Instructions for building a false nest

There are two types of false nests that you can create for baby birds, depending on where the original nest was.

The Cup Nest:

This type of nest can be used for birds that normally build their nests in the open, in such locations as on tree branches, on shrubs or hanging vines, on ledges or eaves troughs. Usually these nests are built in a location that is protected from the elements, and the babies nestle down in a cup-shaped depression in the middle of the nest. Most common species of songbirds, other than House Sparrows and European Starlings (How can I tell if I’ve found a House Sparrow or a European Starling?), use this type of nest.

This nest can be duplicated by following these steps:

1. Obtain an open plastic container—a large margarine tub or a berry basket usually works well—to use as the base for the new nest. Poke holes in the bottom (if using a tub) to allow for moisture drainage.

2. Pack nesting material into the container. If you have remnants of the original nest, this is ideal. If not, use dry grass packed tightly into the container. Push the nesting material down in the middle and up around the sides to form a cup shape just large enough to contain the babies snugly.

3. Thread several pieces of wire into a hole on the bottom of the container and out through another hole. These will become “fasteners” that can be used to wire the new nest in the original nest location.

4. Attach the new nest to the location of the original nest. It is important that the nest be as close as possible to the original since parent birds identify their babies by location. If you are not sure of the original location, look for signs such as remnants of nesting material or accumulation of feces to make your best guess.

5. Once the nest is securely in place, tuck the baby or babies firmly into it. Make sure that the babies are sitting upright with their legs tucked underneath them, and that the sides of the nest support the babies in this position.

6. Stand far away from the area and monitor from a distance for 1-2 hours to see if the parents return to care for the babies. If there is no sign of any adults interested in the nest within that time period, the babies need help.

The Cavity Nest:

This type of nest can be used for birds that normally nest in cavities, such as tree holes, air vents, openings in roof spaces or behind store signs. House sparrows and starlings use this type of nest. How can I identify House Sparrow or Starling babies? [link to subheading of same title]

This nest can be duplicated by following these steps:

1. Obtain a plastic jug—a windshield wiper fluid / antifreeze bottle works well. You can also use a gallon milk jug or two litre pop bottle (pop bottles are better suited for sparrows). Make sure the container is thoroughly rinsed and dried.

2. Poke holes in the bottom to allow for moisture drainage.

3. Cut a square section on the side of the container 2-3 inches from the bottom. Only cut three sides of the square – the bottom and the two sides. Leave the top of the square attached, so that the cut flap can be pulled up from the bottle to form an awning. The square should be about two inches on all sides to allow the parent birds to perch on the edge and feed their young.

4. Pack nesting material into the container. If you have remnants of the original nest, this is ideal. If not, use dry grass packed tightly into the container. The nesting material should be packed in tightly to better support the babies. Push the nesting material down in the middle and up around the sides to form a cup shape just large enough to contain the babies snugly. The bottom of the “cup” should be about one inch below the bottom of the cut hole.

5. Secure a piece of wire around the top of the container (if it is a jug with a handle, wrap the wire around the handle. If not, poke two holes on opposite sides of the top of the jug and thread a piece of wire through). This wire will become a “fastener” that can be used to wire the new nest in the original nest location.

6. Attach the new nest at the entry point of the original nest. With cavity dwelling birds, it may not be possible to get them back in the original cavity nest—this false nest is serving as a new cavity, so as long as the entrance point is still in the same location, the parents should continue to care for their young. For example, if the birds have nested in a vent on the side of a building, the false nest may have to be secured to the vent itself or strung from a fixture on the top of the building to hang over the vent. It is important that the nest be as close as possible to the original since parent birds identify their babies by location. If you are not sure of the original location, look for signs such as remnants of nesting material or accumulation of feces to make your best guess.

7. Once the nest is securely in place, tuck the baby or babies firmly into it. Make sure that the babies are sitting upright with their legs tucked underneath them, and that the sides of the nest support the babies in this position.

8. Leave the area and monitor from a distance for 1-2 hours to see if the parents return to care for the babies. If there is no sign of any adults interested in the nest within that time period, the babies need help.

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