Deep cup nest of the Great Reed-warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)

A bird nest is the spot in which a bird lays and incubates its eggs and raises its young. While the term popularly refers to a specific structure made by the bird itself—such as the grassy cup nest of the American Robin or Eurasian Blackbird, or the elaborately woven hanging nest of the Montezuma Oropendola, the Village Weaver or the Red-browed Pardalote—that is too restrictive a definition. For some species, a nest is simply a shallow depression made in sand; for others, it is a burrow dug into the ground, a chamber drilled into a tree, an enormous rotting pile of vegetation and earth, or a mud dome with an entrance tunnel. Some species of cave swiftlets of the genus Collocalia make their nests entirely from their saliva which dries and hardens to form a bracket on the cave wall into which the birds lay their eggs. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 660 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1545 × 1403 pixel, file size: 878 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Acrocephalus_arundinaceus Nest Ort: Lausitz (germany), Mai 2005 File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 660 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (1545 × 1403 pixel, file size: 878 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Acrocephalus_arundinaceus Nest Ort: Lausitz (germany), Mai 2005 File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Binomial name Acrocephalus arundinaceus (Linnaeus, 1758) The Great Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus arundinaceus, is an Old World warbler in the genus Acrocephalus. ... For other uses, see Bird (disambiguation). ... The word incubate in the context of birds refers to the development of the chick (embryo) within the egg and the constant temperature required for the development of it over a specific period. ... In most birds and reptiles, an egg (Latin ovum) is the zygote, resulting from fertilization of the ovum. ... Binomial name Linnaeus, 1766 The American Robin (Turdus migratorius) is a migratory songbird of the thrush family. ... For the reconnaissance aircraft, see SR-71 Blackbird. ... Binomial name Psarocolius montezuma (Lesson, 1830) Synonyms Gymnostinops montezuma The Montezuma Oropendola, Psarocolius montezuma, is a New World tropical icterid bird. ... Binomial name Ploceus cucullatus (Müller, 1766) The Village Weaver ( Ploceus cucullatus ) is a resident breeding bird species in much of sub-Saharan Africa, and has been introduced to Haiti. ... Binomial name Pardalotus rubricatus Gould, 1838 The Red-browed Pardalote (Pardalotus rubricatus) occupies the northern two-thirds of Australia, is a fraction larger than the Forty-spotted Pardalote at 10 to 12 cm, and the least conspicuously coloured, being paler and combining the spotted skull-cap of the Spotted Pardalote... Genera Hydrochous Collocalia Aerodramus Schoutedenapus The birds called Swiftlets or Cave Swiftlets are contained within the four genera Aerodramus, Hydrochous, Schoutedenapus and Collocalia. ... Collocalia is a genus of swift in the Apodidae family. ...

The smallest bird nests are those of some hummingbirds, tiny cups which can be a mere 2 cm (less than one inch) across and 2–3 cm (about one inch) high.^[1] At the other extreme, some nest mounds built by the Dusky Scrubfowl measure more than 11 m (34 ft) in diameter and stand nearly 5 m (15 ft) tall.^[2] For other uses, see Hummingbird (disambiguation). ... A centimetre (American spelling centimeter, symbol cm) is a unit of length that is equal to one hundredth of a metre, the current SI base unit of length. ... An inch (plural: inches; symbol or abbreviation: in or, sometimes, ″ - a double prime) is the name of a unit of length in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ... Binomial name Gaimard, 1823 The Dusky Scrubfowl, Megapodius freycinet is a medium-sized, up to 41cm long, black megapode with short pointed crest, bare red facial skin, dark legs, brown iris and yellow-tipped dark brown bill. ... The metre, or meter (symbol: m) is the SI base unit of length. ... A foot (plural: feet; symbol or abbreviation: ft or, sometimes, ′ – a prime) is a unit of length, in a number of different systems, including English units, Imperial units, and United States customary units. ...

In most species, the female does all or most of the nest construction, though the male often helps.^[3] In some polygynous species, however, the male may do most or all of the nest building. The nest may also form a part of their courtship display such as in bowerbirds and weaver birds. The ability to choose and maintain good nest sites and build high quality nests may be selected for by females in these species. In some species the young from previous broods may also act as helpers for the adults. The term polygyny (Greek: poly many, gynaika woman) is used in related ways in social anthropology and sociobiology. ... Genera Ailuroedus Archboldia Amblyornis Prionodura Sericulus Ptilonorhynchus Chlamydera The 19 bowerbirds and catbirds make up the family Ptilonorhynchidae. ... Genera Many:see text The Weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. ... Helpers at the nest is a term used in behavioural ecology and evolutionary biology to describe a social structure in which juveniles, of one or both sexes, remain in association with their parents and help them in raising subsequent broods or litters, instead of dispersing and beginning to reproduce themselves. ...

