| scientific wormhole
The magpie's nest is approximately spherical in shape, mostly distributed on large trees near houses, and the exterior is composed of dead branches, weeds, and dirt, which looks rough and messy. This has to make people wonder, can the magpie's nest really cover the wind and snow?
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="5" > "annunciation bird" magpie</h1>
Magpies are resident birds, with 10 subspecies, 40-50 cm long, black head, neck, back to tail, and purple, blue-green, green and other lusters from front to back.
The magpie's wings are also black , but there are large white spots on the shoulders ; the abdomen is divided by the chest , with black and white on the top. In addition to South America, Oceania, Antarctica, almost all over the world they are found.
They are very adaptable, whether it is mountains, plains, farmland, cities, can reproduce. But miraculously, the more human activity there is, the greater the magpie population.
Image source: Bird Net
Magpies are birds that are closely related to humans and are called "annunciation birds", and their calls are also regarded as "annunciation sounds". Cowherd weavers meet through the "Queqiao", and the window flowers posted by people often use magpie motifs.
Relevant surveys show that more than 80% of their annual food is harmful to crops, including locusts, slugs (lóu gū), scarab beetles and so on.
Magpies are not as fearful of humans as other birds, but often nest near houses. However, unlike the habit of house swallows to nest under the eaves, they do not nest directly in houses, but prefer to nest in nearby trees.
As we all know, the reason why the swallow chose to build a home under the eaves of human beings is because it can defend against natural enemies and prevent the nest from being destroyed by wind and rain.
However, magpies have abandoned such a good place as human eaves and chosen to build nests on large trees, why are their nests not afraid of wind and snow?
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="5" > "humble" home</h1>
Magpies breed relatively early, and in places with mild climates, they tend to start breeding in March, so nesting should start as early as possible.
The "location" of magpie nests is usually tall trees such as pine, poplar, willow, etc., and sometimes other trees are selected, and some magpies even nest on high-voltage electric pillars.
Therefore, the height of the magpie nest from the ground is mostly relatively high, usually between 7-15 meters.
At first glance, one will find a magpie's nest on the branches at the top of a large tree, as if it were casually erected with dead branches, rough and simple, but magpies can live in such nests for a long time.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="5" > intelligent builder</h1>
Many people are wondering why a magpie nest with such a sloppy appearance can play a role in shielding the wind and snow. In fact, the magpie's nest is "defeated outside, golden and jade inside", the outside is rough and simple, but the inside has a hole in the sky.
Magpies are architectural experts in nature and are very good at nesting, and it is not an exaggeration to say that their nests are "luxury villas".
From a distance, we can only see the dead branches and dirt outside the magpie's nest; however, the inside of the magpie's nest is composed of thin branches and dirt, and it is also cushioned with soft materials such as feathers, hemp, and grass roots to ensure the warmth and comfort of the nest.
In addition, the top of the magpie's nest is covered and very thick, and the branches are tightly arranged, which can effectively protect against wind and rain. In this way, the magpie's nest is not only not simple, but also very exquisite.
Of course, to live in such a good house, the magpie must spend a lot of time and effort. In particular, some magpie nests are large, reaching a height of 80 cm and a transverse diameter of 60 cm, which requires more effort.
It is understood that it takes 2 months from the magpie to the outside of the nest to form; it takes about 2 months to "decorate" the inside of the nest.
Therefore, some magpies begin to branch in the cold winter, and the male and female build their own homes together, but the former will be more difficult.
The first step in nesting: sunlight is indispensable
Don't underestimate the location, human beings have a deep understanding of this, once the location is wrong, then there will be a lot of trouble.
As mentioned earlier, magpie nests mostly appear on top of tall trees because magpies need to get plenty of sunlight from their nests.
Nesting Step 2: External Build
After choosing the address, it is time to start building the nest. Transporting the branches is a laborious task, the branches used on the outside of the magpie nest are thick, and the top of the tree is high from the ground, so it is usually the responsibility of the male, and the female is physically incompetent.
Initially, magpies would build the bottom of the nest at the fulcrum of the three branches; after laying a certain area, they would stand in the middle and build the outside of the nest along the periphery.
These branches crisscross and are not at all aligned with "neat", but in fact the structure is very complex and exquisite, which is a strong support for the whole nest.
The third step in nesting: interior decoration
A shell is not enough, whether it is to avoid the wind and snow or to breed the life of the chicks, further repairs must be made to the interior of the nest.
From the outside to the inside, the outermost layer of the magpie's nest is thick branches; then the soft branches, coiled into a hemispherical shape, placed in the lower part of the nest; followed by the magpies bit by bit of river mud, which they make a "mud bowl" and compact it with their feet;
The innermost layer is the cotton wool and feathers covered on the "mud bowl", which is equivalent to a mattress.
The magpie's nest has a lid on top and a beam under the top cover for strong support. In order to facilitate access, there will be 1-3 small circular holes on the sides of the nest, just large enough for magpies to enter and exit.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="5" > "dove occupies the magpie's nest"</h1>
The magpie's nest perfectly embodies the wisdom of birds nesting, but it is not indestructible, and when encountering powerful natural forces, such as large typhoons, not to mention bird's nests, even trees can be destroyed.
Red-footed falcon
In addition, magpies may also encounter the sad situation of "doves occupying the magpie's nest". Some birds that are not good at nesting, such as the red-footed falcon, may occupy an old nest they abandoned, or a new nest that has just been built. However, in the face of enemies trying to snatch the nest, the magpies will also launch a fierce attack.
————————————
The pictures in this article originated from the Internet, if there is any infringement, please contact to delete