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Alarming Decline of Finn's Weaver Bird in India

Understanding the Habitat and Threats to Finn's Weaver

Alarming Decline of Finn's Weaver Bird in India

  • 27 Nov, 2025
  • 323

Finn's Weaver Bird: A Silent Disappearance

Recently, ornithologists have raised concerns over the alarming decline of the Finn's Weaver Bird in the marshy lowlands of the Terai region in India. This decline poses significant implications for biodiversity in the area.

About Finn's Weaver Bird

The Finn's Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus), also recognized as Finn's baya or yellow weaver, is a unique species of weaver bird. It was named in honor of Frank Finn, a British officer known for his contributions to ornithology.

Distribution

This bird is primarily found in the Ganges and Brahmaputra valleys, spanning across regions in India and Nepal. Its preferred environments include areas close to dams and reservoirs.

Habitat

Finn's Weaver Birds thrive in habitats characterized by water, marshy soil, and tall grasses. They also favor trees such as Semal (silk cotton) and Shisham (rosewood), where they construct their nests. These nests are typically built on tall grasses and trees, providing safety and accessibility.

Diet

As granivorous birds, Finn's Weaver adults primarily feed on seeds. Their diet is supplemented with invertebrates, which provide essential nutrients for their growth and reproduction.

Threats to Survival

The survival of Finn's Weaver Bird is increasingly threatened by human activities. The expansion of agriculture, grass cutting, and construction of residential buildings have led to significant habitat disruption. Additionally, the rise in industrial units across the Terai region further exacerbates the loss of their natural habitat.

Efforts to conserve the Finn's Weaver Bird are crucial. Understanding the specific threats and implementing protective measures can help restore their populations in the wild.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the habitat of the Finn's Weaver Bird?
Answer: The Finn's Weaver Bird inhabits marshy lowlands near dams and reservoirs, favoring tall grasses and trees like Semal and Shisham for nesting.

Q2. What are the main threats to the Finn's Weaver Bird?
Answer: Major threats include habitat loss due to agricultural expansion, urbanization, and industrial development in the Terai region.

Q3. What does the Finn's Weaver Bird primarily eat?
Answer: Finn's Weaver Birds are granivorous, with a diet mainly consisting of seeds, supplemented by invertebrates for additional nutrients.

Q4. Where can the Finn's Weaver Bird be found?
Answer: This bird is native to the Ganges and Brahmaputra valleys, primarily in India and Nepal, thriving in wetland habitats.

Q5. Why is the Finn's Weaver Bird named after Frank Finn?
Answer: The bird is named in honor of Frank Finn, a British officer and ornithologist recognized for his contributions to the study of birds.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the primary diet of the Finn's Weaver Bird?
A) Fruits
B) Seeds
C) Insects
D) Nectar
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which habitat is preferred by the Finn's Weaver Bird?
A) Forests
B) Open fields
C) Marshes and reservoirs
D) Mountainous regions
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: What is a significant threat to the Finn's Weaver Bird?
A) Climate change
B) Habitat destruction
C) Predation
D) Migration
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: In which countries is the Finn's Weaver Bird found?
A) India and China
B) India and Nepal
C) Nepal and Bangladesh
D) India and Sri Lanka
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: Who is the Finn's Weaver Bird named after?
A) A local farmer
B) A British officer
C) An Indian naturalist
D) A famous ornithologist
Correct Answer: B

Question 6: What type of bird is the Finn's Weaver?
A) Predatory
B) Granivorous
C) Carnivorous
D) Herbivorous
Correct Answer: B

Question 7: What type of trees do Finn's Weaver Birds prefer for nesting?
A) Pine
B) Oak
C) Semal and Shisham
D) Banyan
Correct Answer: C

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