Baya Weaver

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: Common resident

Conservation Status: Least Concern (BirdLife International 2016)

Location: Recorded in Kranji Marshes, Tampines Eco Green, Lorong Halus.

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Male Baya Weaver. Photo Credit: Zahidi Hamid

Baya Weaver at Lorong Halus. Photo Credit: Francis Yap

Baya Weaver. Photo Credit: Zahidi Hamid