Finn’s Weaver (Finn’s Baya)

Why in news?
Finn’s Weaver, a rare weaver bird species of the Indian subcontinent, is in the news because its population is rapidly declining in the Terai region, especially in Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.

What is Finn’s Weaver?

Finn’s Weaver (Ploceus megarhynchus) is a small, bright yellow weaver bird found mainly in the wet grasslands of northern India and Nepal.
It is known for building intricately woven nests, like other weaver birds, but is much rare and more habitat-specific.

Key Identity Points

Common names: Finn’s Weaver, Finn’s Baya, Yellow Weaver, Himalayan Weaver

Local name (Uttarakhand): Pahari Baya

Named after: Frank Finn, a British officer who noticed its bright yellow breeding plumage

First identified by: A. O. Hume, known as the father of Indian ornithology

Where is it found?

Finn’s Weaver lives mainly in the Ganges and Brahmaputra river valleys, especially in the Terai grasslands of:

Northern India

Southern Nepal

Typical Habitat

Areas near dams, reservoirs, marshy soil and tall grasses

Grasslands with abundant water and nesting vegetation

Diet

Mainly granivorous – eats seeds

Also insectivorous during the breeding season to feed chicks

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List: Endangered

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule IV
This means the bird faces a very high risk of extinction in the wild.

Why is it declining? (Threats)

Expansion of agriculture into grasslands

Grass cutting during nesting season

Construction and infrastructure development

Water management changes (reservoirs, dams)

Floods destroying nests

Predation by crows

Low breeding success