Ploceidae – Weavers & allies

Family of social, specialized nest builders songbirds with conical beaks

All family members are from the Old World, with a few species introduced in countries outside the native range.

Ploceid males are usually brightly colored in yellow, orange-red, and black, but some species feature colors during the only breeding season. Most of the species are colonial, with diverse social and mating systems.
Different family members have different diet preferences, which include grains, insects, seeds, nectar, invertebrates, eggs, etc., based on their habitats.

Ploceids are found in various habitats, including grassland, scrubland, savanna, open forest, and marshes. Their breeding strategies vary. Twelve ploceid species are threatened, and six are near-threatened, facing conservation threats.