Sociable weavers

What can I say? This is vol. 15 of "Handbook of the Birds of the World", a 16-volume encyclopaedia describing and illustrating all known, living species of birds. Those familiar with these books know that they are extremely expensive, very difficult to read due to heavy scientific terminology, but also singularly well-produced, with full-colour photos and plates.

This volume covers eight passerine families, including Finches, Weavers and New World Warblers. One chapter deals with the brood-parasitic Whydahs and Indigobirds. There is also a special chapter entitled "Conservation of the world's birds: the view from 2010". I admit that I didn't read it. I hope it's positive!

As usual, HBW contain a veritable overload of facts, including in the extensive photo captions. Here's a fascinating example of interaction between two unrelated birds and humans: the Sociable Weaver nests on electricity pylons and telephone poles, and have therefore extended its range into tree-less regions. The African Pygmy Falcon, which in South Africa is entirely dependent for roosting and breeding on the huge communal nests of the Sociable Weaver, has also been able to extend its range. Breeding raptors can't be disturbed without a licence, so the weavers have also benefited from the arrangement. The South African phone company can't destroy weaver nests which include one of the falcons!

"Handbook of the Birds of the World" isn't really intended for the general reader but it deserves all its five stars, as usual.