When you think of a bird’s nest, where do you think of the bird’s nest? Most people imagine a cup nestled in a tree, and understandably so. We’ve all seen a bird’s nest in a tree at some point, and our media has reinforced this image in TV and movies. There are valid reasons for building nests in trees. Many birds, from tiny songbirds to giant hawks, nest in trees to protect themselves from predators. However, some birds are bucking the trend. These birds may build flat platforms, scrapers, or dig holes on or in the ground to house their eggs. There are so many birds that nest on the ground that it is difficult to list them all. That said, it’s much easier to separate them into categories.
In this article, we’ll look at 5 types of ground-nesting birds. In addition, we will provide specific examples of birds exhibiting this behavior within each category. Here are five groups of birds that nest on the ground.
#5: Waterfowl
The term shorebirds refers to a group of birds that live in coastal wetlands and near shorelines. Although sometimes synonymous with wading birds, shorebirds include non-wading birds that live near shores and mudflats. Shorebirds include parakeets, terns, gulls, sandpipers, stilts, plovers, puffins and penguins. Usually found near rocky or sandy shorelines and shallow water, most shorebirds migrate to areas with more temperate climates during the winter. Some of the longest migrating birds are from shorebirds. These birds spend summer in arctic or subarctic habitats and in tropical environments on the other side of the world. Most shorebirds that nest on the ground do so because trees grow sparsely in their natural habitat. Therefore, they adapted to nest on rocks or sand.
American parakeets nest in large colonies that may consist of hundreds of birds. They nest near water, especially on islands with little vegetation. American alligators dig out an empty nest and line it up with feathers, rocks, grass, and other small items. To keep the eggs from overheating, the adults may wet their bodies to cool the eggs as they hatch. The Atlantic puffin is another bird that nests on the ground, or rather, in the ground. They usually burrow in the dirt or build their nests in crevices between rocks. The nest is then covered with grass and twigs to provide insulation and protection for the eggs. Unlike most birds, puffins may reuse the same nest year after year rather than building a new one.
#4: Game Bird
Game birds include any number of birds traditionally hunted by humans. Species included in the game bird category include quail, partridge, pheasant, turkey, grouse, and guinea fowl. Almost all game birds nest on the ground, since most are not good enough flyers to nest in trees. Most game birds do not migrate, but live in their breeding habitat year-round. Many game birds nest inside the refuge, while others nest in the open air. Also, because of their use for sport hunting, some game birds now live on managed estates. Groundskeepers ensure there are enough game birds to breed to ensure their numbers remain stable for continued hunting. There is also a large commercial industry that raises game birds for mass consumption. That said, many game birds continue to live in the wild.
Wild turkeys mostly nest in woodland habitats. However, they tend to nest near treelines near roads, fields, or other clearings. Nests are built in shallow depressions in the ground, lined with branches and arbor vegetation. They make their nests in areas with ample overhead cover, such as under bushes or under low-hanging tree branches. Guinea fowl also nest on the ground. Their instinct is to choose a secluded spot for their den, including areas with tall grass or fallen branches. That said, since guinea fowl live in groups, multiple females may lay eggs in the same nest. A nest can hold up to 50 eggs at a time and will continue to grow until one of the females decides to hatch the nest.
#3: Waterfowl
The term waterfowl refers to a variety of waterfowl, especially swimming game birds. Species that fall under the waterfowl tag include ducks, geese, and swans. Most waterfowl live near wetlands and are birds that nest on the ground. They tend to nest near water because their hatchlings are precocious. This means that shortly after hatching, waterfowl chicks are able to move around and take care of themselves. Therefore, waterfowl have no biological incentive to build their nests in trees or at high altitudes to protect their young from predators. Many species migrate to warmer climates after the breeding season, returning in the spring once the weather changes.
Mute swans have a unique method of nest building. Many choose to nest in lakes or on islands near lakes. Mute swans build large cup-shaped nests, the largest being 6 feet long and 1.5 to 2 feet high. Cobs build nests out of vegetation and feathers. However, if she doesn’t meet a woman’s standards, she might let him start all over again. Unlike mute swans, American swans choose to nest away from the water. It is not uncommon to find wild bird nests more than 100 feet from the edge of the nearest body of water. To protect their eggs, they hide their nests in overgrown areas. The female bird builds a nest and then fills it with grass, aquatic plants and feathers.
#2: Wading Birds
Waders are sometimes confused with shorebirds, including long-legged birds that live primarily near wetland habitats. Wading birds include flamingos, spoonbills, storks, ibis, cranes, herons and herons. Most wading birds that nest on the ground do so near marshes, lakes, or swamps. That said, many wading birds choose to nest on the water, including wood storks and great blue herons. Like shorebirds and waterfowl, most waders migrate to regions with more temperate climates during the winter. However, some will remain in their breeding range year-round.
Flamingos build unique nests out of dirt, stones, hay, and feathers. Both males and females work together to build a nest. They use their beaks to drag dirt and objects into mounds, and then use their feet to shape their nests. The entire process can take up to six weeks. By the time they’re done, the mound will likely be nearly 12 inches off the ground. Sandhill cranes, meanwhile, build flat platform nests out of twigs, grasses, twigs, and weeds. The female is ultimately responsible for building the nest, while the male will help gather the material. By the time the female has finished building the platform, the sandhill crane’s nest can be four to five feet long. However, the female may continue to add material while the eggs are incubating.
#1: Songbird
Songbirds include any of more than 5,000 different species of perching birds. While most songbirds nest in trees, some birds also nest on the ground. These include recluse thrushes, bobolinks, larks, meadowlarks and certain species of sparrows and warblers. Often, songbirds will nest in trees to protect themselves from predators. Songbird chicks must remain in the nest for days or weeks before they can leave and fend for themselves. This inability to take care of themselves is the reason most songbirds nest at high altitudes, away from predators. Songbirds that nest on the ground, however, have found a different way to keep their young safe.
The western meadowpit nests in open prairies and meadows in the western United States, Mexico, and Canada. Female meadowpittles choose nesting sites based on how secluded they are. In general, they will choose a place with low ground and surrounded by vegetation. While most western meadowlarks build simple or cupped nests, others go to great lengths to protect their young. These enterprising mothers will weave together the surrounding grass to make a cover for their nest. Bobolinks are another ground-nesting songbird. Like the western meadowpit, the female chooses the nesting site and builds the nest herself. The nest is usually built on moist soil in a cup shape of woven stems and grass. Once the shape is ready, the female bobolink will line it with soft sedge and grass.
I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
