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Baya Weaver’s failed attempt at nest building

on 5th December 2010

“Had an opportunity to observe up close a young adult male Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus infortunatus), just developing breeding plumage, takes his first steps/attempts at nest building (above). He seemed to accept my presence at 3 meters and allowed extended observations. It is know that young males will attempt nest building and often abandon unfinished work.

“Here he was using some long grass for nesting material. There were no other nests nearby to use as a model but some other males were nearby.

“There were many problems with these attempts (three different episodes observed): 1. The attempts to build the nest were in some very tall reeds, not the usual tree/bush locations. 2. There was no possibility of hanging a nest at the three locations – they were only the reed stems. 3. This was just besides a path and at eye level, not great security.

“After three futile attempts at the three spots, he gave up for now. Perhaps this is how young birds learn by trial and error?

“If you look carefully, it appears that the beak is damaged – my medical opinion is that it is not a traumatic damage but looks eaten away as though by a fungal infection. Not sure if this hindered the nest building.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Tambun Interior, Perak, Malaysia
9th October 2010

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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