Nest structure: The long-tailed tit

1

A nest site is chosen between some thin, upright branches, often deep within bramble or gorse bushes where the thorns offer protection from predators. A simple layer of moss is built up and secured to the branches with silk.

2

Both birds gradually build up the nest by adding moss and lichen to the rim whilst sitting inside the nest cup, and use spider silk to secure the nest to the branches.

3

The final nest has a domed roof and is lined with up to 1,500 feathers. Finished nests have about 300 sprigs of moss, and about 3,000 lichen flakes, all held together by 600 spider silk egg cocoons.