About Bird Nests

Birds build nests to protect their eggs and young from weather and predators. Types of nests vary depending on habitat and reproductive needs. Nesting materials are numerous. Some species of birds also use nests to attract mates. The male village weaver builds a nest to impress a potential mate. If she rejects it, he destroys it and rebuilds it. Male marsh wrens make 20 or more nests for their desired mate.

  1. Nest Materials

    • Nest made out of twigs

      Birds use a variety of materials to build their nests, including grass, leaves, twigs and lichens. Sometimes they use inorganic materials such as ribbons, mud, tinfoil, rocks and spider webs.

    Ground Nests

    • Ground nests, or scraped nests, are made in depressions in the earth. Shorebirds, terns, gulls, some penguins, nighthawks and vultures often use these types of nests.

    Platform Nests

    • Platform nests are located in trees, on the ground, on debris in shallow water or on top of rooted vegetation. They are somewhat flat. Elevated platform nests offer protection from ground predators. The structure of these nests is simple. Herons, cormorants, eagles and ospreys tend to build platform nests out of twigs and sticks. The eggs sit inside the nest. Some birds keep the same nest, making additions each year, which often creates a very big nest.

    Cavity Nests

    • Cavity nests offer insulation and protection for bird eggs of species like titmice, chickadees, owls, bluebirds and woodpeckers. They also provide a haven from storms. After birds leave their cavity nests, often other animals will use them for their homes. Southern flying squirrels sometimes make their home in old red-cockaded woodpecker cavity nests.

    Cupped Nests

    • Bird building its nest

      Many species build cupped nests. This is the most familiar type of nest. The vireo builds a pensile suspended cupped nest, which hangs from its walls. Its rims are stiffly woven. The Baltimore oriole nest uses a pendulous suspended cupped nest, hung by its rim. Its sides are flexible. The cup is deep and swings freely. Grassland birds such as longspur use cupped ground nests. The Eastern phoebe builds cupped nests as well. It attaches the nest to a structure, oftentimes an awning or light fixture.

    Burrow Nests &Enclosed Nests

    • Belted kingfishers and bank swallows build their nests on the under side of cliffs and banks. Other birds, such as cliff swallows, make enclosed nests that they attach to a cliff or a structure.