Types of Birds Nests

Nearly everyone is familiar with the characteristic birds nests that are shown in photographs, paintings, cartoons and television shows. This is the typically, round and bowl shaped nest atop a tree made of twigs. In reality, there are actually a wide variety of shapes and types of birds nests depending on the region and species of bird.

Scrape

Scrape nests are not located atop any trees, but rather formed on the ground. Birds such as penguins, shorebirds, gulls, terns, nighthawks or vultures in particular will form these nests by merely scraping a small depression in the ground or leaf floor, sometimes adding some stones for protection.

Burrow

Burrow nests are made by creating a small hole on the side of a natural wall, such as the side of a cliff or sheer mountainside. The small, cozy burrows provide much protection from potential predators particularly for eggs or young hatchlings.

Cavity

Cavity nests are created with the same idea as burrow nests, only located on the side of a tree. These nests are preferred by small songbirds, woodpeckers, owls, parrots and some waterfowl.

Cup

Cup nests, sometimes called cupped nests, are the classic, stereotypical birds nests commonly portrayed. Though usually made from twigs, sticks and other parts of shrubbery, some nests have been found to contain any variety of materials that the bird has come across.

Platform

Platform nests are made in the same way, essentially, as cup nests, only flatter in appearance. They are found atop trees, on the ground and even on shallow water.

Sphere

Sphere nests also closely resemble cup nests but with a completely spherical shape. There is only a small opening left to accomodate the birds' entrance and exit.

Aquatic

Some birds prefer to build nests surrounded by water, usually at the water's edge. To do this, they must choose a location on the water that has plenty of root vegetation underneath to support the nest.