Baya weaver (Ploceaus philippinus )

Common Name	Baya weaver
French Name	Tisserin baya
German Name	Bajaweber
Hindi/Local Name	Baya, Son-Chiri
Spanish Name	Tejedor Baya
Local Name in Dialect	Baya
Size	15.00
Local Status	R. C.
Family

About the Bird

The bird,” Baya weavers” are highly gregarious, sparrow sized and popularly known for excellent nest-weaving skills, these birds have been residents of India for a long time. Among four species of weaver birds, the Baya weaver is one of the most familiar and common birds in the country.

The Baya weaver has a polygamous breeding system i.e. one male has many females as mates, not necessarily at the same time. During breeding season between April and August, the Baya males acquire a distinctive yellow breeding plumage. They live in flock as in a colony sharing the area where they forage for seeds and grains, very common to see them in rice fields though their nests may be some distances away

Baya weaver-Male-displaying

Baya weaver - Female

Baya weaver - Juvenile

Habitat

Baya weavers are social and gregarious birds. They forage in flocks for seeds, both on the plants and on the ground. Baya weavers live in grassland, scrub, and secondary forest, farmed areas, usually near fresh or brackish water.

Global Status

Baya weavers are not threatened.

Local People Perception

Baya weavers have earned reputations as pests by raiding rice fields. Consequently, the birds often end up as food for humans.

Note

The half built male nests of Baya weavers look like helmets with chin-straps and are called cock-swings.