47 Nests on buildings Some birds, particularly house martins, swifts, swallows, and storks build their nests in stone and brick houses. Walls and window-ledges make an ideal home for cliff-nesting birds; while rooftops and chimneys are used by birds that originally nested in tree-tops. Tree substitute Some storks pile up their stick nests on chimneys and the tops of buildings. Hedgerow birds pick sites by height – this blackbird has chosen a broom. Purnima Devi Barman Indian biologist Purnima Devi Barman has helped to conserve greater adjutant storks in Assam, India. She formed a group of more than 10,000 women living in rural areas who saved nesting colonies by teaching other villagers about the birds. This discouraged people from cutting down trees where the storks nested. EYEWITNESS Nightingale in the nest Ready for recycling This nightingale’s loosely made nest is formed of leaves, grass, and reeds. Loose nests may be dismantled by other birds for “recycling” after their owners have left. Lining made of hair collected from ferns and bark against which animals have rubbed Loosely made cup-shaped nest Grass lining on inside of cup Female reed bunting at nest A hair-filled nest Reed buntings build small cup-shaped nests on or near the ground. The female first builds a frame of thick grass. She then adds a lining of fur or hair, plucked from hedgerows or barbed wire. Outer cup made of grass, leaves, and stems