Quick Answer
In most cases, yes, mama birds will return to a disturbed nest as long as the eggs or baby birds are not harmed or removed. Mama birds have a strong instinct to nurture their young, even in the face of disturbances to the nest. However, repeatedly disturbing a nest may cause the mama bird to permanently abandon it.
Can disturbing a bird’s nest cause abandonment?
Disturbing a bird’s nest can potentially cause the mama bird to abandon her eggs or hatchlings. However, in most cases, the mama bird will return to the nest even if it has been interfered with by humans. Here are some key factors:
– Timing – Early in the incubation period, abandonment is more likely than later on when the maternal incubation instinct is stronger. Disturbance when the eggs are close to hatching is less likely to cause abandonment.
– Severity of disturbance – Minimal disturbances like briefly touching the nest are less likely to cause abandonment than more severe disturbances like repeatedly reaching into the nest.
– Type of bird – Some birds are more sensitive than others. For example, hummingbirds are more likely to abandon a nest than robins.
– Availability of alternative nesting sites – If suitable nesting spots are scarce, a mama bird may be forced to reuse a disturbed nest.
Example nest disturbances
– Human touches or moves the nest – Brief contact by a human hand is less threatening than moving the entire nest.
– Predator nears nest – Predators like cats or snakes can cause temporary abandonment. The mama bird will often return once the threat is gone.
– Tree housing nest is shaken – Disturbances like a tree swaying in wind or a climbing human will often prompt temporary nest exodus.
– Storm damages nest – Damages to the nest structure or contents may lead birds to rebuild a new nest nearby.
Why do mother birds return to disturbed nests?
Mama birds’ strong natural instincts compel them to nurture their eggs and babies. Here are some key reasons why a mama bird often returns to a nest even after disturbances:
– Hormonal drive – High prolactin levels during incubation stimulate strong nesting behaviors.
– Investment in current brood – She has already invested significant time and energy so abandoning the nest could sacrifice her genetic legacy.
– No time to re-lay – Many species can only lay one clutch per season, so there’s no time to start over after nest failure.
– Lack of alternatives – Suitable nesting spots may be scarce, forcing the mama bird to reuse the original nest.
– Mate attachment – Species who mate for life are reluctant to abandon a nest since it could mean separating from a lifelong partner.
– Nesting stage – Late stage nests with near-hatching eggs or new hatchlings are too valuable to abandon lightly.
– Personality and experience – Some birds are simply more tenacious than others when confronting nest disturbances.
Bird behaviors that indicate nest abandonment
– Failure to return to nest over extended time after disturbance
– Removing eggs or babies from original nest
– Displaying agitated behavior like shrieking when near nest
– Building a completely new nest elsewhere
– Lack of defending nest from predators
– Physically attacking or dive-bombing intruders near nest
How to avoid disturbing nesting birds
To allow birds the best chance of nesting success, here are some tips to avoid disturbances:
– Postpone pruning trees and shrubs during peak breeding season.
– Minimize work with lawn mowers, weed whackers, and leaf blowers near nests.
– Don’t touch or move a nest unless it’s in immediate danger.
– Prevent pets like cats from climbing trees housing nests.
– Install nest boxes in secluded spots away from human activity.
– Cover windows where birds may fatally collide into reflective glass.
– Place protective buffer zones around known nest trees and shrubs.
– Avoid excessive noise near nesting areas.
How to safely intervene with a disturbed nest
If a nest requires intervention:
– Wear gloves and limit nest contact. Human scents can deter birds.
– Act quickly and cautiously to minimize disturbance time.
– If contents fall out, carefully replace them in the original cup configuration.
– Prioritize returning displaced hatchlings if parents are absent. They need warmth urgently.
– Monitor the nest from a distance to confirm the parents return and resume care.
– Call wildlife rehabilitators for advice if parents do not return or babies seem in peril.
Will specific birds return to a disturbed nest?
The tendency to return to a nest after disturbance varies by species. Here are examples for common backyard birds:
Robins
– Often quite tolerant of disturbances
– May temporarily leave nest when threatened but typically return
– Have been known to reuse nests with damaged eggs
Mourning doves
– Easily startled by intrusions but often resume brooding quickly
– Known to reuse nests even after severe damaging storms
– Sensitive to disturbances during first few days after laying eggs
Hummingbirds
– Very sensitive to any disturbances while incubating
– Small nests are delicate and easily damaged by interference
– Quick to permanently abandon disturbed nests and re-lay eggs in new locations
Chickadees
– Readily abandon nests if eggs or young are touched
– Black-capped chickadees known for nesting persistence despite regular disturbance
– Cavity nests offer more protection from threats compared to exposed nests
American robins
– Fairly tolerant of human activity near nests
– Often reuse nests or rebuild in the same tree despite disruptions
– Less likely to abandon nests once eggs have hatched
House finches
– Known to frequently reuse nests from previous years
– Often nest in hanging planters or buildings in close human proximity
– Quick to fleetingly leave nest when disturbed but typically return promptly
Barn swallows
– Socially gregarious so less shy around human disruptions
– Species that readily nest on human structures
– Quickly settle back into disturbed nests as long as eggs/young are intact
Examples of nest disturbances
Here are some real life examples of nest disturbances and outcomes:
Tree trimming
A robin’s nest with 3 eggs was severely damaged when the branch supporting it was trimmed. The homeowners quickly repaired the nest with a basket and affixed it back onto the tree. The mama robin briefly left when the nest was trimmed but returned within 10 minutes after repairs were made. She went on to successfully fledge 2 chicks.
Curious child
A 5-year old boy was discovered poking at a bluebird nest box in his family’s backyard. The worried parents promptly removed the curious child and monitored the nest from a distance. The adult bluebirds scolded from a tree for a few minutes before returning to tend their hatchlings in the box. The bluebird parents continued feeding their chicks, apparently undeterred by the brief disturbance.
Storm damage
A hummingbird nest on a wind chime was dislodged during a storm. The windswept nest was found on the ground with two intact eggs. It was carefully re-affixed to the wire wind chime. The mama hummingbird was observed rebuilding and adding to the repaired nest but did ultimately abandon it, likely due to the severe disturbances. She instead built a new nest on a more protected porch eave and successfully raised chicks.
Nest box cleaning
A man cleaned out his occupied backyard nest box despite warnings. The upset chickadee parents scolded him from afar as he scrubbed the box. However, within an hour of replacing the clean box, the chickadee pair had returned. They accepted the box and completed raising their second clutch of the season. The cleaning disturbance did not deter them from reusing the location.
Botched kidnapping
A well-meaning woman improperly removed baby house finches from their nest to rescue them before tree trimming. The parents frantically circled the area during the entire nest removal. After the botched kidnapping attempt failed, the woman carefully reassembled the nest with the uninjured babies. The mama finch warily returned within 30 minutes to resume caring for her chicks in the restored nest.
Conclusion
Most mama birds have an incredible drive to nurture their young and will return to a disturbed nest as long as their eggs or babies remain intact. While minimal disturbances like touching a nest may only briefly disturb some species, repeated and severe interruptions often lead to permanent nest abandonment. Understanding avian instincts and minimizing disruptions during critical breeding stages is important for supporting nesting birds. When intervention is absolutely needed, acting quickly and reassembling nests carefully gives parent birds their best chance of returning to disrupted nests. With supportive human actions, the amazing persistence of mama birds can often overcome disrupted nesting hurdles.
