Bird Nests

Birds build nests to lay their eggs and raise their chicks. Nests come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. Some nests are tiny cups made of grass. Others are huge structures of sticks. Each bird species builds its own special type of nest.

Types of Nests

Cup nests are the most common and are shaped like small bowls. Eagles build huge platform nests called eyries on cliffs and tall trees. Woodpeckers drill holes in trees for their nests. Weaverbirds create amazing hanging nests woven from grass and leaves.

Amazing Builders

Some birds are incredible builders. The sociable weaver bird builds a giant apartment nest that houses hundreds of birds. Bald eagle nests can weigh over a ton after years of adding sticks. Hummingbirds build the smallest nests, about the size of a walnut.

Fun Facts

• A bald eagle nest can grow to be 10 feet across and weigh over 4,000 pounds.
• Hummingbird nests are the smallest, about the size of a walnut.
• The sociable weaver builds the largest nest of any bird, housing over 100 pairs.

Did You Know?

The male bowerbird does not build a regular nest. Instead, he builds a fancy decorated structure called a bower and fills it with colorful objects to attract a mate!