Spatial distribution of Ploceus velatus (Greater Masked Weaver) nests within the canopy

Greater Masked Weavers are common colonial nesting birds found
throughout South Africa. There are several advantages to nesting communally and in
certain spatial arrangements. This study focuses on the spatial distribution of
Masked Weaver nests within the canopy and along a vertical stratum in the canopy. I
performed spatial distribution analyses using photographs of four different nesting
sites. The nests are generally arranged in a clumped fashion across the canopy, with
a bias towards selecting sites in the upper-middle region of the canopy. More
sampling will give insight into the potential relationship between tree size, nest
abundance, and distribution in the canopy.