nidi

Nidi is the plural form of nido in Italian and refers to structures built by animals to shelter eggs and offspring. The term covers a range of designs across taxa—from avian nests to insect domiciles—and can also describe artificial nesting platforms created by people to support wildlife.

Bird nests are the most familiar type of nido. They vary in shape and placement, from cup-shaped and domed to hanging or ground-based forms. Construction materials include twigs, grasses, roots, feathers, and spider silk. Nests provide insulation, support incubation, and protect growing chicks from weather and predators. Birds often invest substantial energy in building and maintaining their nests; some species reuse or repair nests across seasons while others rebuild annually. Nest characteristics reflect climate, food availability, and parental strategies.

Insect nests include those of social species such as ants, termites, and bees or wasps. These structures range from subterranean tunnels and mounds to above-ground paper-like envelopes and wax combs. They house brood and food stores and often feature divisions to control microclimate and defense. Many insect nests are constructed with readily available environmental materials and may be renovated as colonies grow.

Ecological and conservation considerations: nests influence predation risk, parasite load, and local habitat structure. Urban environments can host artificial or adapted nesting sites for birds and insects, supporting biodiversity but also creating management challenges in some settings. The study of nests, including their construction, placement, and brood outcomes, falls within ornithology and entomology.