5 Birds That Nest on the Ground

When you think of a bird’s nest, where do you imagine the nest is located? Most people imagine a nest in a tree, which is understandable, as our media reinforces this image in TV and movies. From tiny songbirds to huge eagles, many birds build their nests in trees for shelter, access to food and building materials, and protection from ground predators. However, not all birds consider a tree an ideal location for a nest. Some birds build scrapes on the beach or dig burrows in the ground. Others nest in rocky crevices or under thick vegetation.

There are many birds that nest on the ground, and it would be difficult to name them all. So, in this article, we’ll look at five types of birds that nest on the ground. We’ll also include specific examples of bird species in each category that exhibit this behavior. Here are five groups of birds that build their nests on the ground. 

#5: Shorebirds

Shorebirds are non-wading birds that live near coasts and mudflats. This group includes species such as avocets, terns, gulls, sandpipers, stilts, plovers, and puffins. Many shorebirds migrate in the winter to more temperate climates, but others remain in their environment year-round. Most shorebirds that nest on the ground do so because trees grow sparsely in their natural habitats. As a result, they adapted to building nests on rocky or sandy patches of ground. These nests provide camouflage and protection from the weather.

American avocets build their nests in large colonies that may include hundreds of birds. They construct their nests on mudflats or sandy shores. The birds scratch out a scrape nest and may line it with rocks, grass, and other debris. The Atlantic puffin is another bird that nests on the ground — or rather, in the ground. They typically dig a burrow in the dirt with their feet and bills, although some puffins make a nest inside a crevice between rocks. The nest is then lined with algae, feathers, and grass to provide insulation and protection for the eggs. Unlike most birds, puffins tend to reuse the same nest every year.

#4: Game Birds

Game birds include those that humans traditionally hunted for food. The game birds category includes species such as quail, partridges, pheasants, turkeys, grouse, and guinea fowl. Almost all game birds nest on the ground because most do not fly well enough to build nests in trees. Most game birds do not migrate and live year-round in their breeding habitats. While some game birds construct their nests in sheltered locations, others build theirs out in the open.

Wild turkeys mostly build their nests in woodland habitats near tree lines or other areas with good visibility. The nests are made in shallow depressions in the ground under brush piles, trees, or dense shrubbery. They line the nest with leaves, twigs, and other vegetation. Guinea fowl also build their nests on the ground. They choose a secluded location for their nest, such as areas with tall grass or fallen branches. These birds often have communal nests, with many hens laying their eggs in the same nest.

#3: Waterfowl

Waterfowl are swimming game birds, including ducks, geese, and swans. As might be expected, many types of waterfowl build their nests close to water sources. However, not all waterfowl nest on the ground. Some nest in tree cavities, and others build nests that float on the water. Many species migrate after the breeding season to warmer climates and will return in spring once the weather changes. 

Trumpeter swans nest near shorelines, on small islands, or in shallow water. They often build their nests on structures that already exist in the environment, such as beaver houses. The nest is a mound of vegetation around 6-12 feet in diameter with a depression in the center. Unlike the trumpeter swan, the American wigeon builds its nest further from the water. It is not uncommon to find an American wigeon nest more than 100 feet from the edge of the nearest body of water. They hide their nests in areas with tall weeds and grasses. The female will make a scrape nest, and then line it with grasses, aquatic vegetation, and feathers. 

#2: Wading Birds

Wading birds are long-legged birds that primarily live near wetland habitats. Wading birds include flamingos, spoonbills, storks, ibises, cranes, herons, and rails. Most wading birds that nest on the ground do so near marshes, lakes, or swamps. However, some wading birds choose to build their nests above water, including wood storks and great blue herons. Like shorebirds and waterfowl, most wading birds migrate during the winter to more temperate climates. However, some remain in their breeding grounds year-round. 

Flamingos construct unique nests made out of mud, stones, dry grasses, and feathers. With their bills, they will drag mud and other debris into a mound, then use their feet to shape the nest. The whole process can take up to six weeks. By the time they finish, the mound may stand almost 12 inches off the ground. Sandhill cranes build flat platform nests made out of twigs, grasses, branches, and weeds. The nests can measure 4-5 feet long by the time the female finishes constructing the platform. She will also generally continue to add materials while incubating her eggs. 

#1: Songbirds

Songbirds include over 5,000 species of perching birds. While most songbirds nest in trees, there are some birds that nest on the ground. These include hermit thrushes, bobolinks, larks, meadowlarks, and some species of sparrows and warblers. Many songbirds are migratory, with new research suggesting the timing is based on their diet.

The Western meadowlark nests on the ground in open prairies and grasslands. They choose a nesting site based on how well it is hidden. Normally, they will choose a spot where there is a dip in the ground and surrounded by vegetation. Some Western meadowlarks also weave together the surrounding grasses to make a roof for their nest. Bobolinks are another songbird that nests on the ground. Bobolinks tend to nest in hayfields and meadows. They pluck a patch of bare soil, then weave stems and grasses into an outer wall. Once the nest is formed, the female bobolink will line it with soft grasses.