Finn's weaver, also known as Finn's baya and yellow weaver is a weaver bird species native to the Ganges and Brahmaputra valleys in India and Nepal. Two subspecies are known; the nominate subspecies occurs in the Kumaon area and salimalii in the eastern Terai.
Region
Ganges–Brahmaputra Plains
Typical Environment
Inhabits tall wet grasslands, riverine floodplains, and reedbeds across northern India and adjacent lowland Nepal. It favors saccharum-dominated grasslands, edges of marshes, and seasonally inundated scrub near large rivers. Birds also forage in and around paddy fields and fallow farmland adjacent to natural grasslands. Breeding colonies are typically close to water where suitable nesting substrates are available.
Altitude Range
50–1000 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Finn's weaver, also called Finn's baya, is a grassland specialist of the Ganges–Brahmaputra valleys, with two subspecies: the nominate in Kumaon and salimalii in the eastern Terai. Males weave intricate, pendulous nests from fresh grass strips and display to attract females. The species is threatened by loss of tall wet grasslands to agriculture and human development.
Illustration of Finn's weaver by Joseph Smit (1901)
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Forms loose to dense colonies during the breeding season, often over water or in tall grass clumps. Males weave intricate nests and perform display flights and calls; females inspect nests before pairing. Nests are suspended from grass stems or low shrubs and may be clustered.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
The vocalizations are a lively series of chirps, buzzes, and chattering notes, especially around colonies. Calls intensify during nest-building, creating a constant busy chorus.
Plumage
Breeding males show bright yellow head and underparts with warm brown, lightly streaked upperparts; non-breeding birds are buffy-brown and more heavily streaked. Females and immatures are duller, with streaked brown mantles and paler underparts. The species has a notably heavy, stout bill compared with other similar weavers.
Diet
Feeds mainly on grass seeds and grains, including rice and other cultivated cereals near fields. During the breeding season it supplements with insects such as caterpillars, beetles, and other small invertebrates, which provide protein for nestlings. It also gleans seeds from seedheads and picks prey from foliage. Foraging is typically in small groups, especially outside the breeding period.
Preferred Environment
Forages in tall grass stands, along wetland edges, and in nearby agricultural plots such as paddy fields. Often feeds on the ground or low in grasses, moving methodically through seedheads. Will use disturbed edges and levees where seed availability is high.
