Nest building and nest destruction by the masked weaver, Ploceus velatus

Abstract

This paper describes a series of observations relating to the building and destruction of nests by a single masked weaver, Ploceus velatus, over a period of six consecutive years (1975 -1980 inclusive). Contrary to previous published accounts the period of most intensive activity preceded the rainy season, and nest destruction was as conspicuous as nest con-struction throughout the eight month breeding season. The choice of nest sites was recorded and the process of nest con-struction and destruction described.