Nature’s Architects
Birds are one of our planet’s first architects, engineers and builders! Constructing a bird nest is no simple task. Each must match its maker, large or small. The nest must keep the chicks warm and safely contained. Meet Eider Duck and Ovenbird and find out how they build their nests!
EIDER DUCK
HABITAT: Coast line
Eider ducks stay close to the ocean and adjoining coast line as this is where they like to fish for food.
NEST BUILDING: 2 weeks
Female eider ducks pluck the feathers from their chests and use it to build a nice warm nest on the ground close to water, among rocks or plants.
FOOD: Seafood
Eider ducks will eat mussels and sea urchins, mollusks and crustaceans.
OVENBIRD
HABITAT: Forests
Ovenbirds like to stay in forests where they can find insects among the foliage.
NEST BUILDING: 4 weeks
Ovenbirds will wait until it rains, then use red clay mixed with mud and plant fibres to build a round or oven-shaped nest in the trees.
FOOD: Insects
Ovenbirds will eat beetles, ants, caterpillars, flies and other creepy crawlies.
