Baya Weaver Ploceus philippinus

Baya Weaver
Baya Weaver
Baya Weaver
The Baya Weaver is native to south and southeast Asia. The photos immediately above are by photographer Dr Harshan Vardhan Reddy, taken in India.
Baya Weaver
Baya Weaver
Baya Weaver
The male breeding plumage is a yellow head and breast with brown rather than black, no red eye and a more subdued plumage than most of its African cousins. The female is light brown with a lighter underside and pink-brown beak.
Baya Weaver
Baya Weaver
Baya Weaver
Like most weaver birds, the male weaver constructs a suspended woven nest of grasses or shredded leaves protected from the elements and from predators by an entrance in the base. Once the female accepts it, lines it with down and starts laying, the male continues to build by constructing an entrance tube.
Baya Weaver
Baya Weaver
Thanks to Dr Harsha Vardhan Reddy for the two above photos (1 composite) of the incredible engineering of Baya Weaver nests.