quelea

Quelea is a genus of small seed-eating passerine birds in the weaver family, Ploceidae, found across sub-Saharan Africa. The best-known member is the red-billed quelea (Quelea quelea). Queleas are highly social birds that form very large flocks, sometimes taking to the skies in vast, murmuring clouds during outbreak years.

Ecology and behavior: They are primarily granivorous, feeding largely on seeds from grasses. They will opportunistically exploit cultivated grains when available, making them a notable agricultural pest in many regions. They are nomadic and highly responsive to rainfall and seed availability, often moving over large distances to track productive habitats. They roost and nest in colonies, sometimes in hundreds or thousands of nests, in trees, shrubs, or reedbeds.

Breeding and life history: Quelea breeding is typically tied to seasonal rains. They nest in densely constructed colonies, using grasses and other plant fibers, with nests usually built high in vegetation. Clutch size commonly ranges from a few eggs to several, and multiple broods may occur in favorable years. Both parents participate in feeding the young.

Impact and conservation: The genus includes several species, with the red-billed quelea among the most numerous birds on the planet in outbreak years. Because they can devastate cereal crops, they are widely regarded as agricultural pests in parts of Africa. Control efforts have included deterrence, habitat management, and targeted population reduction in some areas, though such measures are carefully managed to balance ecological considerations. Overall, queleas are not typically considered endangered, though their populations fluctuate with rainfall and food availability.