The vicious thorns surrounding a weaver's nest keep most predators at bay. But stealthy snakes and mighty raptors are always looking for ways to break the perimeter.
", "is_us_only": "false", "title": "World's Weirdest: Weaver Home Security ", "url": "http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/animals/birds-animals/perching-birds/weirdest-weaver-bird/", "country_code_deny_list": [], "allowUserEmbed": "True", "related": { "link": [ { "url": "http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/", "name": "More about Birds" } ] }, "credit": "National Geographic", "smil": "http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/player/data/xml/weirdest-weaver-bird.smil", "country_code_allow_list": [], "HTML5src": "/video/player/media-mp4/weirdest-weaver-bird/mp4/variant-playlist.m3u8", "still": "http://video.nationalgeographic.com/exposure/core_media/ngphoto/image/60773_0_616x346.jpg", "transcript": "This weaverbird has an excellent home security system.
Of course, as with any good real estate, it's all about location.
He's found an acacia tree with everything a potential mate could want...a water view, shade, and most importantly, viciously sharp thorns to keep most predators away.
The custom built home doesn't hurt either.
Male weavers build intricate, tightly woven nests.
If the female is happy with her general contractor's design, she moves in.
Weavers depend upon their construction skills to keep their hatchlings safe.
Usually, it works.\u00a0 But it doesn't stop the predators from trying.
The noisy, boisterous colony is attracting some unwanted attention.
This snake wants eggs for breakfast.
As it carefully winds its way around the thorns towards a nest, a weaver sounds the burglar alarm.
With a few deft moves, the weaver dumps his nemesis into the drink.
Fending off this attacker won't be so easy.
The Gabar goshawk can perch right on the nest.
Actually breaking into it is a little harder.
But all it takes is one little design flaw and the hatchlings are toast.
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