Bird distribution dynamics 7 - Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius in South Africa

Abstract

With its enormous nest structures, the Sociable Weaver is a unique species, an avian engineer. The nests modify climate within the nest chambers, and create substantial areas of shade beneath the nests. Besides the weavers themselves, these structures are exploited and taken advantage of by a remarkable diversity of animals. Thus bird atlas monitoring of the Sociable Weaver is an important initiative, with interest and significance beyond this single species of bird.