There are a number of animals that build nests on the ground, including:
Birds
Some ground-nesting birds include:
- Killdeer
- Quails
- Plovers
- Nighthawks
- Owls
Ground-nesting birds often choose exposed, rocky, or gravelly areas to build nests. The coloration of their eggs and feathers provides camouflage to avoid detection from predators. Building nests on the ground allows easy access for the adult birds to enter and exit the nest. However, ground nests are more vulnerable to predators and human interference than tree nests.
Mammals
Some mammals that build nests on the ground are:
- Rabbits
- Hares
- Prairie dogs
- Hamsters
- Guinea pigs
- Capybaras
These mammals dig burrows and tunnels underground to create nest cavities. The entrance to the burrow is found above ground. Nesting below ground helps protect the young from predators and regulate stable temperatures. Grass, leaves, fur, and other soft materials are often used as lining inside the nest.
Reptiles
Reptiles that build ground nests include:
- Turtles
- Alligators
- Crocodiles
- Some snakes
Female turtles dig nest cavities with their hind legs to bury their eggs. The eggs incubate underground until they hatch. Alligators and crocodiles also create mounds of vegetation as nests for their eggs. Ground nesting allows the eggs to be incubated in suitable warm and moist conditions.
Insects
Many insects build nests on the ground, such as:
- Ants
- Termites
- Wasps
- Bees
- Yellow jackets
Insect nests contain elaborate tunnel systems below ground. The nest provides a dark, warm environment suitable for rearing young. Workers will forage above ground for food to bring back to the colony. Ground nesting helps conceal the location of the nest from threats.
Characteristics of Ground Nests
There are some common features of animal ground nests:
- Often dome or bowl-shaped construction
- Lined with soft materials like grass, feathers, or fur
- Camouflaged or hidden location
- Cavity dug into the ground or mound built above ground
- Regulates stable temperature and humidity
- Protects offspring and colony members
The position of ground nests allows easy access for adults to enter and exit. Nests are strategically built in locations with adequate food, water, and material sources nearby. Ground nesting provides shelter and safety, especially for breeding and raising young.
Advantages of Ground Nests
There are some key advantages to building nests on the ground:
- Protection – Being underground or hidden in vegetation protects eggs and offspring from predators and weather.
- Temperature regulation – The surrounding earth helps insulate nests and prevent overheating or getting too cold.
- Concealment – Ground level nests are more concealed than aerial nests in trees and cliffs.
- Availability of materials – It is easier to access ground materials like grass, leaves, twigs for nest building close to the ground.
- Ease of access – Ground level allows easy entry and exit access to the nest for adult animals.
Disadvantages of Ground Nests
There are also some disadvantages to nesting on the ground:
- More accessible to predators like foxes, coyotes, snakes that hunt on the ground
- Vulnerable to being trampled by large animals or damaged by machinery
- Exposure to parasites living in the ground
- Risk of flooding in rain or run-off
- Less protection from high winds and storms
Examples of Animal Ground Nests
Here are some more details on common animal ground nests:
Rabbit Nest
- Dome or bowl-shaped depression dug into the ground
- Lined with grass, leaves, fur
- Often has overhead coverage of vegetation
- Used to birth and nurse young rabbits
Turtle Nest
- Dug with the female’s hind legs
- Egg chamber averages 30 cm deep
- Holds average of 100-200 eggs
- Eggs incubate 60-100 days before hatching
Prairie Dog Burrow
- Tunnels 2-16 feet deep
- Multiple entrances and chambers
- Dome shaped mound of excavated dirt at entrance
- Provides shelter, nursery, and hibernation quarters
Bumble Bee Nest
- Often in abandoned rodent nests or cavities
- Insulated with grass, moss, leaves, shed hairs
- Contains wax honey pots and egg cells
- Up to 400 worker bees may occupy nest
Killdeer Nest
- Shallow scrape or depression in gravel or bare ground
- Lined with pebbles, wood chips, plant debris
- Clutch is typically 4 speckled, camouflaged eggs
- Adults feign injury to distract predators from nest
Conclusion
In summary, a wide variety of animals build nests on the ground, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. Ground nesting provides protection, ease of access, and temperature regulation necessary for rearing offspring. Nest materials are readily available close to the ground. While ground nests are more concealed, they face increased risks from predators and weather compared to elevated nest locations. Understanding different types of animal ground nests provides insight into their unique breeding behaviors and habitat requirements.