The Ploceidae family, often known as weavers, weaverbirds, or bishops, comprises small passerine birds recognized for their intricately woven nests. These birds are commonly seed-eaters with rounded, conical bills. Many species display vibrant colors, predominantly in red, yellow, and black, with some showing seasonal variations during the breeding period.
Interestingly, their feathers are sometimes used as a substitute for Indian crow feathers in the dressing of salmon flies.
The Ploceidae family is believed to have originated in the mid-Miocene epoch. Today, its members are native to the Old World, predominantly in Africa south of the Sahara, with a few species residing in tropical Asia. Some have even been introduced to areas outside their native range. Recent classifications of the family have refined its boundaries, excluding certain birds historically included, such as some sparrows, while encompassing the monotypic subfamily Amblyospizinae.
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