Nest types

Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia) lay their single eggs directly onto rock ledges

Not every bird species builds or uses a nest. Some auks, for instance—including Common Murre, Thick-billed Murre and Razorbill—lay their eggs directly onto the narrow rocky ledges they use as breeding sites.^[4] The eggs of these species are dramatically pointed at one end, so that they roll in a circle when disturbed. This is critical for the survival of the developing eggs, as there are no nests to keep them from rolling off the side of the cliff. Presumably because of the vulnerability of their unprotected eggs, parent birds of these auk species rarely leave them unattended.^[5] Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Binomial name Uria lomvia (Linnaeus, 1758) The Brunnichs Guillemot, or Thick-billed Murre, Uria lomvia, is a bird in the auk family. ... Genera Uria Alle Alca Pinguinus Synthliboramphus Cepphus Brachyramphus Ptychoramphus Aethia Cerorhinca Fratercula Extinct genera, see Systematics Auks are birds of the family Alcidae in the order Charadriiformes. ... Binomial name Uria aalge (Pontopiddan, 1763) The Common Guillemot, known as the Common Murre in North America, Uria aalge, is a large alcid. ... Binomial name Uria lomvia (Linnaeus, 1758) The Brunnichs Guillemot, or Thick-billed Murre, Uria lomvia, is a bird in the auk family. ... Binomial name Alca torda Linnaeus, 1758 The Razorbill, Alca torda, is a large alcid, 38-43 cm in length, with a 60-69 cm wingspan. ...

King and Emperor Penguins also do not build nests; instead, they tuck their eggs and chicks between their feet and folds of skin on their lower bellies. They are thus able to move about while incubating, though in practice only the Emperor Penguin regularly does so. Emperor Penguins breed during the harshest months of the Antarctic winter, and their mobility allows them to form huge huddled masses which help them to withstand the extremely high winds and low temperatures of the season. Without the ability to share body heat (temperatures in the center of tight groups can be as much as 10C above the ambient air temperature), the penguins would expend far more energy trying to stay warm, and breeding attempts would probably fail.^[6] Binomial name Aptenodytes patagonicus Miller,JF, 1778 The King Penguin (Aptenodytes patagonicus) is the second largest species of penguin at about 90 cm (3 ft) tall and weighing 11 to 15 kg (24 to 33 lb), second only to the Emperor Penguin. ... Binomial name Gray, 1844 The Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) is the tallest and heaviest of all living penguin species. ... Greek ἀνταρκτικός, opposite the arctic) is a continent surrounding the Earths South Pole. ...

A few species, such as the Eurasian Eagle-Owl^[7] and Hume's Tawny Owl,^[8] lay their eggs in the relative shelter of a crevice in the rocks or a gap between boulders, but provide no additional nest material. Binomial name (Linnaeus, 1758) The Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo) is a species of horned owl resident in much of Europe and Asia. ... Binomial name Hume, 1878 The Hume’s Owl or Hume’s Tawny Owl (Strix butleri) is a species of owl. ...

Brood parasites, such as the New World cowbirds^[9] and many of the Old World and Australasian cuckoos, lay their eggs in the active nests of other species. A Common Cuckoo being raised by a Reed Warbler. ... Frontispiece of Peter Martyr dAnghieras De orbe novo (On the New World). Carte dAmérique, Guillaume Delisle, 1722. ... Species Molothrus rufoaxillaris Molothrus oryzivorus Molothrus aeneus Molothrus bonariensis Molothrus ater Cowbirds are birds belonging to the genus Molothrus in the family Icteridae. ... The Old World consists of those parts of Earth known to Europeans, Asians, and Africans before the voyages of Christopher Columbus; it includes Europe, Asia, and Africa (collectively known as Africa-Eurasia), plus surrounding islands. ... Australasia is the area that includes Australia, New Zealand, New Guinea, and the many smaller islands in the vicinity, most of which are the eastern part of Indonesia. ... Genera See text. ...

Scrape

Shell-lined scrape nest of a Charadrius plover

The simplest nest construction is the scrape, which is merely a shallow depression in soil or vegetation.^[10] This nest type, which typically has a rim deep enough to keep the eggs from rolling away, is sometimes lined with bits of vegetation, small stones, shell fragments or feathers.^[11] These materials may help to camouflage the eggs or may provide some level of insulation; they may also help to keep the eggs in place, and prevent them from sinking into muddy or sandy soil if the nest is accidentally flooded.^[12] Ostriches, most tinamous, many ducks, most shorebirds, most terns, some falcons, pheasants, quail, partridges, bustards and sandgrouse are among the species that build scrape nests. Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1280 × 960 pixel, file size: 673 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Nest of ( or ) May 2006, shore of Gdańsk Bay (Baltic Sea) photo by Radomil talk File historyClick on a date/time to view the... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (1280 × 960 pixel, file size: 673 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Nest of ( or ) May 2006, shore of Gdańsk Bay (Baltic Sea) photo by Radomil talk File historyClick on a date/time to view the... Genera Pluvialis Charadrius Thinornis Elseyornis Peltohyas Anarhynchus Phegornis Oreopholus Plovers are a widely distributed group of wading birds belonging to the subfamily Charadriinae. ... Genera Pluvialis Charadrius Thinornis Elseyornis Peltohyas Anarhynchus Phegornis Oreopholus Plovers are a widely distributed group of wading birds belonging to the subfamily Charadriinae. ... Vegetation is a general term for the plant life of a region; it refers to the ground cover provided by plants, and is, by far, the most abundant biotic element of the biosphere. ... “Rock” redirects here. ... Various seashells Danielle A shell is the hard, rigid outer covering, or integument, allanimals. ... Two feathers Feathers are one of the epidermal growths that form the distinctive outer covering, or plumage, on birds. ... // Binomial name Carolus Linnaeus, 1758 The present-day distribution of Ostriches. ... Genera Tinamus Nothocercus Crypturellus Rhynchotus Nothoprocta Nothura Taoniscus Eudromia Tinamotis The tinamous are one of the most ancient groups of bird, members of a South American bird family of about 47 species in 9 genera. ... Subfamilies Dendrocygninae Oxyurinae Anatinae Aythyinae Merginae Duck is the common name for a number of species in the Anatidae family of birds. ... Families Charadridae Jacanidae Rostratulidae Ibidorhynchidae Recurvirostridae Haematopodidae Scolopacidae Dromadidae Burhinidae Glareolidae Thinocoridae Waders, called Shorebirds in North America (where wader is used to refer to long-legged wading birds such as storks and herons), are members of the order Charadriiformes, excluding the more marine web-footed seabird groups. ... Genera Sterna (Gelochelidon) (Hydroprogne) (Thalasseus) Chlidonias Phaetusa Anous Procelsterna Gygis Larosterna Terns are seabirds in the family Sternidae, previously considered a subfamily Sterninae of the gull family Laridae. ... Falcons eat humans. ... Genera Ithaginis Catreus Rheinartia Crossoptilon Lophura Argusianus Pucrasia Syrmaticus Chrysolophus Phasianus † See also partridge, quail Pheasants are a group of large birds in the order Galliformes. ... Genera Coturnix Anurophasis Perdicula Ophrysia † See also Pheasant, Partridge, Grouse Quail is a collective name for several genera of mid-sized birds in the pheasant family Phasianidae, or in the family Odontophoridae. ... For other uses, see Partridge (disambiguation). ... Genera See text. ... Genera Pterocles Syrrhaptes The sandgrouse are a group of 16 near passerine bird species in the order Pteroclidiformes. ...

