Cactus fruits may facilitate Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) breeding in atypical habitat on Hispaniola

Abstract

The Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) usually is found in moist areas, breeding near water during the rainy season. On Hispaniola I observed the Village Weaver breeding in the desert, despite a lack of rain, and consuming the fruits of a columnar cactus (Stenocereus hystrix). I propose that the carbohydrate and, especially, water content of these fruits is a substitute for rainfall, facilitating Village Weaver breeding in an arid environment. Weavers also may disperse the cactus seeds.