Sociable Weaver (Philetairus socius)

The Sociable Weaver (Philetairus socius), also commonly known as the common social weaver, common social-weaver, and social weaver,  is a species of bird in the Passeridae family endemic to Southern Africa.  It is monotypic within the genus Philetairus.  They build large compound community nests, a rarity among birds. These nests are perhaps the most spectacular structure built by any bird.

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It is found in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana but their range is centered within the Northern Cape Province of South Africa.  They are literally everywhere in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.  Be careful when you are driving as they love to dart across roads in front of cars – some kind of strange kamikaze game maybe?

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LEARN MORE ABOUT SOCIABLE WEAVERS

Wikipedia

Birdlife

Audubon

VIDEOS

Some huge nests here!

David Attenborough’s doco on Sociable Weavers.

 

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park – Daytime Safari Experience Pictorial

This is doing the Kgalagadi safari the easy way – in our own rented sedan car just cruising down the main road which had TONS of wildlife!  Sit back, relax – it was a bumpier ride for us than it will be for you!

BIRDS

Secretary birds, Sociable Weavers, Bee-eaters, raptors & more!

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MAMMALS

Lions, Wildebeest, Antelopes and even an oryx!

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KGALAGADI MUSEUM

About halfway between Twee Rivieren & Mata-MataIMG_0943 IMG_0944 IMG_0945