The big inspection

"Before a village weaver lays her eggs, the male must first build a nice, sturdy nest. This nest is thoroughly inspected by the female. If she doesn't think the nest is good enough, she tears it down and the male has to start all over again."

Discover in real life
Village weaverPloceus cucullatus
  • Habitat:

    forests, savannahs and wetlands in Africa

  • Food:

    insects and grasslands

  • Lifespan:

    10 to 15 years in the wild

  • Weight:

    30 to 50 grams

  • Number of eggs:

    3 to 4 eggs

  • Breeding time:

    24 days

  • IUCN status:

    Least Concern

  • EEP:

    no

About the village weaver

The village weaver is an African bird that lives in forests, savannahs and wetlands. It feeds mainly on insects and grass seeds and can live for 10 to 15 years in the wild. The male builds a sturdy nest, which is rigorously inspected by the female. If the nest is not up to standard, she tears it down and he has to start again. Only then does she lay 3 to 4 eggs, which hatch after about 24 days.

Wereldkaart leefgebied van de grote textorwever Safaripark Beekse Bergen

Habitat and threats

The village weaver is found across much of Africa and inhabits a wide variety of habitats, including forests, savannahs and wetlands. It is particularly at home in areas with plenty of trees and shrubs, where it can hang its distinctive woven nests.

The village weaver is well adapted to changing conditions and is even regularly seen in agricultural areas and villages. As a result, the species is currently not threatened and is classified as ‘least concern’. However, local populations may face threats such as deforestation, the drying up of wetlands and the use of pesticides, which reduce the foo

Grote Textorwever cut-out Safaripark Beekse Bergen

Species conservation in Beekse Bergen

Fortunately, the status of the village weaver is safe. But, unfortunately, many of the species you see at Beekse Bergen are endangered and struggling in their native habitats. Did you know that more than 10,000 animal species in the world are in danger of extinction? Together we can help them, with big, or small steps. Want to know how?

Learn more about the village weaver

Meet the other residents of Beekse Bergen