Can you identify a bird by its nest?

Yes, in some cases it is possible to identify a bird species based on its nest characteristics, such as shape, size, materials used, and location. Different bird species build nests that are unique to them. For example:

1. American Robin: Builds a cup-shaped nest made of grasses, twigs, mud, and paper, usually located in trees or shrubs.

2. Bald Eagle: Constructs an enormous nest made of large sticks, lined with grasses, leaves, and moss. It is usually built high in tall trees.

3. Barn Swallow: Builds a half-cup-shaped mud nest under ledges, eaves, or bridges, typically near water.

4. Chimney Swift: Makes a small, cup-shaped nest made entirely of small twigs glued together with saliva and is exclusively built inside chimneys.

5. Eastern Phoebe: Constructs a deep cup-shaped nest made of mud, moss, and fibrous materials, usually in sheltered areas like under bridges, eaves, and rock ledges.

6. Great Blue Heron: Builds a large platform nest made of sticks and twigs lined with softer material. They are placed high in tall trees, often in colonies.

7. Hummingbird: Constructs a tiny cup-shaped nest made of plant materials like fibers, plant down, spiderwebs, and lichens. It is often decorated with pieces of bark and bits of moss.

8. Northern Cardinal: Builds a well-concealed cup-shaped nest made of twigs, weeds, rootlets, and bark strips, often lined with soft materials.

9. Red-winged Blackbird: Constructs a woven nest made of dried grasses and plant fibers suspended in marsh vegetation or shrubbery.

10. Wood Duck: Nests in tree cavities or nest boxes, but what sets them apart is their preference for nesting high up in trees, sometimes 30 feet or higher.

However, it's essential to note that nest identification alone may not always be conclusive as some bird species may build similar-looking nests. For a more precise identification, it is recommended to observe the bird's behavior, vocalizations, and other identifiable features. Consulting field guides, bird experts, or using bird identification resources can provide more accurate results when identifying birds by their nests.