Eggs and young in scrape nests—and the adults that brood them—are more exposed to predators and the elements than those in more sheltered nests; they are on the ground and typically in the open, with little to hide them. The eggs of most ground-nesting birds (including those that use scrape nests) are cryptically colored to help camouflage them when the adult is not covering them; the actual color generally corresponds to the substrate on which they are laid.^[13] Brooding adults also tend to be well camouflaged, and may be difficult to flush from the nest. Most ground-nesting species have well-developed distraction displays, which are used to draw (or drive) potential predators from the area around the nest.^[14] Most species with this type of nest have precocial young, which quickly leave the nest upon hatching. The word incubate in the context of birds refers to the development of the chick (embryo) within the egg and the constant temperature required for the development of it over a specific period. ... This snapping turtle is trying to make a meal of a Canada goose, but the goose is too wary. ... For the geological process, see Weathering or Erosion. ... In biology, precocial species are those that are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. ...

Lichen-lined scrape nest of the American Golden-Plover (Pluvialis Dominica)

The technique used to construct a scrape nest varies slightly depending on the species. Beach-nesting terns, for instance, fashion their nests by rocking their bodies on the sand in the place they have chosen to site their nest,^[15] while skimmers build their scrapes with their feet, kicking sand backwards while resting on their bellies and turning slowly in circles.^[16] The Ostrich also scratches out its scrape with its feet, though it stands while doing so.^[17] Many tinamous lay their eggs on a shallow mat of dead leaves they have collected and placed under bushes or between the root buttresses of trees,^[18] and Kagus lay theirs on a pile of dead leaves against a log, tree trunk or vegetation.^[19] Marbled Godwits stomp a grassy area flat with their feet, then lay their eggs, while other grass-nesting waders bend vegetation over their nests so as to avoid detection from above.^[20] Many female ducks, particularly in the northern latitudes, line their shallow scrape nests with down feathers plucked from their own breasts, as well as with small amounts of vegetation.^[21] Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (2288 × 1712 pixel, file size: 748 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (2288 × 1712 pixel, file size: 748 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Binomial name Pluvialis dominica (Statius Muller, 1776) The American Golden Plover (Pluvialis dominica) is a medium-sized plover. ... For other uses, see Sand (disambiguation). ... The Skimmers are a small family of tern-like birds in the order Charadriiformes, which also includes the waders, gulls and auks. ... Leaves are an Icelandic five-piece alternative rock band who came to prominence in 2002 with their debut album, Breathe, drawing comparisons to groups such as Coldplay and Doves. ... A broom shrub in flower A shrub or bush is a horticultural rather than strictly botanical category of woody plant, distinguished from a tree by its multiple stems and lower height, usually less than 6 m tall. ... For other uses, see Root (disambiguation). ... The coniferous Coast Redwood, the tallest tree species on earth. ... Binomial name Verreaux & DesMurs, 1860 The Kagu or Cagou (Rhynochetos jubatus) is a long-legged blue-greyish bird, the only member of the family Rhynochetidae. ... Binomial name Limosa fedoa (Linnaeus, 1758) The Marbled Godwit, Limosa fedoa, is a large shorebird. ... Compass rose with north highlighted and at top Look up North in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... This article is about the geographical term. ...

Among scrape-nesting birds, the Three-banded Courser and Egyptian Plover are unique in their habit of partially burying their eggs in the sand of their scrapes.^[22] Binomial name (Heuglin, 1863) The Three-banded Courser (Rhinoptilus cinctus) is a species of bird in the Glareolidae family. ... Binomial name Pluvianus aegyptius (Linnaeus, 1758) The Egyptian Plover, Pluvianus aegyptius, is a wader in the pratincole and courser family, Glareolidae. ...

