The beginning of rainy/wet season (March to May) is the start of the breeding season when most Birds begin pairing up with mates, building nests, laying eggs and raising chicks, as the cycle repeats.
So, how do birds build their nests?
Birds usually spend relatively short time building/making their nests, yet still make it possible to make/build them in a unique design that is entirely exceptional to their breed/species. Interestingly, if you ever spend your time in their close proximity during the months of March, April and May, you will be able to witness the nest building process.
Therefore our most important question is, “how do the feathered beauties build their nests?” Birds’ fascinating process of building their homes usually begins in a somewhat disorderly way. In the initial stages, twigs and sticks are dropped into the selected tree. With good chances, some of these sticks become strategically lodged in the tree branches. Interestingly, most bird nests are built of any material the bird can come cross.
Later the sticks that were dropped are built up to make a very loose outline of the nest (call it a prototype). However, the birds will later return to make the nest neater and complete. Their sharp pointed beaks/bills are then used to manipulate and properly weave the fibres of their nests together. Afterwards, Birds hinge on spider webs or mud to make their nests stronger hence converting a loose collection of twigs into a structurally strong and functional home of the feathered beauties. Some bird species even make use of their own saliva as glue for strengthening nests.
Different shapes and kinds of Bird nests.
There are different shapes and kinds of bird nests in the natural habitats including;
Cup nests.
Cup nests are the most popular nest shape and just like the name, these are rounded like cups. Building materials include leaves, twigs, moss and grass as foundations of their homes.
Adherent nests.
Swallows and some few bird species build nests on the side of other homes. These nests are normally stuck to the side of buildings, trees and are strengthened by sticky substances such as saliva and mud. These nests are jug-like with small holes in the sides to be used as doors.
Renting homes.
Much as most bird species take pride in building their own nests in new locations, some birds especially Owls and Tits prefer occupying nests of other birds. This saves them resources, energy and time to build their own.
