What are the most unusual bird nests found in nature?

Unusual nests include hanging basket nests up to six feet long, dome-shaped clay 'ovens,' and homes carved into cacti.

Which bird builds nests like an oven?

The red ovenbird, Argentina's national bird, constructs dome-shaped nests resembling small clay ovens.

Where do Gila woodpeckers build their nests?

Gila woodpeckers carve their homes into saguaro cacti in the Sonoran Desert.

Home / Environment / Avian Architects: Wild Nests That Defy Belief

Avian Architects: Wild Nests That Defy Belief

21 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Some birds weave nests six feet long, using trees as apartment towers.
The red ovenbird builds mud 'ovens' that take months to construct.
Hamerkops construct enormous dome nests that can hold human weight.

Avian Architects: Wild Nests That Defy Belief

Across the globe, remarkable bird species have developed nesting habits that stand out for their complexity and ingenuity. These avian architects construct a variety of unique homes, from intricate woven hanging baskets to sturdy clay structures and expansive dome-shaped dwellings.

In the Caribbean, birds create hanging basket nests stretching up to six feet, often utilizing entire trees as their foundation. Argentina's national bird, the red ovenbird, meticulously builds mud 'ovens' that can take months to complete. Meanwhile, Eurasian penduline tits craft soft, pouch-shaped nests with precision.

Hamerkops in Africa construct colossal dome nests exceeding 1.5 meters in diameter, capable of holding significant weight and adorned with found objects. In the Sonoran Desert, Gila woodpeckers ingeniously carve homes into saguaro cacti, creating 'boots' that were historically used for water storage.