The Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) usually is found in moist areas, breeding near water during the rainy season. On Hispaniola I observed the Village Weaver breeding in the desert, despite a lack of rain, and consuming the fruits of a columnar cactus (Stenocereus hystrix). I propose that the carbohydrate and, especially, water content of these fruits is a substitute for rainfall, facilitating Village Weaver breeding in an arid environment. Weavers also may disperse the cactus seeds.