Scientific Name: Ploceus philippinus
Malay Name: Tempua-Asia Biasa
Chinese Name: 黄胸织雀
Range: Widespread across South Asia and Southeast Asia, from India to Sumatra and Java.
Taxonomy: Polytypic. Subspecies are: philippinus, travancoreensis, burmanicus, angelorum, infortunatus.
Local Subspecies: infortunatus
Size: 15 cm
Identification: Exhibits sexual dimorphism, males in breeding plumage with rich golden plumage and dark brown face, with females and non-breeding males exhibiting a drab sandy-brown plumage. Male Asian Golden Weaver has all yellow underparts compared to Baya Weaver, where the yellow is restricted to breast and mantle. Size of bill is also important for separating the two species, especially for females, with Baya Weaver having a slimmer bill than Asian Golden Weaver. Female Golden-backed Weaver has more yellow plumage overall and slimmer bill, with yellow-fringed coverts and flight feathers.
Similar looking species: Streaked Weaver, Golden-backed Weaver
Habitat: Open habitats including grassland, scrubland, fields.
Behaviour/Ecology: Mainly granivorous but also feeds on other invertebrates and small vertebrates. Often breeds in colonies, with males initiating nest-building by using strips of leaves for weaving.
Local Status: Uncommon resident
Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)
Location: Recorded in Kranji Marshes, Tampines Eco Green, Lorong Halus.
- Bird List Revision for September 2021 – Special Edition (Revisions)
- Local extinctions of Singapore birds (Science)
- The breeding season in Singapore (Science)
Conservation Status: IUCN Red List Page
Sound Recordings: xeno-canto Link
Wikipedia Entry: Wikipedia Link
eBird Species page: eBird (Baya Weaver)
References:
BirdLife International. (2016). Ploceus philippinus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22719005A94606190.en. Accessed on 1 January 2023
RECOMMENDED CITATION
Bird Society of Singapore. (n.d.). Baya Weaver. Retrieved on November 27, 2023 from https://singaporebirds.com/species/baya-weaver.