33 unusual bird nests

This video says about itself:

25 Unusual Bird Nests Built In The Weirdest Places

15 June 2015

These remarkable nesting locations show how birds can adapt to their environment. Although not all birds nest, they all build or look to find a safe place to lay and hatch their eggs. Until recently it was believed that nest building was an inherent skill, but recent studies suggest that birds can learn to improve.

Man-made birdhouses have existed at least since the 15th-16th century. As agriculture and urbanization altered the environment through deforestation, the number of natural nesting cavities decreased. Birdhouses, or creating nesting spots like those shown here, are a solution and response to this problem.

From BirdLife:

14 Jul 2017

8 incredible bird nests from around the world

When thinking about bird nests, most people may imagine the regular bowl-shaped receptacle of twigs and leaves, but birds’ nesting behaviours are as diverse as their courting rituals

By Irene Lorenzo

Birds go to incredible lengths to build nests that keep their chicks safe from harm. From the desert-dwelling woodpecker who spends months patiently hollowing-out a cactus, to the aptly-named ‘ovenbird’, which leaves its mud nest to bake and harden in the sun, these amazing designs are a testament to the genius and resourcefulness of birds. Here are eight of our favourite nesting styles from around the world.

MASTER OF CRAFT

Baya Weaver, Ploceus philippinus

This video is called Baya weaver nest construction.

The weaver family get their name after their ability to weave elaborate nests, which vary in size, shape and material depending on the species. The Baya Weaver chooses branches of thorny trees or palm trees above the water to weave grass leaves into their gourd-shaped nests, which can be as big as a football. As they’re a social species, they don’t like to nest alone – with up to 60 pairs nesting together in a single tree and more than 200 in some colonies. Found across Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, their breeding season coincides with the monsoons so researchers believe their nests are often located on the eastern side of the tree because it offers protection against the heavy rains.

METICULOUS

Anna’s Hummingbird, Calypte anna

This video says about itself:

A female Anna’s hummingbird builds a nest constructed of plant fibers and spiderwebs. Just the right size for her tiny eggs.

The BirdLife article continues:

This North American hummingbird builds tiny luxurious nests in trees or shrubs, mostly using plant fibers, downy feathers and animal hair, bound together by spider silk. They finish it off camouflaging the exterior with plant debris, moss or bits of lichen. The nest size ranges from 3.8 to 5.1 cm in diameter, about the size of a small espresso cup, laying two eggs the size of a coffee bean.

SPARTAN

White Tern, Gygis alba

This video from Midway island is called White tern and chick.

Collecting grass, twigs, mud? Too much like hard work. Why bother building a nest when you can just lay your eggs on top of any branch? The White Tern’s minimalist nest consists of… literally nothing. A knot or crook on a tree branch is all it needs to incubate its single egg. Scientists speculate that they have evolved this behaviour as a result of nest parasites, found to be less common if there’s no nest in the first place.

BAKER

Rufous Hornero, Furnarius rufus

This video is called Bird Engineering, Rufous Hornero, bird building its nest, Furnarius rufus.

Also known as the “ovenbird” because of its nesting habits, this South American bird collects mud and manure to pile it on top of a tree branch while letting the sun slowly dry it. It then patiently builds its characteristic dome-shaped structure that resembles an old wood-fired oven.

COMPULSIVE

Hamerkop, Scopus umbretta

This video is called Hamerkop nest building.

This African bird builds three to five unusually huge nests every year, which take months to construct, regardless of whether they are breeding or not. Their nests can measure up to two metres in diameter and depth, and weigh up to 50 kg.

RECYCLER

Great Horned Owl, Bubo virginianus

This video is called Great Horned Owl Nest: Curious Owlets.

Many species of owl appreciate a good old vintage house. The Great Horned Owl, a common bird found throughout the Americas, repurposes old nests from a variety of animals – hawks, ravens, and even squirrels. Yes to recycling!

FLIMSY

African Jacana, Actophilornis africanus

This is an African jacana video.

This sub-Saharan waterbird builds several nests per season and chooses only one for laying, leaving the rest as back-up. Their nests are floating mounds of damp plant stems, and eggs are often laid so close to the water that they end up sinking. Luckily, their eggs are waterproof and they can just move them to their next rickety construction.

PLANNER

Gila Woodpecker, Melanerpes uropygialis

This video from the USA says about itself:

A pair of gila woodpeckers (the male has a red crown) are taking turns in tending to the nest inside a saguaro cactus in Saguaro National Park, Tucson, AZ. Gila woodpeckers drill out a cavity (called a boot) in the cactus for a nest to raise their chicks. The nest is used only once.

The article continues:

Nesting requires some planning for this North American bird, as it excavates a hole in a cactus several months ahead of its breeding time, waiting for it to dry out before moving in. The cavity inside the cactus, called a “boot”, keeps the eggs safe and cool until they’re ready to hatch.

BirdLife and its Partners are fighting to protect crucial breeding grounds from the urgent threats they face. With your support, we can use our skills and expertise to keep breeding grounds safe, so today’s babies can grow to raise families of their own in years to come.