THE BEST ARCHITECT IN THE WORLD

Birds – and also insects – are among Nature’s master architects. Using just their beaks and starting out with one piece of grass, they are able to build functional homes in which to live, reproduce, and care for their young. The recycled sticks, branches, grass, and mud they use to construct their shelters are true masterpieces that keep them safe from predators.

The weaver bird family (Ploceidae) is widely recognised as one of nature’s top architects for its 118 species’ talent in creating intricately woven nests. Their masterpieces of a home are a rival to any human feat of engineering and a source of inspiration for treehouse and hanging chair designers alike. (KFBG blog)

Weavers are small birds related to finches. The birds have their own styles and strategies for building elaborate nests, but no matter the various styles or materials used, all are mind-blowing. (Treehugger)

To build its abode, the bird tears long strips from leaves of grass, reed, palm or bamboo to use as “threads”. The work begins with tying leaf strips around an anchor point (it can be a branch, a palm leaf or even an electric cable) to hang the nest. Then with a loop here, a tuck there, and the twist of a knot, the bird will make a wreath before moving on to construct the front door.

A researcher once took an abandoned nest apart and found that it is the product of a whooping 3,437 “threads” – what a feat of dedication and meticulousness!

Take a look at the weaver bird’s green architecture.

(Pictures via @fopminui)