PhD student, wildlife biologist, Macquarie University

Kiara L'Herpiniere does not work, consult, own shares or obtain funds from any company or organization that will benefit from this article, and does not disclose any related affiliation other than academic appointments.

Macquarie University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

I want to know how birds build their nests? How do they know how to weave the branches together and what makes the branches stick together? – Miguel, 10 years old, Brisbane

Hi Miguel, thanks for the great question!

The first thing to know is that not all birds build nests. For example, the father of Emperor Penguins put their precious eggs on their feet (to keep them away from the frozen ground).

Some birds, such as cuckoos, lay their eggs in other people's nests. Others place them on the ground between leaves or pebbles, or on cliffs with little protection.

For nesting birds, there is one main goal: to ensure the safety of their eggs and chicks.

Many birds also nest in tree holes, including parrots. This is just one reason why it is important not to cut down trees!

At the same time, Kookaburra uses their powerful beaks to drill into termite nests and build a comfortable nest inside. The cute spotted parrot will dig a small cave on the side of the embankment-at the end of the tunnel there is a safe and comfortable place to lay eggs.

Some birds, such as bush turkeys, spend months building huge mounds on the ground, which heat up from the inside. The male turkey ensures that the ground temperature in the mound is just right, and then allows the female to lay eggs in it. He will eat a big bite of soil around the egg and check if the egg is too hot or too cold.

Birds have built many different types of nests. There are floating nests, cup-shaped, dome, pendulum and basket-shaped nests. They can be made from sticks, branches, leaves, grass, moss and even dirt.

Mud bowl nests made by magpies (also called "peewees"), apostle birds, and tits look like terracotta plant pots. To do this, they collect dirt and grass in their beaks and then shake them to mix them with saliva. Then they can attach it to the branches and build upwards until the nest is completed.

In fact, bird saliva is a very strong and sticky material that can be used to build nests. Birds often mix saliva and mud to make a glue. Some swiftlets build nests entirely with solidified saliva. People even eat these bird's nests in bird's nest soup!

Willie Wagtails use another type of glue-sticky spider webs. They use spider webs to "stitch" the grass together. The spider webs also help keep the nest strong against wind and water. They must perfect the technique of collecting spider webs, otherwise it will get entangled in their feathers.

Magpies and crows are common visitors to our garden, and they are also smart nesters. Not only can they skillfully put wooden sticks into the bowl, but they can also use many man-made materials in the nest. You may find that they use fabric, rope or wire to hold the nest together.

Some people even saw red kites and other birds "decorating" their nests with human trash. Australian partridges spread a thick layer of kangaroo poop on the inside of their nest, followed by soft down, to keep their chicks warm.

Read more: Headphones, saw blades, hangers: how human trash in Australia's bird's nest has changed in 195 years

In order to actually weave the nest, birds usually create a base by layering branches or branches where they want. Then they knit the selected material with their beaks and feet to hold the sticks in place.

They can pull the strip of material back and forth with their beaks, just like weaving a carpet. They can even tie a knot! Making nests can take a long time, so they are often reused year after year. Weaver birds are very good at weaving. They can build complex nests, covering entire trees and having several rooms.

In short, birds are very intelligent animals. They use their wisdom, along with their beaks and feet, to find the smartest way to make a nest out of any available material. They do better in this regard by learning from other people (such as parents or peers).

Read more: Why are bird eggs colored? New research shows that this is related to the shape of their nests

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