Record number of baya weaver birds reached in SW China's Menglian county

Photo shows nests of baya weaver birds in Menglian county, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Menglian county)

The population of baya weaver birds has seen a remarkable growth in Menglian county, southwest China's Yunnan Province, reaching approximately 740 nests. This represents an increase of over 100 nests compared to the previous year, making it the highest recorded number in history, according to data from the CPC Menglian County Committee.

The baya weaver is a small, sparrow-sized bird, featuring a stout conical bill and a short square tail. The bird is best known for making elaborate and beautiful hanging nests with strips of grass or paddy leaves, thus nicknamed "the most beautiful weaver in the animal kingdom."

Baya weaver birds are exclusively found in the southern region of Yunnan Province, primarily inhabiting open grasslands, rivers, lakes, and marshy areas that provide a moist environment.

In recent years, Menglian county has formulated an action plan for the protection of baya weaver birds tailored to the local circumstances as part of moves to implement biodiversity conservation projects.