Mound

Mound nest of the Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata)

Burying eggs as a form of incubation reaches its zenith with the Australiasian megapodes. Several megapode species construct enormous mound nests made of soil, branches, sticks, twigs and leaves, and lay their eggs within the rotting mass. The heat generated by these mounds, which are in effect giant compost heaps, warms and incubates the eggs.^[1] Recent research has shown that much of the nest's heat results from the respiration of thermophilic fungi rather than fermentation, as had been previously believed.^[23] The size of some of these mounds can be truly staggering; several of the largest—which contain more than 100 cubic meters of material, and probably weigh more than 50 tons^[23]—were initially thought to be Aboriginal middens.^[24] Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2560 × 1920 pixel, file size: 1. ... Image File history File links Metadata Size of this preview: 800 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (2560 × 1920 pixel, file size: 1. ... Binomial name Leipoa ocellata Gould, 1840 The Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) is a stocky ground-dwelling Australian bird about the size of a domestic chicken (to which it is distantly related). ... Australasia Australasia is a term variably used to describe a region of Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, and neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean. ... This article is about mound-building birds. ... Languages Several hundred Indigenous Australian languages (many extinct or nearly so), Australian English, Australian Aboriginal English, Torres Strait Creole, Kriol Religions Primarily Christian, with minorities of other religions including various forms of Traditional belief systems based around the Dreamtime Related ethnic groups see List of Indigenous Australian group names Indigenous...

In most mound-building species, males do most or all of the nest construction and maintenance.^[25] Using his strong legs and feet, the male scrapes together material from the area around his chosen nest site, gradually building a conical or bell-shaped pile. This process can take five to seven hours a day for more than a month.^[25] While mounds are typically reused for multiple breeding seasons, new material must be added each year in order to generate the appropriate amount of heat. A female will begin to lay eggs in the nest only when the mound's temperature has reached an optimal level.

Both the temperature and the moisture content of the mound are critical to the survival and development of the eggs, so both are carefully regulated for the entire length of the breeding season (which may last for as long as eight months), principally by the male.^[23] Ornithologists believe that megapodes may use sensitive areas in their mouths to assess mound temperatures; each day during the breeding season, the male digs a pit into his mound and sticks his head in.^[26]

One recent study showed that the sex ratio of hatchlings correlated strongly with mound temperatures; females hatched from eggs incubated at higher mean temperatures.^[27]

Burrow

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) at the entrance of its burrow nest

Soil plays a different role in the burrow nest; here, the eggs and young—and in most cases the incubating parent bird—are sheltered under the earth. Most burrow-nesting birds excavate their own burrows, but some use those excavated by other species; Burrowing Owls, for example, sometimes use the burrows of prairie dogs, ground squirrels and badgers, China's endemic White-browed Tits use the holes of ground-nesting rodents^[28] and Common Kingfishers occasionally nest in rabbit burrows.^[29] Puffins, shearwaters, some megapodes, motmots, todies, most kingfishers, the Crab Plover, miners and leaftossers are among the species which use burrow nests. Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Binomial name Riparia riparia (Linnaeus, 1758) The Sand Martin (Riparia riparia) is a migratory passerine bird in the swallow family. ... Binomial name (Molina, 1782) Subspecies About 20 living, see text Synonyms Strix cunicularia Molina, 1782 Speotyto cunicularia Spheotyto cunicularia (lapsus) The burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) is a small, long-legged owl found throughout open landscapes of North and South America. ... Species Cynomys gunnisoni Cynomys leucurus Cynomys ludovicianus Cynomys mexicanus Cynomys parvidens The prairie dog (Cynomys) is a small, burrowing rodent native to the grasslands of North America. ... Genera Ammospermophilus Spermophilus Cynomys Marmota Tamias Sciurotamias The ground squirrels are all members of the Sciuridae most closely related to the genus Marmota and included in the tribe Marmotini. ... Genera  Arctonyx  Melogale  Meles  Mellivora  Taxidea For other uses, see Badger (disambiguation). ... Binomial name (Przewalski, 1876) The White-browed Tit (Parus superciliosus) is a species of bird in the Paridae family. ... Binomial name Alcedo atthis (Linnaeus, 1758) The European Kingfisher, Alcedo atthis is widely distributed in Europe, Africa and Asia. ... Species Fratercula arctica Fratercula corniculata Fratercula cirrhata For prehistoric species, see article text. ... Genera Procellaria Calonectris Puffinus †See also fulmar, prion, petrel Shearwaters are medium-sized long-winged seabirds. ... Genera Aspatha Baryphthengus Electron Eumomota Hylomanes Momotus The motmots or Momotidae are a family of tropical birds in the order Coraciiformes, which also includes the kingfishers, bee-eaters and rollers. ... Species see text The todies are a family of tropical birds in the order Coraciiformes, which also includes the kingfishers, bee-eaters and rollers. ... Families Alcedinidae Halcyonidae Cerylidae Kingfishers are birds of the three families Alcedinidae (river kingfishers), Halcyonidae (tree kingfishers), and Cerylidae (water kingfishers). ... Binomial name Dromas ardeola (Paykull, 1805) The Crab Plover (Dromas ardeola) is a bird related to the waders, but sufficiently distinctive to merit its own family Dromadidae. ... Species Geositta peruviana Geositta cunicularia Geositta tenuirostris Geositta antarctica Geositta isabellina Geositta saxicolina Geositta maritima Geositta punensis Geositta rufipennis Geositta poeciloptera Geositta crassirostris Geositta is a genus of passerine birds in the ovenbird family, Furnariidae. ... Sclerurus is a genus of bird in the Furnariidae family. ...

