The bird struggled for its freedom, while the large spider, a Golden Orb-weaver Spider, sat on the web overhead. The spider was an impressive fellow, and the moment was heartbreaking as the tiny bird did its best to get away.
Brass Brassett filmed the bird as it tossed about, trying to release itself from the silky snare.
A reminder of how powerful spider silk can be
The little waxbill must have accidentally flown into the web at speed and become trapped. The sticky strands clung to its feathers and wings, and its struggle was heartbreaking to watch.
The unusual sighting was a dramatic reminder of how powerful spider silk can be.
Although blue waxbills typically weigh only around 10 grams, the silk of Golden Orb-weaver Spider is among the strongest natural fibres known. This species’ large, golden-coloured webs can span several metres between trees and shrubs, creating effective traps for flying insects.
Birds rarely become caught in spider webs, but it can happen, as in this instance.
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Bird struggles to free itself
Golden Orb-weaver Spiders are famous for constructing some of the largest and strongest webs in Africa. The silk from their webs has fascinated scientists because of its remarkable combination of strength and elasticity.
As the bird struggled, the elasticity and strength of the web were clearly visible. Strands from the web held the bird as ropes might, and showed great resilience, even as the bird moved about in desperation.
‘Goliath’ spider remains in web as bird struggles for freedom
The spider remained in the web while the bird struggled. Its size was as impressive as the web itself.
The female spider of the Golden Orb-weaver species can be many times larger than the male species and will often sit in the centre of the web waiting for prey.
Fortunately for the Blue Waxbill, unlike insects, birds are usually too large for the spider to subdue. Still, prolonged entanglement can leave the bird vulnerable to exhaustion, injury, dehydration, or predation.
Birds’ attempts at escape seem futile
It appeared the bird had very little chance of escape. It continued to hang upside-down, even using the flight motion of its wings to try and enforce an escape.
Bird and spider continue to hold game viewer interest
The spider presented a formidable presence in the web and the rarity of the moment continued to hold Brass’ attention as he filmed the ordeal.
The bird remained suspended mid-air.
Such encounters are uncommon in the bushveld. To see this kind of spectacular moment requires keeping an extra eye out when on a game drive.
While this spider was a huge specimen, spotting it still required something of a keen eye for game viewing.
The rare encounter highlighted the delicate balance between predator and prey in the African bush, where even a tiny spider’s web can temporarily overpower a bird many times its size.
Witness more chance encounters
A bird and a spider definitely provide for a memorable encounter. We will keep you updated with more dramatic chance confrontations in the bushveld. Join our WhatsApp group to receive regular updates.