Nesting

For other uses, see Nest (disambiguation).

A basket style nest

A nest is place of refuge built to hold an animal's eggs and/or provide a place to raise their offspring. They are usually made of some organic material such as twigs, grass, and leaves; or may simply be a depression in the ground, or a hole in a tree, rock or building.

Generally each species has a distinctive style of nest. Nests can be found in many different habitats.

Nests are built by birds, but also mammals, fish, insects and reptiles.

Some birds will build nests in trees, some (such as eagles, and many seabirds like Kittiwakes) will build them on rocky ledges, and some will build them on the ground.

A bird of prey's nest is also called an eyrie.

Common nest types:

• Ground nests
• Platform nests
• Cavity nests
• Cupped nests

Gallery

Single egg in the nest of a American Robin.	Nest in grass	Crows' nests	3 baby Great Horned Owls in their nest.
Inside of a bird's nest	Redwings typically make ground nests.	Baby birds in a nest

See also

• Birdnesting – the hobby of collecting nests and eggs
• bird's nest soup
• Crow's nest
• Nest box

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