Nests

Nests are structures or locations built by animals to support breeding and rearing offspring. They vary widely in size, complexity, and location, and are made from a range of materials such as plant fibers, mud, saliva, or soil. Nests protect eggs and young from predators and weather, provide insulation, and in some species accommodate social living or food storage. Some species reuse or repair nests across breeding seasons.

Birds construct many kinds of nests, including cup nests woven from twigs and grasses, platform nests that are broad and flat, and ground nests built directly on or just above the ground. Nest sites can be found in trees, shrubs, cliffs, reed beds, or even human-made structures. Nest architecture reflects climate, predation risk, and parental care needs, and eggs are typically incubated by one or both parents.

Insects form elaborate nests as well. Social wasps and bees build papery or waxy nests, mud nests, or subterranean chambers. Ants create extensive underground or arboreal nests with ventilation networks, while termites construct large mounds or tunnel systems. Each nest type supports a colony, brood, food stores, and climate control suited to the species.

Other animals also use nest-like structures. Rodents and some small mammals gather plant material to create warm nests in sheltered locations. Bats roost in colonies within caves or structures, which function similarly to nests for shelter and temperature regulation, though they are typically referred to as roosts rather than nests.

Ecology and conservation: Nest success depends on weather, predation, disease, and human disturbance. Nests are frequently used in ecological studies to gauge population trends and habitat quality.