Data from: Ecological factors influencing nest-site selection and colony size in village weavers Ploceus cucullatus
Data files
Apr 29, 2026 version files 5.46 KB
Abstract
This dataset documents colony size and nest-site characteristics of Village Weavers (Ploceus cucullatus) across different habitat types. The data were collected to investigate the landscape factors influencing the choice of nesting site and colony size in Village Weavers (Ploceus cucullatus) across wild habitats and human settlements on the Jos Plateau, Nigeria. We collected data from 41 colonies to examine how variables such as nesting substrate, nesting tree height, nesting tree size (girth), tree density around the colony, percent canopy cover, distance to accessible water, and habitat influence colony size. The dataset includes measurements of nest-site attributes, habitat features, and colony metrics recorded for each colony observed. It contains variables, the units they were measured in, and any observations needed to examine patterns of nest-site selection and colony structure. The dataset can be reused in studies of avian breeding ecology, habitat selection, and colony dynamics. All data were collected using noninvasive field methods, and no legal or ethical restrictions apply to their reuse.
Dataset description
This dataset contains information on the nest-site selection and colony size of Village Weavers (Ploceus cucullatus). Data were collected to understand how ecological factors at spatial scales (microhabitat, mesohabitat, and metahabitat) influence nest-site selection and colony size in Village Weavers.
The dataset is provided as a CSV file titled "Raw_data_Ecological_factors_influencing_nest-site_selection_in_Village_weavers.csv" and can be opened in any spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc) or imported into data analysis programs such as R, Python, or Excel.
Variable/column description
- date: Date of observation (dd/mm/yyyy)
- site: Location where the colony was found
- colony location: Habitat classification of the colony (wild vs human settlement)
- tree species: Plant species harbouring the colony
- colony size: Number of nests in the colony
- Distance to water: Distance to water (meters) to nearest accessible open water (rivers, streams, dams, lakes)
- Circumference at breast height: Circumference of the nesting plant at 1.3m above ground level (meters)
- Canopy cover: Percentage of canopy cover of host tree (%)
- Nesting tree height: Estimated height of the nesting plant (meters)
- Average nesting height: Estimated average height of nests within a colony (meters)
- Number of trees: Number of trees within a 100m radius around the colony
Study area and date of data collection: The data was collected in Jos East Local Government Area, Jos Plateau, Nigeria, between August – November 2017.
Funding: No funding was received for this project, but fieldwork was supported by the A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI).
Usage / Licensing: Data are available under a CC0 (public domain) license for research and educational purposes. Users are, however, encouraged to cite the dataset and any resulting publications or contact josephizangibraheem@gmail.com before using the data.
Acknowledgements: Fieldwork and data collection were supported by the A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI).
Study area: Jos East Local Government Area, Jos Plateau, Nigeria
Data collection period: August – November 2017
Approach: Data were collected through direct field measurements of nest sites and colony features. No animals were handled, and all observations were non-invasive.
Spatial scale: Variables represent microhabitat, habitat, and colony-level attributes.