eyry

An eyry, also spelled eyrie, is the nest of a bird of prey such as an eagle, hawk, or falcon. Eyuries are typically located high in exposed places such as cliff ledges, tall trees, or sometimes human-made structures, and are used for breeding and rearing young. The term is used in ornithology; common plural forms include eyries and aeries.

Eyry nests are large, bulky structures built mainly of sticks. They form a platform with a central hollow or cup that is lined with softer materials such as grass, feathers, or hair. Nests are often reused for many breeding seasons, with new material added and the interior refurbished over time. In some species the nest may be rebuilt after loss or severe weather.

Eyry sites are defended by breeding birds against intruders. The elevation and surrounding landscape provide vantage for spotting prey and protecting fledglings from predators. The location of an eyry can influence breeding success, with prey availability, weather, and human disturbance affecting outcomes. Many raptor species exhibit high site fidelity, returning to the same eyry year after year.

Protection of eyry sites is part of raptor conservation, as disturbance during breeding can lead to nest abandonment. Some famous eyry locations attract researchers and conservationists, and in some regions old nests are preserved as cultural or natural heritage.