Bushtit nest

Psaltriparus minimus

Description:

A sock-like hanging nest attached to an alder tree limb about 4 meters above the ground. Constructed with moss, lichens, plant materials and spider webs.

Habitat:

Spotted at the West Hylebos Wetlands Park near one of the trails. Located in a small meadow next to dense mixed forest and wetlands with plenty of nest building materials to be found. The range is the west coast of North America from Washington state to Mexico and eastward throughout the Rocky Mountains to New Mexico.

Notes:

Both the male and female assist in nest building, but what is really interesting about bushtits is sometimes they will get assistance from other bushtits in the nest building and even in incubating the eggs (this is usually from birds that where unsuccessful in breeding or simply didn't breed). Males build from the interior out while the females concentrate on the bowl, where the eggs will be laid and she will use softer materials like feathers and moss. The nest are only used for one season.

Species ID Suggestions

9 Comments

Maria dB 6 years ago

Interesting that other birds will help with the nest. American crows and brown-headed nuthatches get assistance with raising the young but usually from their older males siblings from the previous year's broods.

Leuba Ridgway 6 years ago

Interesting information. Thanks.

Brian38 6 years ago

Thanks Ava and Mark for commenting and thank you Ashley for the nomination.

Ava T-B 6 years ago

Interesting notes. Thanks.

AshleyT 6 years ago

Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!