How to Identify Bird Nests in Massachusetts
- 1). Measure the nest size. The size of a bird's nest will help narrow down the size of bird that built it. Smaller nests, such as one with dimensions of 4 inches across, 4 inches high and two inches deep would indicate the bird is near the size of an American robin.
- 2). Examine the structure of the nest. A nest may be structured in a variety of ways, each particular to specific types of birds. A hawk's nest resembles a platform and is built in the tree tops or on shallow water. Nests formed in the shape of a cup usually belong to songbirds. Orioles will build nests that suspend from the tips of branches in a bag-like fashion.
- 3). Observe the contents of the nest. Certain species of birds prefer to use materials such as mud, grass or sticks to create a nest. On the inside, a nest will be covered in a lining made up of soft materials such as cotton, feathers, fur or hair, depending on the type of bird.
- 4). Examine the eggs in the nest. You can use them to determine the type of bird found there. Different bird species lay eggs of varying sizes, shapes and colors.
- 5). Watch for parent birds returning to the nest. The most effective way to tell what type of bird has built a nest is to observe the birds in the nest area. Parent birds will regularly spend their time tending to the nest if the female has laid eggs recently.
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