A Nesting Association between the Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris and the Spider Badumna candida

Abstract

A nesting association between the Weebill Smicrornis brevirostris and the communal nesting spider Badumna candida is described and discussed. Up to 71% of Weebill nests were found in association. Concealment of the Weebill nests is possibly the main purpose. The Yellow-rumped Thornhill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa and Zebra Finch Poephila guttata may also nest in association with the spider.