Home Sweet Home…

“The record for the largest nest constructed by a pair of birds goes to the appropriately named hamerkop”

In much the same way that we have different styles of houses, birds too have different types of nests. Similarly, features unique to the climate – air conditioners in hot climates, double glazing and underfloor heating in colder climes – are replicated in the construction of nests.

Clearly birds have neither fans nor heaters, but they do choose sites and materials adapted to their individual environmental niches. In this article we will focus on just a few of the remarkable ‘homes’ created by our avian cousins.

The ones which come to mind first, based on the sheer intricacy of their design, have to be the nests of the various weaver species. As the name suggests these nests are constructed by the intertwining of pieces of grass until a ball-shaped nest emerges. Made solely by the males, the finished work is inspected by passing females, who will either accept or reject the nest. If not one of the females is suitably impressed by his handiwork, the male will tear down the nest and start over. Wow! Talk about dedication! If, on the other hand, a female accepts his efforts, she will start to line the nest with feathers and other soft materials in preparation for egg-laying.