roost

A roost is a place where animals rest or sleep, especially at night. In birds, a roost is any perch or site used for sleeping, typically distinct from a nest. Birds choose roosts to avoid predators, conserve energy, and regulate body temperature. Roosts can be in trees, on cliffs, in caves, or inside buildings and other structures. Many species form communal roosts, sometimes with hundreds or thousands of individuals, which can aid thermoregulation but may increase disease transmission and competition. Roosting behavior varies by species; some birds roost in cavities, others on exposed branches, and some adjust roost height with the season.

The term roost is also used for other animals, notably bats, which use caves, hollow trees, or man-made structures as day roosts. In bats, roost selection is influenced by temperature, humidity, and predator risk. Domesticated animals such as poultry also use roosts: perches inside barns enable chickens to sleep off the floor, reducing injury and disease risk. Effective roost design considers perch diameter, spacing, height, and ease of cleaning, as well as predator protection and sanitation.

Distinctions: a roost refers to a resting site, while a nest is typically the breeding site. The word roost appears in Middle English, with uncertain exact linguistic origins.