Page 43 - ICSE Science 3 : E-book

Nesting Habits of Birds

Birds build nests to lay and hatch their eggs and to raise their young ones. They build

them in safe and hidden places like rooftops, old buildings, poles and hollows of
trees. The nests protect the eggs from enemies and bad weather. They also prevent
the eggs and young ones from falling down. Birds use leaves, twigs, grass, feathers,

wool, cotton, rags, mud and even pebbles to build their nests. Diff erent birds build

diff erent types of nests. The nests diff er in size, shape, location and the materials
used to build them.

Interesting nests of some birds

Pendant nests of weaver bird

A weaver bird weaves a pendant nest using its beak. It weaves
pieces of straw, twigs and grass to make a big and beautiful

nest. The nest hangs from the branch of a tree and has a
tunnel-like opening at the bottom through which the bird

enters its home.

Weaver bird’s nest
Cup-shaped nests of tailor bird

A tailor bird sews long leaves together to make its nest. It

makes holes on the edges of leaves with its f ine beak and
sews them with thread and wool. This is why it is called the

tailor bird. The bird keeps hair, wool, soft grass and cotton in

Tailor bird’s nest the nest to make it warm and comfortable.

Cavity nests of woodpecker

A woodpecker makes a cavity nest. It makes a hole in the tree
trunk by pecking it with its chisel-like strong and sharp beak.

It uses chips of wood to make its nest warm and comfortable
from inside. Woodpeckers build nesting holes in trees

throughout the year.

Woodpecker’s nest

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