Most burrow nesting species dig a horizontal tunnel into a vertical (or nearly vertical) dirt cliff, with a chamber at the tunnel's end to house the eggs.^[30] The length of the tunnel varies depending on the substrate and the species; Sand Martins make relatively short tunnels ranging from 50–90 cm,^[31] for example, while those of the Burrowing Parakeet can extend for more than three metres.^[32] Binomial name (Vieillot, 1818) The Burrowing Parakeet (Cyanoliseus patagonus) is a species of parrot in the Psittacidae family. ...

Not all burrow-nesting species incubate their young directly. Some megapode species bury their eggs in sandy pits dug where sunlight,^[1] subterranean volcanic activity^[1] or decaying tree roots^[23] will warm the eggs.

Cavity

A Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) protruding from its cavity nest

The cavity nest is a chamber, typically in living or dead wood, but sometimes in the trunks of tree ferns^[33] or large cacti, including saguaro.^[33][34] In tropical areas, cavities are sometimes excavated in arboreal insect nests.^[35][36] A relatively small number of species, including woodpeckers, trogons, some nuthatches and many barbets, can excavate their own cavities. Far more species—including parrots, tits, bluebirds, most hornbills, some kingfishers, some owls, some ducks and some flycatchers—use natural cavities, or those abandoned by species able to excavate them; they also sometimes usurp cavity nests from their excavating owners. Cavity-nesting species can be enticed to use bird houses (also known as nest boxes); these mimic natural cavities, and can be critical to the survival of species in areas where natural cavities are lacking. The term primary cavity-nester is used for species that excavate the nests while secondary cavity-nesters use existing cavities including those made by primary cavity-nesters. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 486 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (533 × 658 pixel, file size: 42 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Colaptes auratus Source: File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 486 × 600 pixelsFull resolution (533 × 658 pixel, file size: 42 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Colaptes auratus Source: File historyClick on a date/time to view the file as it appeared at that time. ... Binomial name Colaptes auratus (Linnaeus, 1758) The Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus) is a medium-sized woodpecker. ... Tree Fern refers to any fern that grows with a trunk elevating the fronds above ground level. ... Subfamilies Cactoideae Maihuenioideae Opuntioideae Pereskioideae See also taxonomy of the Cactaceae A cactus (plural cacti, cactuses or cactus) is any member of the succulent plant family Cactaceae, native to the Americas. ... Binomial name Carnegiea gigantea Saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) is a large, tree-sized cactus that is native to the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. ... Genera Melanerpes Sphyrapicus Xiphidiopicus Dendropicos Dendrocopos Picoides Veniliornis Campethera Geocolaptes Dinopium Meiglyptes Hemicircus Micropternus Picus Mulleripicus Dryocopus Celeus Piculus Colaptes Campephilus Chrysocolaptes Reinwardtipicus Blythipicus Gecinulus Sapheopipo For other uses, see Woodpecker (disambiguation). ... Genera Apaloderma Euptilotis Harpactes Pharomachrus Priotelus Trogon The trogons and quetzals are birds in the order Trogoniformes which contains only one family, the Trogonidae. ... Species 22 species, see text The nuthatches are a family, Sittidae, of generally very similar small passerine birds found throughout the Northern hemisphere. ... This article is about the Barbet family of birds. ... Systematics (but see below) Family Cacatuidae (cockatoos) Subfamily Microglossinae (Palm Cockatoo) Subfamily Calyptorhynchinae (dark cockatoos) Subfamily Cacatuinae (white cockatoos) Family Psittacidae (true parrots) Subfamily Loriinae (lories and lorikeets) Subfamily Psittacinae (typical parrots and allies) Tribe Arini (American psittacines) Tribe Cyclopsitticini (fig parrots) Tribe Micropsittini (pygmy parrots) Tribe Nestorini (kakas and... Genera see text The tits, chickadees, and titmice, family Paridae, are a large family of small passerine birds which occur in the northern hemisphere and Africa. ... Species Sialia sialis Sialia mexicana Sialia currucoides Mountain Bluebird Western Bluebird The bluebirds are medium-sized, mostly insectivorous or omnivorous birds in the genus Sialia of the thrush family Turdidae. ... Genera Aceros Anorrhinus Anthracoceros Buceros Bucorvus Ceratogymna (=Bycanistes) Ocyceros Penelopides Tockus Hornbills (Family Bucerotidae) are a group of birds whose bill is shaped like a cows horn, but without a twist, sometimes with a casque on the upper mandible. ... Genera some 25, see text Synonyms Striginae sensu Sibley & Ahlquist True owls (family Strigidae) are one of the two generally accepted families of owls, the other being the barn owls (Tytonidae). ... Subfamilies Dendrocygninae Oxyurinae Anatinae Aythyinae Merginae Duck is the common name for a number of species in the Anatidae family of birds. ... Genera many:see text The Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae is a large family of small passerine birds restricted to the Old World. ... Typical nest box A nest box (or nestbox also called birdhouse) is a man-made box provided for animals to nest in. ...

