The baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus) is a weaverbird found across the Indian Subcontinent and SE Asia. Flocks of these birds are found in grasslands, cultivated areas, scrub and secondary growth.
They are best known for their hanging retort shaped nests woven from leaves. These nest colonies are found on thorny trees or palm fronds and the nests are often built near water or hanging over water.
These are sparrow-sized and in their non-breeding plumage, Non-breeding males and females resemble female house sparrows. They have a stout conical bill and a short square tail. Breeding males have a bright yellow crown, dark brown mask, blackish brown bill.
The male builds its pendulous, retort-shaped nest by anchoring long plant fibers to a branch, forming an incomplete helmet shape to court a female, and finishing the egg chamber and entry tube only after receiving female approval.
Shot in Coorg, Karnataka, India Nikon Gears, July 2026 © Dr.Bishan Monnappa
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