AnimalsSavanna
Sociable weaver Fun facts for kids
Philetairus socius
The sociable weaver lives in dry grasslands in southern Africa and eats mostly insects, plus seeds.
- Where it lives
- in dry grasslands in southern Africa
- What it eats
- mostly insects, plus seeds
- How big it is
- about as big as a sparrow
Fun facts about the sociable weaver
The ones Sammy likes best. She tells them in the game, too.
Sociable weavers build the biggest nest of any bird in the whole world.
A big sociable weaver nest can be heavier than a horse!
Their nest is like a giant apartment block, with lots of birds living in their own rooms.
Some of their nests have been used for over 100 years, by grandparents, parents and children.
The doors point down, and sharp straw spikes help keep snakes out.
Tiny falcons and colourful lovebirds often move into their nest too, like friendly neighbours.
Their thick grass nest keeps them warm on cold desert nights and cool on hot days.
It hardly ever needs to drink, because it gets water from the bugs it eats.
Riddle
Can a friend guess it?
Read the clues to someone, one at a time, without saying the animal. How many clues do they need? Fewer is better, just like in the game.
I live in dry, grassy lands in southern Africa, and I'm about as big as a sparrow.
I hardly ever drink, because I get my water from the bugs I eat.
My front door points down, and sharp straw spikes help keep snakes away.
Tiny falcons and colourful lovebirds often move in with me, like friendly neighbours.
Lots of us share one giant grass nest, the biggest of any bird, and heavier than a horse.
Sammy might be thinking of a sociable weaver.
In Thought Zoo, Sammy picks an animal and you ask her yes-or-no questions to find it. You'll find the sociable weaver in the Savanna adventure.
Play the SavannaComing to iPad, iPhone and Android on 12 January 2027
