Unidentified Nest (1 Viewer)

D

damong

Member

• Mar 25, 2017

• #1

I know nests can be tough, sometimes impossible, to accurately ID. But this nest is unique enough that I think I should put it out there and see what people have to say. I feel like I should know it myself. Anybody know what bird this might belong to? Picture was taken in southern NH in November or December.

Thank You,
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afewgoodbirds47/

 

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A

AllanM

Well-known member

• Mar 25, 2017

• #2

Looks like a hummingbird nest, possibly Ruby-throated?

 

F

fugl

Well-known member

• Mar 25, 2017

• #3

How big is the nest?

 

nartreb

Speak softly and carry a long lens

• Mar 25, 2017

• #4

Looks like that's a staghorn sumac, so those fruiting panicles are around 2 inches (~5cm) across. Nest is therefore about 2 inches wide and 1 deep; that's about right.

I was thrown by the appearance of the nest; I'd expect an outer layer of lichen over a core of cobwebs and thistledown. This one looks like it has some pine needles or grass, and maybe some twigs, but maybe that's just stuff that got stuck in/alongside the nest after it was abandoned.

 

D

damong

Member

• Mar 25, 2017

• #5

It would be strange to see a hummingbird nest at that time of year, right? I've never seen one in New Hampshire, even during the summer. But then, I don't live there regularly, just visit family a few times each year.

 

A

AllanM

Well-known member

• Mar 26, 2017

• #6

damong said:

It would be strange to see a hummingbird nest at that time of year, right? I've never seen one in New Hampshire, even during the summer. But then, I don't live there regularly, just visit family a few times each year.

Click to expand...

It would be strange for any bird to be nesting in December in NH so I assumed this was an old nest from the previous breeding cycle! Ruby-throated is a summer resident, breeding species albeit, towards the northern part of its range. Two others, rufous and calliope are irregular visitors.

 

Last edited: Mar 26, 2017

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• Mar 26, 2017

• #7

Comparing with the Stag's-horn Sumac seedheads, I'd say the nest is more like 8-10 cm outside diameter - probably a bit big for a hummingbird? Perhaps American Goldfinch or something else that sort of size?

 

F

fugl

Well-known member

• Mar 26, 2017

• #8

Agree, on the big and bulky side for a hummer. If not goldfinch, Eastern Wood Pewee maybe?

 

Last edited: Mar 26, 2017

Jeff Hopkins

Just another...observer

• Mar 27, 2017

• #9

How about gnatcatcher?