Sociable Weaver

Philetairus socius (Latham, 1790)

Ploceidae — Weavers, Widowbirds

Sociable Weaver, Philetairus socius, is a passerine of the weaver family found in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. It was first described by Latham in 1790. The species is the only living member of Philetairus and is closely tied to arid savanna in the southern Kalahari. Its most notable feature is the building of vast communal nests on trees and other tall structures, with many chambers used by several pairs and generations. These nests can remain in use for many years and are among the largest made by any bird.

Order: Passeriformes
Family: Ploceidae — Weavers, Widowbirds
Breeding range: Africa: Namibia to Botswana and South Africa

Tours where you can spot this bird

2 tours in South Africa

7-Day Northern Cape Birding Tour

South Africa / Northern Cape Private tour 7 days

A 7-day Northern Cape birding route from Cape Town toward Springbok, Alexandra Bay, Poffadder, Augrabies, Brandvlei and Calvinia....

Private 3-Day Tankwa Karoo Birding Tour with Birding Ecotours

South Africa / Cape Town Private tour 3 days

A private three-day circuit from Cape Town through Ceres into the Tankwa Karoo for arid-zone endemics, canyon specialists and optional night...

From ZAR 17,550