Sociable Weaver
Philetairus socius
The Sociable Weaver (Philetairus socius) is a uncommon weaver found in 3 countries, weighing about 27 g. The sociable weaver is a species of bird in the weaver family, endemic to Southern Africa.
About the Sociable Weaver
The sociable weaver is a species of bird in the weaver family, endemic to Southern Africa. It is the only species in its genus Philetairus. It is found in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, but its range is centered within the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. The species builds large, compound, community nests, a rarity among birds. These nests are perhaps the most spectacular structure built by any bird.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
Measuring around 14 cm (5+1⁄2 in) in length, the sociable weaver has a black chin, black, barred flanks, and a scalloped back. It typically weighs 26–32 g (15⁄16–1+1⁄8 oz), and sexes are indistinguishable. Tail Length around 42–48 mm (1.7–1.9 in).
Where it lives
When to see it
The Sociable Weaver can be seen all year round, with peak activity in May. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Watch the Sociable Weaver on live cams
- Namib Desert WaterholeNamib Desert, Namibia · Streaming now
- Kalahari Desert CamKalahari, Namibia · Streaming now
Browse all 118 bird cams worldwide, live and seasonal, by region and species.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Sociable Weaver?
- Measuring around 14 cm (5+1⁄2 in) in length, the sociable weaver has a black chin, black, barred flanks, and a scalloped back. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Sociable Weaver?
- The Sociable Weaver is a small sized bird weighing about 27 g.
- Where can you see a Sociable Weaver?
- The Sociable Weaver occurs in 3 countries, including South Africa, Namibia and Botswana.
- What birds look similar to a Sociable Weaver?
- The Sociable Weaver is most easily confused with the Northern Red Bishop, the Holub's Golden Weaver and the Holub's Golden Weaver.
- Is the Sociable Weaver endangered?
- The Sociable Weaver is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Sociable Weaver for real
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