Birds are incredible architects. When building their nests, they consider their environment and the potential hazards and predators around them. Each species of bird has unique needs, which means that their nests need to be different.
Not all nests are the same. Different birds build different homes:
Cup Nests
Cup nests are shaped like a bowl. They can be located in trees, bushes, ledges, or manmade structures. They are often built with twigs on the outside and soft grass, moss, or feathers on the inside. American robins, sparrows, hummingbirds, and finches make these types of nests.
Hanging Nests
Hanging nests dangle from trees. They are made from fibers such as thin twigs, long grasses, and horsehair. These nests are far from ground predators and can sway in the wind. Weaver birds, orioles, and the penduline tit construct hanging nests.
Tree Hole Nests
Some birds construct nests inside of the holes of trees. Woodpeckers make the holes in the tree. They will make a nest inside the hole. Later, when the hole is abandoned, other birds such as bluebirds, chickadees, or owls will use the hole to home their own nests. These nests provide protection from weather and predators, making them the perfect home for a bird’s nest.
Ground Nests
Ground nests are hidden in plain sight. They are camouflaged with the ground, so often go unnoticed by predators. These nests are often home to eggs that are naturally camouflaged. Killdeer, ducks, quail, and plovers build ground nests.
Now that we know about different types of nest, let’s build a nest of our own with this Fern Fox challenge!
