[3] The species builds large, compound, community nests, a rarity among birds.

[6] Based on a 2017 DNA-analysis, P. socius belongs to the group of sparrow weavers (subfamily Plocepasserinae) and is most related to the genus Pseudonigrita.

Amblyospiza albifrons Sporopipes Plocepasser Philetairus socius Pseudonigrita Dinemellia dinemelli Bubalornis all other weaverbirds Measuring around 14 cm (5+1⁄2 in) in length, the sociable weaver has a black chin, black, barred flanks, and a scalloped back.

The species ranges across northwestern South Africa and southwest Botswana, and extending northwards across Namibia.

[1] In the southern range of the weaver's habitat, breeding may occur any time of the year and is closely linked to rainfall.

In the northern range, a discrete breeding season between December and August has been noted.

[2] A mating pair has been recorded as producing nine broods in a single season in response to repeated predation of its young.

[11] The nests consist of separate chambers, each of which is occupied by a pair (sometimes with offspring) and used to roost and breed.

Nests are built around large and sturdy structures such as acacia trees or sometimes even telephone poles.

The trees generally used for nest-building are Acacia erioloba, Boscia albitrunca, and Aloidendron dichotomum.

[14] Additionally, these skinks have learned to eavesdrop on sociable weaver alarm calls to determine when a pygmy falcon, one of its main predators, is approaching.

Most of its present distribution is unlikely to see any major man-made alteration and its future in these areas is secure.

A gap seen in its distribution in the Northern Cape Province, north of the Ghaap Plateau is probably due to habitat alteration by clearance of Acacia.