Home security This incredible nest is built by a West African weaver bird. Its long trumpet shape prevents predatory snakes from crawling inside. Shared housing Colonial nests, although never quite this elegant, are built by a variety of birds. Basket nest The reed warbler’s nest hangs between dried stems deep in a reed bed. The nest is anchored with “handles” rather like those on a basket. Social weavers This elaborate bell-shaped nest is made by the male village weaver. When finished, he flutters around the nest to entice a mate to move in. Like most weavers, the village weaver is highly social – hundreds of birds often build their nests in the same tree. Thorn tree twig Reeds Nest chamber Entrance Grass strands Entrance funnel to deter snakes Grasses woven together to form a tube Nest chamber Entrance hole Feathers Interlocking mixture of moss, hair, and spider webs Tight fit The long-tailed tit’s nest is made up of moss, hair, and spider webs, and is lined with tiny feathers. However, it is so cramped that the male or female can only fit inside by curling their tail against the nest. Nest of long- tailed tit Nest made of reed flowers, grasses, and feathers