Best known for their hanging retort shaped nests woven from leaves, the baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus) is found across the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Colonies are usually found on thorny trees or palm fronds and the nests are often built near water or hanging over water where predators cannot reach easily. Despite their species name, they are not found in the Philippines, but three races are recognised – philippinus is found through much of mainland India; burmanicus is found eastwards into Southeast Asia; travancoreensis is darker above and found in southwest India.
