järgnest

Järgnest is a term used in ornithology to describe the nesting behavior of certain bird species where they construct their nests on or near existing structures built by other animals or even human-made objects. This behavior is often a strategy to utilize readily available resources or to gain an advantage in terms of predator protection and accessibility.

One common example of järgnest is when birds build nests within the abandoned burrows of mammals, such as rabbits or badgers. These burrows provide a pre-existing cavity that offers shelter from the elements and concealment from predators. Similarly, some species might utilize old nests of other bird species, adapting them for their own use.

Human-made structures also frequently become sites for järgnest. Birds may nest in the eaves of buildings, under bridges, or within abandoned machinery. These artificial environments can mimic natural structures like cliffs or tree cavities, providing suitable nesting substrates and protection. The term emphasizes the opportunistic nature of these birds, leveraging the efforts of others to establish their own breeding sites. This behavior highlights the adaptability of avian species in response to available environmental conditions.