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Avian Architects: Wild Nests That Defy Belief
21 Nov
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.

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.