Woodpeckers use their chisel-like bills to excavate their cavity nests, a process which takes, on average, about two weeks.^[34] Cavities are normally excavated on the downward-facing side of a branch, presumably to make it more difficult for predators to access the nest, and to reduce the chance that rain floods the nest.^[37] There is also some evidence that fungal rot may make the wood on the underside of leaning trunks and branches easier to excavate.^[37] Most woodpeckers use a cavity for only a single year. The endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker is an exception; it takes far longer—up to two years—to excavate its nest cavity, and may reuse it for more than two decades.^[34] The typical woodpecker nest has a short horizontal tunnel which leads to a vertical chamber within the trunk. The size and shape of the chamber depends on species, and the entrance hole is typically only as large as is needed to allow access for the adult birds. While wood chips are removed during the excavation process, most species line the floor of the cavity with a fresh bed of them before laying their eggs. Binomial name Picoides borealis Vieillot 1809 About the size of the Northern Cardinal, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) is approximately 20-22 cm long, with a wingspan of about 35 cm. ...

Black Woodpecker youngsters (Dryocopus martius) in their cavity nest

Trogons excavate their nests by chewing cavities into very soft dead wood; some species make completely enclosed chambers (accessed by upward-slanting entrance tunnels), while others—like the extravagantly-plumed Resplendent Quetzal—construct more open niches.^[36] In most trogon species, both sexes help with nest construction. The process may take several months, and a single pair may start several excavations before finding a tree or stump with wood of the right consistency. Download high resolution version (1024x768, 68 KB)Black Woodpecker with young By Alastair Rae, June 2003, Finland. ... Download high resolution version (1024x768, 68 KB)Black Woodpecker with young By Alastair Rae, June 2003, Finland. ... Binomial name Dryocopus martius (Linnaeus, 1758) The Black Woodpecker, Dryocopus martius, is a large woodpecker, 40-46 cm long with a 67-73 cm wingspan. ...

Cup

Cup nest of a Redwing (Turdus iliacus), with newly hatched chicks

The cup nest is smoothly hemispherical inside, with a deep depression to house the eggs. Most are made of pliable materials—including grasses—though a small number of made of mud. Many passerines build this type of nest. Download high resolution version (1257x855, 1078 KB)Redwing ground nest with four newly hatched redwings and one remaining egg. ... Download high resolution version (1257x855, 1078 KB)Redwing ground nest with four newly hatched redwings and one remaining egg. ... Binomial name Turdus iliacus Linnaeus, 1766 The Redwing (Turdus iliacus) is a member of the thrush family Turdidae. ... Families Many, see text A passerine is a bird of the giant order Passeriformes. ...

Saucer or plate

The saucer or plate nest, though superficially similar to a cup nest, has at most only a shallow depression to house the eggs.

Platform

The huge platform nest of the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)

The platform nest is a large structure, often many times the size of the birds which build and use it. In the case of raptor nests, or eyries, these are often used for many years, with new material added each breeding season. In some cases, the nests grow large enough to cause structural damage to the tree itself, particularly during bad storms where the weight of the nest can cause additional stress on wind-tossed branches. Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 650 × 600 pixels Full resolution (2266 × 2090 pixel, file size: 3. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Size of this preview: 650 × 600 pixels Full resolution (2266 × 2090 pixel, file size: 3. ... For other uses, see Osprey (disambiguation). ...

Pendant

Pendant nests of Baya Weavers

The pendant nest is an elongated sac, which is suspended from a branch. Some examples include those made by weaver birds and sunbirds. Image File history File links Size of this preview: 582 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (812 × 836 pixel, file size: 776 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Baya Weaver Nests with the entrance tunnels being finished at Chelur, Karnataka, India, By: Rajeev B. A crop of a picture I took with my Nikon... Image File history File links Size of this preview: 582 × 599 pixelsFull resolution (812 × 836 pixel, file size: 776 KB, MIME type: image/jpeg) Baya Weaver Nests with the entrance tunnels being finished at Chelur, Karnataka, India, By: Rajeev B. A crop of a picture I took with my Nikon... Binomial name Ploceus philippinus (Linnaeus, 1766 ) The Baya Weaver (Ploceus philippinus) is a weaver found in South and South-east Asia. ... Genera Many:see text The Weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. ... Genera Many: see text The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. ...

Sphere

The sphere nest is a roundish structure; it is completely enclosed, except for a small opening which allows access.

Nest protection and sanitation

Many species of bird conceal their nests to protect them from predators. Some species may choose nest sites that are inaccessible. Some may make specific modifications to keep predators at bay. Bird nests can also act as habitats for other inquiline species which may not affect the bird directly. Birds have also evolved nest sanitation measures to reduce the effects of parasites and pathogens on nestlings. An inquiline is an animal that lives commensally in the nest, burrow, or dwelling place of an animal of another species. ...

Some aquatic species such as Grebes are very careful when approaching and leaving the nest so as not to reveal the location. Some species will use leaves to cover up the nest prior to leaving.

