A bird takes 2 to 3 days to build a nest, but the time range can extend to 2 weeks based on the complexity and species of the bird. An experienced bird can construct a nest faster when compared with a beginner. Some birds are also seen to use the same nest year after year by simply restoring it, which takes much less time, than rebuilding it, while some do not even build nests.
The factors that play a key role in nest building time duration are weather conditions, bird species and availability of nesting materials. In most cases, it has been seen that females take a major part in the construction process.
So, let’s dive in and get to the details of the nest-building process.
What is the Purpose Behind Building a Nest?
A bird builds nest as it serves a few essential functions, such as –
- It provides a safe and protected surface for the eggs until they hatch.
- It also provides an insulating effect to the keep so that the eggs can stay within the optimal required temperature.
- The nest prevents the eggs from rolling away, falling and breaking.
A nest can also act as a camouflage for the eggs, keeping them safe from predators. It also provides a comfortable shelter until the chicks grow and learn to fly.
Varying Architecture of Nest
All nests are not of the same type, rather based on the geographical location, habitat, climate and weather conditions of the areas, it tends to vary among bird species. The most typical form of the bird’s nest is a classic bowl type which has a rounded profile. It provides a safe platform where the parent birds can incubate the eggs.
Some birds also build ground nests which are created by scraping away the soil or sand to form a depression. Most of the nests are 2 dimensional but there are also ball-shaped nests which have a complete wall and roof. Some nests are also found to be positioned on a surface while others are suspended like an anchor point. These nests can either have two or more entrances and some are also false openings so that the predators can be fooled.
Different Types of Nests
Here are the different types of nests you might spot around you:
Long Lasting Nests
These nests are constructed so that the bird can use them year after year. The birds are seen to go through routine maintenance of the nest and add to it to expand the nest. This practice is primarily seen among the bald eagle, who has a reputation for nest building.
Small and Flexible Nests
These nests are built by hummingbirds, where they are seen to lay the eggs while constructing the nest and continue to build the sides of the nest during the incubation period. Interestingly, as the babies grow the nest also tends to grow.
Elaborate Nests
These are iconic nests seen among orioles, where pendant nests dangle from the tip of the tree branch. This bag nest is stitched using twines, long grasses and often horsehair. Inside the nest, soft materials are used such as plant fiber, feathers and animal wool.
Floating Nest
Water birds are seen to build floating nests, where they nest up in upland grassland which is far from the water. While some birds such as the coots and loons are seen to build nests directly on the top of the water. These nests are constructed out of aquatic vegetation, mud and reeds, which ensure that the nest won’t sink after the eggs are laid. The birds are also seen to anchor the nest to the emergent vegetation so that the nest does not float away.
How Do Birds Learn to Build Nests?
Birds learn to build a nest as a combination of instinct and learning. They have an innate ability to construct nests and also learn by observing other birds while they are building nests.
The steps to construct a nest are –
- Site selection
- Gathering the materials
- Implementing the construction techniques, such as weaving, crafting, stacking, shaping, intertwining, etc.
- Lining the nest to ensure comfort for the eggs and hatchlings
How to Differentiate Between an Experienced Nest Builder and a Beginner?
An experienced bird can build an efficient and compact nest. They take less time to build a nest as they can easily choose an ideal location. They can also gather material faster and from familiar areas. They have achieved this precision through years of trial and error.
What is the Nesting Material Used?
Birds use different types of materials to build nests, which can be natural or man-made. Some birds pick just anything that would build a strong nest while other birds look for specific materials for constructing the nest.
The plant materials chosen are – grass, sticks, leaves, moss and lichen. The animal materials that are used are – feathers. spider webs, sea shells, bird saliva and animal hair. Birds also put effort into sourcing inorganic or artificial materials such as mud, clay, plastic, thread and paper.
How Do Birds Select Nesting Sites?
There are several factors based on which the nesting site is chosen. It is a crucial step for a successful reproductive process, and if the nesting site is not selected properly it can result in nest failure. Either both parents take the responsibility to select the site and build the nest or either the male or female.
The major aim of the bird while constructing a nest is – to provide shelter from wind, rain, and sun and safety from predators. The distance from the food source is also taken into consideration while building the nest.
Some birds look for specific microenvironments while others choose unexpected places. Some build the same nest year after year, while others build a new nest every time. Interestingly, birds like cuckoos do not build nests as they lay their eggs in another bird’s nest.
Some species of birds are also found to build nests in colonies that can extend to thousands, while others build nests in mixed colonies along with several different bird species.
Do Birds Choose Human-Made Structures for Nests?
Yes, birds do use human-made structures as an opportunity to build well-hidden nests. The most commonly used nesting sites are under eaves, telephone and powerlines, billboards, under the bridge, in birdhouses and nest boxes and also in sheds.
Do Birds Steal Nests?
Yes, many species of birds are seen to steal the nests. Some birds are also seen to steal nesting material and food, such as Blue Jay and Steller’s Jay.
What is Brood Parasitism?
Brood parasitism is a nesting strategy where the birds rely on other birds to raise the young ones. They manipulate the host and might either belong to the same or different species, such as the Brown-headed Cowbird belonging to North America.
What are the Threats Faced by a Nesting Site?
Nesting is quite risky if it falls prey to the predation of other birds or animals, also, extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds, rain, and wildfires can destroy the nest. Ground nesting can get trampled by livestock and other animals or get affected during floods. Humans cutting down trees can also destroy the nests.
Why Should Nests Be Conserved?
Most of the world’s bird population is highly affected due to habitat destruction, leading to being vulnerable or becoming endangered. This has become vital to protect the breeding habitats and nesting grounds of these birds.
