Nest

Nest

A Nest is a structure built by certain animals to hold eggs, offspring, and, occasionally, the animal itself. Although nests are most closely associated with birds, members of all classes of vertebrates and some invertebrates construct nests. They may be composed of organic material such as twigs, grass, and leaves, or may be a simple depression in the ground, or a hole in a rock, tree, or building. Human-made materials, such as string, plastic, cloth, or paper, may also be used. Nests can be found in all types of habitat.

Nest building is driven by a biological urge known as the nesting instinct in birds and mammals. Generally each species has a distinctive style of nest. Nest complexity is roughly correlated with the level of parental care by adults. Nest building is considered a key adaptive advantage among birds, and they exhibit the most variation in their nests ranging from simple holes in the ground to elaborate communal nests hosting hundreds of individuals. Nests of prairie dogs and several social insects can host millions of individuals.

Types of nests

Bird nests

Birds' nests are incredibly diverse. Some bird species of aquatic environments, also known as water birds, or wading birds, build nests that float, and seabirds, like the albatross, nest in harsh conditions on isolated islands. Some bird nests are also built in trees, on the ground, or on buildings.

Mammal nests

Many mammals build nests for their offspring, often in response to environmental factors such as cold weather. For example, the rabbit is well known for its burrowed nests, and the squirrel for its tree nests.

Insect nests

Insects such as bees, ants, and termites build intricate nests, often with complex internal structures. These nests can be found in a variety of places, including in the ground, in trees, or in human-made structures.

See also

• Bird nest
• Mammal nest
• Insect nest
• Nesting instinct

Nest Resources
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