Who stole my nest? Weaver nests used as nest lining

Abstract

Birds stealing nest material from a neighbour’s nest is well known, but stealing entire nests is less well known. This has been reported nine times for raptors and waterbirds taking the domed nests of weaverbirds. Three waterbird species and five raptor species are involved. Nests of four weaver species were identified. Three records were from Kwa-Zulu Natal in South Africa, and the rest from elsewhere in Africa. Weaver nests included green nests, but most were old nests, and at least one occupied nest (with eggs). Since green nests were not the norm, the weaver nests were probably taken as a source of plant material, rather than for any specific benefit relating to weaver nests.