Small bird nests
Small bird nests come in a variety of styles and complexity.Nest building by birds is carried out for the protection of the eggs or occupants of the nest from predators and weather conditions.
The form of nests built by different small bird species is varied. The bird nests can range from a ground dwelling nest to elaborate dome nests that are suspended from a safe perch.
Small bird nest building
Some species of small birds build nests with a gathering of any natural material that is lying around the nesting site and deposit it on the nesting area. They are referred to as sideways throwers.
Sideways nest builders are small birds that gather nesting material that is surrounding the nest side and place the building material in the desired position.
Camouflage is used by some species of small birds to protect eggs that are not positioned in a natural or constructed nest. The eggs have patterns of color and designs on the shell that will blend in with the natural habitat. This form of protection for bird eggs is also used by birds that build nests.
Nests for small birds
Collection of nesting material and transporting it to the small birds chosen nesting site is performed by a large section of bird species. Birds that collect material to build nests can have nests that are intricate in design and construction.
Nests for small birds that are built in trees or other elevated areas can range from a simple platform of natural plant material or complex structures that resemble cups and domes.
These types of small bird nests may have a lining of leaves, feathers or moss to the interior of the nest that provides the small bird with a warm dry nesting area.
Small bird cavity nests
Birds that nest in trees and birds that need cavities for building nests are finding suitable nesting areas diminishing rapidly.
A small nesting box or small heated roosting box that has been placed in a suitable area will help the survival rate of small sized birds during cold periods.
Heating a roosting or nesting box in cold weather will entice timid birds to roost in the nesting box and may encourage them to use the cavity to build a nest there during breeding season.
Suitable roosting boxes and heated nest boxes can be found on THIS page
Nesting box liners or liners for a birds nest are also available. The liners for a bird box and liner for a nesting box are an ideal way of insulating the birds box against the weather.
The size of nests that are constructed by small birds can range from small nests that are thimble size to huge nests the size of a small car that are built by large birds and may take weeks to construct.
Nests can be built with defense against predators the main consideration in design. Domed nests are excellent in protecting the occupant. The nature of the nest design hides the occupant from potential predators.
The entrance opening to domed nests are constructed to allow easy access to birds that are the exact size of the small bird occupying the nest thereby restricting access to larger birds.
Hanging nests are a safe form of home for small birds. The small bird nest can be suspended from a perch by multiple strands of supports or a strong single strand. Attack on this form of nest by a potential predator is very difficult.
Some small birds do not build any nest and rely on a pre existing nest built by other bird species. They will drive off occupant from nest if the species of bird is smaller than them.
Small birds will use any structure that nature provides as long as the position offers security and protection against the weather and predators.
Cliff faces that have ledges or holes on its surface are popular small bird nesting sites. Caves, tree trunk hollows and logs, cavities and overhanging ledges are all suitable nesting areas for small birds.
Log nesting small birds
Some species of small birds will modify these natural nesting areas of logs by either enlarging the logs nest area or reducing the entrance size of the nesting hole.
Lice, fleas mites and other pests also occupy small bird nests. Problems with these pests may be the reason why some species of birds will occupy a nest for one hatching of eggs and build a new nest the following season.
Small birds will co habit a nest or nesting area with other species of birds, animals or insects when such an arrangement is beneficial to both nesting occupants.
They offer a protected nesting or roosting area for small birds.
When the season turns to winter the small birds nesting or roosting area can be heated to provide protection against the cold.
The outer shell of the nesting box is 180 mm (7 inches) long x 110 mm (4.4 inches) wide
The inner shell and nesting area is 190 mm (7.5 inches) long x 85 mm (3.3 inches) wide
The front opening of the bird box is 65 mm (2.5 inches) round and contoured. The back is 60 mm (2.4 inches)
Total weight is .45 kilogram (1 pound)
The light weight of the weather proof nesting box makes relocation and cleaning of the birds nest box a simple process.
Heaters that are weather proof and portable are available at HEATAL.COM.
They have a range of heaters that are suitable for bird aviaries.
NESTS FOR BIRDS
BIRD HOUSE PLANS
HOME
aviaries
heaters
feathers
dogs arthritis