Nesting

[poornima lagadapati]

Nesting behaviour refers to an instinct or urge in pregnant animals associated with an increase of estradiol (E2) [1] to prepare a home for the upcoming newborn(s). Nest building provides protection against predators and competitors that mean to exploit or kill infants.[2] It also aids in family structure[3] and is therefore influenced by different mating behaviours and social settings.[2] It is found in a variety of animals such as birds, fish, squirrels, mice and pigs as well as humans.[4][5] Nesting behaviour is seen mostly in pregnant females but such behaviour can also be observed in males and non-pregnant females. In these cases the behaviour is more for temperature control (thermoregulation)

 

[Himanshi Agarwal]

Most birds build nests in which the eggs are laid. Nests vary widely: they may be a scrape in the sand, a deep burrow, a hole in a tree or rock, an open cup, a globular or retort-shaped mass with a side entrance tube, or an elaborately woven hanging structure. The materials with which nests are made also vary widely.