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Species in News: Baya Weavers
Context:
- During the monsoon season, Baya weaver birds flock to suburban wetlands in Mirertek, Sinduria, and Gerua.
- These birds are known for their lively chirping as they forage near agricultural fields and grasslands in June and July.
More on News:
- Locals have observed that birds have used the same nesting sites for nearly 30 years. Despite their short lifespan of 10-14 years, they return to these sites across generations.
- The Savar wetlands near Dhaka are one of the few locations where Baya weavers can still be seen.
About Baya Weavers:
- They are small birds, similar in size to sparrows (10-15 cm), and are part of the weaver family of songbirds.
- Scientific Name: Ploceus Philippinus
- Common Name: Baya Weaver
- Family: Ploceidae (Weaverbirds)
- IUCN Status: Least Concern
- Nesting: They are known for retort-shaped, hanging nests made from leaves and grass.
- Location: They are native to Africa and Asia. Found across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
- Breeding males have bright yellow crowns, dark brown masks, and blackish-brown bills, while females and non-breeding males lack bright yellow crowns.
- Diet: Seeds, grains, insects, small frogs, geckos, and molluscs. They also feed on rice and other crops.
- Predators: Crows, lizards (e.g., Calotes versicolor), rodents (e.g., Vandeleuria oleracea), and other birds like munias.
- Habitat: Open habitats like grasslands, scrublands, and fields.
- Sinduria Bill’s lowland areas flood during the monsoon, providing abundant vegetation.
- Conservation and Current Status: Widespread, but local and seasonal movements occur due to food availability and rain. The habitat is threatened by urbanisation and habitat loss.
- Development issues such as sand filling in Mirertek’s wetlands and insufficient environmental consideration in construction projects.