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The village weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) is a species of bird in the family Ploceidae found in much of sub-Saharan Africa. It has also been introduced to Hispaniola, Mauritius and Réunion. This often abundant species occurs in a wide range of open or semi-open habitats, including woodlands and human habitation, frequently forming large noisy colonies in towns, villages and hotel grounds. The species builds a large coarsely woven nest made of grass and leaf strips with a downward facing entrance, suspended from a branch in a tree. Two to three eggs are laid. Village weavers are colonial breeders, so many nests may hang from one tree.
This picture shows a female P. c. cucullatus individual in the Tanji Bird Reserve, The Gambia.Photograph credit: Charles J. Sharp