WEAVERS AND WHYDAHS.

Bob Barnes.

My interest in these birds started more than 30 years ago.
I think the fact that they undergo such fantastic changes in appearance is what impresses me the most. In only one or two weeks they are able to transform from drab "sparrow" like birds into perhaps the most stunning finches we can keep. Vivid reds and yellows combined with jet black.
The Whydahs often add to their wardrobes with greatly extended tail feathers.
This new plumage when combined with the fluffed out, buzzing courtship dance of the cock birds is a most impressive sight.

Their nest building (weaving) is also fascinating. Hundreds of strands of grass are 'cut/stripped' by the cock birds and then interwoven in to the various shapes and sizes required by each species. These nests often hang precariously at the very edge of of branches and reeds.
In the 1970's there were still quite a selection available. My collection of Weavers comprised Grenadiers, Bishops, Napoleons, Taha, Madagascan, Comoro, Red-billed Quelea, Crimson-crowned and Baya.
In Whydahs I had Red-shouldered, White/Yellow-winged and Red-collared. Other collections, mostly in Adelaide and Melbourne, also contained Pintailed, Combassa and Paradise Whydahs and Half-masked, Golden Palm, Scaly, Moustache, Speckle-fronted, Red-headed, Black-headed and Village Weavers.
Sadly, many of these are no longer available in Australia.

What we still have to work with in the Weavers are Grenadiers, Bishops, Napoleon and Madagascans. I don't believe there are any pure Comoro's left even though some look very close to the real thing.
In Whydahs we have only Pintailed and Red-shoulders available. Perth Zoo has a couple of cock Paradise left.

All of these birds are hardy and easy to maintain, and with some effort are not that difficult to breed.
My experiences with this group of birds seems to conflict with almost all articles I have ever read!

• With the exception of the Comoro and Comoro hybrids I have found the Weavers kept in large planted aviaries, while being a little boisterous, are a very peaceful group. Obviously territorial clashes with similar coloured birds will occur as with all finches.

• I always keep more than one cock bird in each flight to stimulate breeding.

• A maximum 3-4 hens per cock bird is acceptable. A single male would have little chance of building and 'protecting' a dozen of more nests as some authors have suggested.

• Weavers do not require ponds in their aviaries.

• Cock birds take no part in raising the young.

• Red-shouldered Whydahs should not be kept in breeding aviaries with Weavers.

• Large aviaries are good but not essential.
   

Ideally aviaries should be large, mainly open (in Sydney at least) and well planted. Weavers choose to roost and nest in the open and are hardy enough to cope with this in temperate areas. Obviously protection from the southerly and westerly winds should be provided.
The birds prefer to build their nests in living plants and also to harvest their own nesting materials from grasses growing in the aviary. A combination of tall grasses, bamboo and bushes is ideal. Birds will still go to nest in covered aviaries with dried bush and raffia if they have to, although they are  definitely not as eager.

Breeding is generally straight forward once the birds have attained their breeding plumage. With the exception of the Pintailed Whydahs, which are parasitic on Saint Helena waxbills, all other available species build free standing woven nests.
The dominant cock bird will select his 'territory' and commence nest building, during this construction he will display to any hen coming into this area. If the hen accepts this partially built nest he will complete it rapidly, mate with her, and then commence another nest for a different hen. If, on the other hand, she declines the nest he will rip it to pieces and start again. Once all available hens are sitting he will simply patrol his territory and occasionally chase off any other males.
The hens alone incubate, coming off the nest only to feed. Incubation is around the fourteen day mark, generally starting around the third egg, (Clutch sizes may vary by species) and the young fledge at about 18-21 days.

I do not remove the young until the end of the season, but I would think independence is fairly quick as the hens are generally sitting tight on their next clutch within two weeks and the cock makes no attempt to feed the young.

Some common problems are:
   ● Finding pure bred stock - particularly Madagascan/Comoro - check
      with experts or read a good book!
   ● Hens laying prior to nests being available - Hens are overly
      stimulated with breeding diet before cocks are in condition.
   ● Cocks not building nests - No rainfall and/or temperature increase.
   ● Cocks ripping down occupied nests - insufficient nest building
      locations.
   ● Hens not feeding young - insufficient live food.

Nests are not reused and the cock will generally have a new one ready in time for the next round.
Three and even four clutches can be expected in a season, the last one often fathered by a previously submissive male.

It is now possible to have a variety of Weavers in colour in your aviaries from September through to June/July.
Presently Madagascans, Comoros and Grenadiers have been in full colour for some time. Napoleons are rapidly coming into breeding display, while Bishops and Pintails are still only in their drab winter outfits.

Bob Barnes - Finch Society Lecture Wednesday 12th November 2003.