07/14/2025
You'll never guess what this thing is...
In the arid landscapes of Namibia, the Sociable weaver (Philetairus socius) builds what might be the most extraordinary avian architecture on Earth—a massive, communal nest that looks like a giant thatched hut hanging in a tree.
Found across Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana, these birds construct sprawling multi-chambered nests that can weigh over a ton and stretch up to 20 feet wide and 10 feet high. Built around strong supports like acacia trees or even telephone poles, the nests offer protection from extreme heat, cold, and drought.
Each pair of weavers maintains its own private chamber, complete with a soft, downy interior and its own entrance. From below, the nest resembles a honeycomb, with dozens—sometimes hundreds—of entrances packed tightly together. Housing multiple generations, some of these communal structures have been continuously inhabited for over 100 years, with the birds constantly adding new chambers and making upgrades.
It’s not just a nest—it’s a bird-built high-rise, and one of nature’s most impressive examples of teamwork and engineering.
Credit: The visual travel diary of Vie & Edo See less
