Spekes Weaver
Africa, Tanzania, Safari. Weaver birds are the architects of the bird world. Designs and neatness of construction vary widely among the different species of weaver birds. The nests are usually tough and well-secured so a high wind will not blow them down. The best weaver birds have the ability to tie dozens of different shaped knots and loops for which they use their feet as well as beaks. Among most weavers, the male takes sole responsibility for initial building of the nest. The nest is built before the male gets a partner, so he uses his "love-nest" to entice a female, who is likely to be very fastidious. If his efforts fail and the disinterested female flies off, the male will try again. A week without success and he petulantly dismantles the entire edifice and begins again in the same spot, in the hope of better luck. In anticipation of failure, the male ties the knots loosely because he may want to undo his laborious construction. If he succeeds, his fussy partner will
Uploaded on March 16, 2009