Ground birds such as plovers may use broken wing or rodent run displays to distract predators from nests.^[38]

Cavity-dwelling species have to contend with the danger of predators accessing their nest, catching them and their young inside and unable to get out. They have a variety of methods for decreasing the likelihood of this happening. Red-cockaded Woodpeckers peel bark around the entrance, and drill wells above and below the hole; since they nest in live trees, the resulting flow of resin forms a barrier that prevents snakes from reaching the nests.^[39] Red-breasted Nuthatches smear sap around the entrance holes to their nests, while White-breasted Nuthatches rub foul-smelling insects around theirs.^[40] Eurasian Nuthatches wall up part of their entrance holes with mud, decreasing the size and sometimes extending the tunnel part of the chamber. Most female hornbills seal themselves into their cavity nests, using a combination of mud (in some species brought by their mates), food remains and their own droppings to reduce the entrance hole to a narrow slit.^[41] Binomial name Picoides borealis Vieillot 1809 About the size of the Northern Cardinal, the Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Picoides borealis) is approximately 20-22 cm long, with a wingspan of about 35 cm. ... Binomial name Sitta canadensis Linnaeus, 1766 The Red-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta canadensis, is a small songbird. ... Binomial name Sitta carolinensis Latham, 1790 The White-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis, is a small songbird. ... Binomial name Sitta europaea Linnaeus, 1758 The Eurasian Nuthatch, Sitta europaea, is a small passerine found throughout temperate Europe and Asia, although not in Ireland. ...

Species which use natural cavities—or old woodpecker nests—sometimes line the cavity with soft material such as grass, moss, lichen, feathers or fur. Though a number of studies have attempted to determine whether secondary cavity nesters preferentially choose cavities with entrance holes facing certain directions, the results remain inconclusive.^[42] While some species appear to preferentially choose holes with certain orientations, studies (to date) have not shown consistent differences in fledging rates between nests oriented in different directions.^[42]

Nests can become home to many other organisms including parasites and pathogens. The excreta of the fledglings also pose a problem. In most passerines, the adults actively dispose the fecal sacs of young at a distance or consume them. This is believed to help prevent ground predators from detecting nests.^[43] Young birds of prey however usually void their excreta beyond the rims of their nests.^[44] Blowflies of the genus Protocalliphora have specialized to become obligate nest parasites with the maggots feeding on the blood of nestlings.^[45] Subfamilies Calliphorinae Chrysomyiinae The Blowflies are members of the family Calliphoridae of flies (Diptera). ... Protocalliphora or Bird blowflies are a blow fly genus containing many species which are obligate parasites of birds. ...

Some birds have been shown to choose aromatic green plant material for constructing nests that may have insecticidal properties, ^[46][47] while others may use materials such as carnivore scat to repel smaller predators.^[48]

Colonial nesting

Main article: Bird colony

Nesting colony of Rooks and Eurasian Jackdaws

Though most birds nest individually, some species—including penguins, flamingoes, many herons, gulls, terns, seabirds, weavers, some corvids and some sparrows—gather together in sizeable colonies. Birds that nest colonially may benefit from increased protection against predation. They may also be able to better utilize food supplies, by following more successful foragers to their foraging sites. A bird colony is used to refer to large aggregations of individuals of one or more species of bird that roost or nest in close proximity at a particular location. ... Crows nests at Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, Gloucestershire, England. ... Crows nests at Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, Gloucestershire, England. ... For other uses, see Rook. ... Binomial name Corvus monedula (Linnaeus, 1758) The Jackdaw (Corvus monedula) is one of the smallest species (34-39 cm in length) in the genus of crows and ravens. ... Modern genera Aptenodytes Eudyptes Eudyptula Megadyptes Pygoscelis Spheniscus For prehistoric genera, see Systematics Some penguins are curious. ... For other uses, see Flamingo (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Heron (disambiguation). ... “Seagull” redirects here. ... Genera Sterna (Gelochelidon) (Hydroprogne) (Thalasseus) Chlidonias Phaetusa Anous Procelsterna Gygis Larosterna Terns are seabirds in the family Sternidae, previously considered a subfamily Sterninae of the gull family Laridae. ... The Sooty Tern is highly aerial and marine and will spend years flying at sea without returning to land. ... Genera Many:see text The Weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. ... Genera Platylophus Gymnorhinus Cyanocitta Aphelocoma Cyanocorax Garrulus Cissa Perisoreus Urocissa Cyanopica Dendrocitta Crypsirina Pica Zavattariornis Podoces Nucifraga Pyrrhocorax Ptilostomus Corvus The crow family (Corvidae) has members that are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes; in fact, it includes several that are among the largest. ... Genera Passer Petronia Carpospiza Montifringilla The true sparrows, the Old World sparrows in the family Passeridae, are small passerine birds. ...

In human culture

Many birds nest close to human habitations and some have been specially encouraged. Nesting White Storks have been protected and held in reverence in many cultures.^[49] Nest boxes are often used to encourage cavity nesting birds. The nesting of Peregrine Falcons on tall buildings has captured popular interest.^[50] Colonial breeders produce guano which is a valuable fertilizer. The saliva nests of Cave Swiftlets are used to make Bird's nest soup in parts of Southeast Asia. Binomial name Ciconia ciconia Linnaeus, 1758 The White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a large wading bird in the stork family Ciconiidae. ... Typical nest box A nest box (or nestbox also called birdhouse) is a man-made box provided for animals to nest in. ... Binomial name Tunstall, 1771 Global range (shaded green, dark dots on islands) The Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), occasionally known in North America as the Duck Hawk, is a medium-sized falcon about the size of a large crow: 380–530 millimetres (15–21 in) long. ... The Chincha guano islands in Peru. ... Genera Hydrochous Collocalia Aerodramus Schoutedenapus // Description The birds called Swiftlets or Cave Swiftlets are contained within the four genera Aerodramus, Hydrochous, Schoutedenapus and Collocalia. ... The key ingredient of bird-nest soup Bird Nests box showing $888. ... Location of Southeast Asia Southeast Asia is a subregion of Asia. ...

