build multiple nests in close proximity to each other, sometimes on the same tree.
7. Call and Communication
Their calls include loud, metallic “cheep” sounds.
During the breeding season, males use special calls to attract females.
8. Threats and Conservation
Although widespread, Baya Weavers are affected by habitat loss due to urbanization and agricultural practices.
However, their population is still considered stable, and they are not currently endangered.
These birds are well-known for their craftsmanship and have been studied extensively for their complex behaviors and social interactions.