Ninhos

Ninhos is the plural form of ninho in Portuguese, referring to structures built by animals, especially birds, to protect eggs and raise their young. The term is used in scientific and common language across Portuguese-speaking regions.

Construction and materials vary widely by species. Birds commonly use plant materials such as twigs, grasses, leaves, and mud, sometimes adding feathers, spider silk, or man-made fibers to strengthen or insulate the structure. In some groups, nests are reinforced with saliva, notably in certain swiftlets whose nests are harvested for culinary use in some cultures.

Types and locations also show diversity. Nests can be cup-shaped, dome-shaped, or pendant and hanging, or they may be platform-like. Some birds occupy cavities in trees, rock faces, or burrows, while others place nests on branches, ledges, or even on human-made structures. Ground nests are often shallow depressions lined with vegetation.

Function and biology are centered on offspring protection and development. Nests provide shelter from weather and predators, create a suitable microclimate for incubation and growth, and influence reproductive success. Parental care typically includes incubation, brooding, and feeding of nestlings until fledging.

Human interactions and conservation are notable aspects of nest-related biology. People manage habitats to support birds through the use of nest boxes, platforms, and other artificial structures. Threats to nesting success include habitat loss, predation by invasive species, climate change, and pollution. In some contexts, nests—especially those made from saliva—have economic and cultural significance.