Some species of birds are also considered nuisances when they nest in the proximity of human habitations. Feral pigeons are often unwelcome and sometimes also considered as a health risk.^[51]

Citations

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

Nests

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• Byrktedal, Ingvar (1989), "Nest defense behavior of Lesser Golden-Plovers.", Wilson Bull. 101 (4): 579-590, <http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Wilson/v101n04/p0579-p0590.pdf> PDF}}
• Cade, T.J. & D.M. Bird (1990), "Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) nesting in an urban environment: a review.", Can. Field-Naturalist 104: 209-218
• Campbell, Bruce & Elizabeth Lack, eds. (1985), A Dictionary of Birds, Carlton, England: T and A D Poyser, ISBN 0-85661-039-9
• Clark, L. & J. Russell Mason (1985), "Use of nest material as insecticidal and anti-pathogenic agents by the European Starling.", Oecologia 67 (2): 169-176, <http://www.springerlink.com/content/w4v7u418463h3v90/>
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• Elliott, Andrew (1994), "Family Megapodiidae (Megapodes)", in del Hoyo, Josep; Andrew Elliott & Jordi Sargatal, Handbook of Birds of the World, Volume 2: New World Vultures to Guineafowl, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, ISBN 84-87334-15-6
• Göth, Anne (2007), "Incubation temperatures and sex ratios in Australian brush-turkey (Alectura lathami) mounds", Austral Ecology 32 (4): 278-285
• Haag-Wackernagel, D & H. Moch (48), "Health hazards posed by feral pigeons.", J. Infect.: 307-313
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• Harrap, Simon & David Quinn (1996), Tits, Nuthatches & Treecreepers, London: Christopher Helm, ISBN 0-7136-3964-4
• Jaramillo, Alvaro (2001), "Blackbirds, Orioles and Allies", in Elphick, Chris; John B. Dunning, Jr. & David Sibley, The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behaviour, London: Christopher Helm, ISBN 0-7136-6250-6
• Juniper, Tony & Mike Parr (2003), Parrots: A Guide to the Parrots of the World, London: Christopher Helm, ISBN 0-7136-6933-0
• Kemp, A. C. (2001), "Family Bucerotidae (Hornbills)", in del Hoyo, Josep; Andrew Elliott & Jordi Sargatal, Handbook of Birds of the World, Volume 6: Mousebirds to Hornbills, Barcelona: Lynx Edicions, ISBN 84-87334-30-X
• Kushlan, James A. (1997), "The Conservation of Wading Birds.", Colonial Waterbirds 20 (1): 129-137, DOI 10.2307/1521775
• Petit, Kenneth E.; Lisa J. Petit & Daniel R. Petit (1989), "Fecal Sac Removal: Do the Pattern and Distance of Dispersal Affect the Chance of Nest Predation?", The Condor 91 (2): 479-482, <http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Condor/files/issues/v091n02/p0479-p0482.pdf>
• Reed, J. Michael (2001), "Woodpeckers and Allies", in Elphick, Chris; John B. Dunning, Jr. & David Sibley, The Sibley Guide to Bird Life & Behaviour, London: Christopher Helm, ISBN 0-7136-6250-6
• Rendell, Wallace B. & Raleigh J. Robertson (1994), "Cavity Entry Orientation and Nest-site Use by Secondary Hole-nesting Birds", Journal of Field Ornithology 65 (1): 27-35
• Rosenfeld, R.N.; A. J. Rosenfeld & M. W. Gratson (1982), "Unusual Nest Sanitation by a Broad-Winged Hawk.", The Wilson Bulletin 94 (3): 2365-366, <http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Wilson/v094n03/p0365-p0366.pdf>
• Rudolph, D. C.; H. Kyle & R. N. Conner (1990), "Red-cockaded woodpeckers vs. Rat Snakes: The effectiveness of the resin barrier.", Wilson Bull. 102(l): 14-22, <http://elibrary.unm.edu/sora/Wilson/v102n01/p0014-p0022.pdf>
• Sabrosky, Curtis W.; G. F. Bennett & T. L. Whitworth (1989), Bird blow-flies (Protocalliphora) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in North America with notes on the Palearctic species., Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington.
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Image File history File links Commons-logo. ... Handbook of Birds of the World vol. ... Handbook of Birds of the World vol. ... Paul Ralph Ehrlich (born May 29, 1932 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a Stanford University professor and a renowned entomologist specializing in Lepidoptera (butterflies). ... Handbook of Birds of the World vol. ... Handbook of Birds of the World vol. ...

External links

• Lecture notes on bird nesting
• Natural history museum of Los Angeles - Bird nesting
• Department of natural resources Illinois state
• Earthlife site on bird nests
• Bird nests - teaching activity resource