Interesting Bird Eggs & Nests
As spring arrives in the UK, one of nature's most heart-warming spectacles begins: British birds nesting. From robins to blackbirds, swallows to wrens, birds across the country are busy building their homes, marking the beginning of a new generation. The nesting season, which typically runs from March to July, is a vital time for both bird species and the environment.
Nesting is an instinctive and meticulous process for birds. It involves the careful selection of materials—twigs, grasses, feathers, and even human-made objects like string or plastic. Different species prefer different nesting sites, with some opting for tree branches, others for the safety of a shed or a barn, and a few, like the house sparrow, preferring nooks in buildings. As the UK's wildlife faces challenges like habitat loss and climate change, the importance of supporting these nesting birds has never been greater. Creating a bird-friendly garden by providing food, water, and safe nesting spaces can make a big difference. Whether you’re setting up a bird box or planting native shrubs, every effort counts in helping our feathered friends thrive.
This Easter we are celebrating some of the most interesting nests and eggs from British birds.
Long-Tailed Tit’s Nest
- Eggs: The eggs of the long-tailed tit are tiny—about the size of a marble—and a pale, soft pink or cream colour with subtle speckling, making them hard to spot in their intricately woven nests.
- Nest: This bird creates one of the most amazing nests in the UK. The long-tailed tit builds a spherical, moss-covered nest that’s camouflaged in trees, sometimes in hedgerows, using cobwebs, feathers, and lichen for insulation.
Common Cuckoo’s Behaviour
- Eggs: The cuckoo’s egg is interesting because it is often laid in the nests of other birds, typically those of smaller songbirds. The eggs are generally pale and have varying degrees of speckling, but they often mimic the eggs of the host species.
- Nest: Rather than building their own nests, cuckoos practice parasitism—laying their eggs in the nests of species like reed warblers or meadow pipits. The young cuckoo, once hatched, will often push the other eggs or chicks out of the nest to receive all the parental care.
Guillemot’s Eggs
- Eggs: Guillemot eggs are quite unique with their striking appearance. They are pear-shaped and come in a variety of colours, from pale blue to green, often with darker speckling. The pear shape is an adaptation that prevents the egg from rolling off cliffs.
- Nest: Guillemots don't build traditional nests. Instead, they nest on narrow ledges and rocky outcrops along the cliffs. The eggs are laid directly on the rock, and the parents will carefully incubate them, ensuring they don't roll off the edge. The egg’s shape helps keep it in place.
Reed Warbler’s Nest
- Egg Description: Reed warbler eggs are small, pale brown or creamy white with dark speckling. These eggs blend perfectly with the natural materials of the nest, making them hard to spot.
- Nest: Reed warblers build their nests in the dense reed beds near wetlands. The nests are intricately woven from reeds and grasses, suspended among the plants. These cup-shaped nests are carefully constructed to be both well-hidden and protected from predators and the elements.
These additions showcase even more of the diverse nesting behaviors and unique egg characteristics of birds in the UK. From the dramatic cliffside nests of the guillemot to the delicate, camouflaged homes of reed warblers, British birds truly offer a fascinating array of nesting habits.