Streaked Weaver (Ploceus manyar):

A Detailed Study of Asia’s Colonial Weaverbird

The Streaked Weaver (Ploceus manyar) is a highly social passerine bird widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia. Known for its intricate nest-building skills, colonial breeding behavior, and adaptability to wetland and agricultural landscapes, this species represents one of the most successful members of the weaverbird family. Its presence is particularly notable in riverine floodplains, marshes, grasslands, and mangrove-adjacent habitats, where it plays a vital ecological role.

Although often overshadowed by its more flamboyant relatives, the Streaked Weaver exhibits remarkable behavioral complexity and environmental resilience. Its close association with human-modified landscapes has allowed it to thrive in a rapidly changing ecological context, making it an important subject for avian ecological research.

Taxonomy & Classification

Systematic Position

The Streaked Weaver belongs to the family Ploceidae, a group characterized by advanced nest construction techniques and strong social organization. The genus Ploceus includes numerous species across Africa and Asia, with Ploceus manyar being among the most widely distributed Asian representatives.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Passeriformes
• Family: Ploceidae
• Genus: Ploceus
• Species: Ploceus manyar

Taxonomically, the species shows limited subspecific variation, though regional plumage tones and body size may vary slightly depending on environmental conditions.

Morphology & Field Identification

General Structure

The Streaked Weaver is a small, compact bird with a robust body, short neck, and strong conical bill adapted for seed consumption. Its overall appearance is less vivid than some other weaverbirds, but it is easily recognized by its heavily streaked plumage.

Male Features

Breeding males exhibit a subdued yellowish-brown crown with dark streaks running across the head, back, and flanks. The facial region may show faint darker markings, while the bill becomes darker and more pronounced during the breeding season. Unlike the Baya Weaver, the male Streaked Weaver lacks a bold black facial mask.

Female Features

Females closely resemble non-breeding males, displaying brownish upperparts with prominent streaking and paler underparts. This similarity between sexes is believed to enhance camouflage, particularly during nesting and incubation periods.

Size & Wingspan

The species measures approximately 13–14 centimeters in length, with a wingspan ranging between 19 and 21 centimeters. Despite its small size, the bird is physically robust and capable of sustained activity.

Flight Characteristics

Flight is swift and direct, characterized by rapid wingbeats. The Streaked Weaver often travels in compact flocks, producing synchronized flight patterns during movement between feeding and nesting sites.

Habitat & Distribution

Global Range

The Streaked Weaver is distributed across the Indian subcontinent, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of southern China and Indonesia. Its extensive range reflects high ecological adaptability.

Preferred Habitat

This species favors open and semi-open landscapes, including wetlands, riverbanks, marshes, agricultural fields, grasslands, and coastal plains. Proximity to water and availability of tall grasses or reeds are essential for nesting.

Diet & Feeding Ecology

Primary Food Sources

The diet consists predominantly of grass seeds, rice grains, and other small cereals. During the breeding season, insects such as termites, beetles, and caterpillars form an important supplementary protein source.

Foraging Technique

Foraging typically occurs in flocks, either on the ground or among low vegetation. Birds use their strong bills to husk seeds efficiently, often exploiting agricultural fields after harvest.

Breeding & Reproduction

Breeding Season

Breeding is closely synchronized with the monsoon season, when vegetation growth and insect abundance are at their peak. This seasonal timing ensures optimal conditions for chick survival.

Nesting Sites

Nests are woven from grass strips and suspended from reeds, sugarcane plants, date palms, or low trees, often above water. The colonies may contain dozens of nests clustered together.

Unique Adaptations & Behavioral Ecology

Speed & Agility

Exceptional agility allows the birds to cling, twist, and hang upside down while weaving nests. These movements are executed with remarkable precision.

Camouflage and Nesting Strategy

The streaked plumage blends seamlessly with grasses and reeds, while nest placement over water reduces access for ground predators.

Social Behavior

The Streaked Weaver is highly gregarious, forming large breeding colonies. Social cohesion enhances predator detection and increases reproductive success.

Occurrence & Seasonal Movement

The species is largely resident, with short-distance movements influenced by rainfall patterns, food availability, and agricultural cycles.

Preferred Habitat in the Sundarbans Region

In the Sundarbans, Streaked Weavers inhabit freshwater channels, grassy embankments, mangrove fringes, and cultivated zones adjacent to forested areas. The mosaic of wetlands and open vegetation provides ideal nesting and foraging opportunities.

Ecological Role

Streaked Weavers contribute significantly to ecosystem balance by controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds. Their nests also provide microhabitats for other organisms.

Habitat Alteration

Drainage of wetlands, excessive pesticide use, and loss of grassland habitats pose localized threats. However, the species demonstrates notable adaptability to modified landscapes.

Conservation Efforts

Currently classified as Least Concern, the Streaked Weaver benefits from wetland conservation initiatives and sustainable agricultural practices.

Did You Know?

• The Streaked Weaver often builds nests communally, strengthening colony defense.
• Its nest entrances are oriented to reduce rainwater entry during monsoons.
• The species frequently coexists with other weaverbirds without territorial conflict.

External Reference

For further taxonomic and ecological information, refer to the Wikipedia page on Streaked Weaver (Ploceus manyar).