The streaked weaver is a species of weaver bird found in South Asia and South-east Asia in the countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam and also introduced in Qatar and United Arab Emirates (UAE). These are not as common as the baya weaver but are similar looking but have streaked underparts.
Region
South and Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Native across lowland South and Southeast Asia, with strongholds in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of Indonesia, and localized occurrences in southern China and the Malay Peninsula. It favors wetlands, rice paddies, marshes, reedbeds, and the margins of lakes, ponds, and irrigation canals. Colonies typically occupy emergent vegetation such as reeds, cattails, and tall grasses where nests can hang safely above water. Small introduced populations are established in arid landscaped wetlands of the Arabian Peninsula.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Streaked weavers are colonial nesters that weave intricately woven, retort-shaped nests suspended over water, often in reeds or tall grasses. They resemble the baya weaver but can be told by their heavily streaked underparts and more subdued yellow on the head of breeding males. Males often build multiple partial nests to attract females, who choose the final site. Small introduced populations exist in parts of the Arabian Peninsula.
Male in non-breeding plumage in Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Strongly colonial; dozens of nests may hang together over water from reeds or bushes. Males weave the initial nests and display to passing females; polygyny is common. Nests are often placed near wasp nests or thorny vegetation, possibly reducing predation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A busy, chattering series of buzzy notes, trills, and metallic chips delivered from perches within the colony. During display, males produce rapid, repetitive chatter interspersed with harsh buzzes.
