Sociable weaver
| Sociable weaver | |
|---|---|
.jpg) |
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| At Tswalu Kalahari Reserve, South Africa | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Ploceidae |
| Genus: |
Philetairus A. Smith, 1837 |
| Species: | P. socius |
| Binomial name | |
|
Philetairus socius (Latham, 1790) |
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| Subspecies | |
|
P. s. socius |
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| Distribution of Philetairus socius in the Southern Kalahari region across South Africa, Namibia and Botswana | |
P. s. socius
P. s. eremnus
P. s. xericus
P. s. geminus
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 Weaver family endemic to Southern Africa. It is the only species assigned to the genus Philetairus. It is found in South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. but their range is centered within the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. They build large compound community nests, a rarity among birds. These nests are perhaps the most spectacular structure built by any bird.
The sociable weaver was first described by ornithologist John Latham in 1790. Four sub-species have been recognised. P. s. eremnus occurs around Orange River valley, while the nominate P. s. socius around Northern Cape Province and Namibia. Both the others, P. s. xericus and P. s. geminus occur in Namibia, the latter found in Etosha National Park and Owambo. This is the only living species in the genus Philetairus.
Based on recent DNA-analysis, Philetairus socius belongs to the group of sparrow weavers (subfamily Plocepasserinae) and is most related to the genus Pseudonigrita. These two genera are the sister group of the genus Plocepasser. The most basic genus of the subfamily is Sporopipes. Provided that genera are correct clades, the following tree expresses current insights.
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