This fabulous new book, just released by Princeton University Press, Avian Architecture: How Birds Design, Engineer, and Build
Peter Goodfellow has created a fascinating read combining “blueprint” drawings, with explanations, of each nest type as well as detailed drawings of the techniques and materials used by some specific species of birds.
I knew that hummingbirds, as well as many other bird species use spider webs in ther nest construction, but did you know that “spider silk is a protein fiber that has a relatively higher tensile strength than the steel cable typically used on suspension bridges, and is on a par with Kevlar fibers used to make bulletproof vests?” Just one of the many interesting facts I learned from this book.
Peter covers all kinds of bird nests from simple “Scrape Nests” to the unbelievable “Courts & Bowers” created by Bowerbirds (click on link to see an example of the chapter lead pages). Here is the lead page for the chapter on “Mud Nests.”
Following the illustrated pages on building techniques for the specific nest types you will find case studies of species that use this type of nest. Here is the page explaining the case studies with an awesome photo of a African Masked-Weaver!
Obviously, you can see from these page examples that the photos provided in this book are exemplary. I only wish I could show you the image on page 81 of the Winter Wren approaching the domed nest with an insect in her beak and the eager young, mouths agape, waiting. But, I guess you will have to purchase the book to see it, and the other 299 images. I recommend it!
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