Birds play a crucial role in our ecosystem by controlling insect populations, pollinating plants, and spreading seeds. They are also incredible engineers, with the ability to build intricate nests to provide shelter and protection for their eggs and chicks.
Birds have a remarkable ability to build complex—and beautiful— nests. We’re probably most familiar with cup-shaped bird nests made from twigs and grass, but this is just one of many designs that birds use to create a home where they can nurture and protect their young. Depending on their habitat and way of life, a bird’s nest can float on water, teeter on the highest outcrop, or hide inside the trunk of a tree.
In this beautifully illustrated book, young readers will discover the remarkable variety of nest-building techniques used by birds from around the world, and marvel at their ingenious use of materials—from soft feathers and cushioning moss to spiders’ silk and sticky spittle.
Contributors
Lucy Menzies
Author
Lucy Menzies is an author and editor based in the UK. She was the commissioning editor of the Little People Big Dreams series.
Namasri Niumim
Illustrated By
Namasri Niumim is an illustrator living in Thailand. Born and raised in Bangkok, she graduated with a degree in fine arts and communication design from the School of Architecture and Design at King Mongkut’s University of Technology in Thonburi, Thailand. She is the illustrator of 59 Things You Should Know About Your Cat. Follow her on Instagram @namasriniumim.
Douglas Russell
Consultant Editor
Douglas Russell is the senior curator responsible for the internationally renowned bird egg and nest collections at the Natural History Museum in London. He is the author of several books about bird nests, including the Smithsonian Handbook of Interesting Bird Nests and Eggs.
