Common Tailorbird Nest

Description:

Common Tailorbird nest constructed on a Costus igneus plant, after heavy downpour, had fallen down, on the ground. The nest was empty. This nest was made up of leaves, fine dried grass and cotton. Tailorbirds get their name from the way their nest is constructed. The edges of a large leaf are pierced and sewn together with plant fibre or spider silk to make a cradle in which the actual nest is built. They stitch leaves together to support and conceal their nests.

Habitat:

This passerine bird is typically found in open farmland, scrub, forest edges and gardens.

Notes:

Nest building for the Common Tailorbird is a job undertaken by the female. The male can be seen escorting the female on her material collection rounds. Using a single leaf or a cluster of leaves, the 'cover' of the nest is formed by the female who meticulously pierces an equal number of holes on each leaf edge with its finely pointed bill as a needle. Spider silk or fine grass serve as thread. Stitching back and forth through the holes, the bird joins each leaf seam together, tying knots as it sews and leaving an entrance hole at the top. Fine strands of grass are used to weave the cup nest inside the folded leaf. Once that is completed, feathers, cotton and other materials are used to line the inside of the nest that would keep the nestlings warm.