The Secret World of Bird Nests

Author: Menzies, Lucy

Wildlife (Children's / Teenage)

Published on 17 September 2026 by Thames & Hudson Ltd in the United Kingdom as part of 'the Secret World' series.

Hardback | 48 pages, Illustrated in colour throughout; 48 Illustrations, colour
251 x 302 x 14 | 618g

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A glorious insight into the remarkable building abilities of birds.

It's easy to take birds for granted, but they play a crucial role in our ecosystem by controlling insect populations, pollinating plants and spreading seeds. They are also incredible engineers, with the ability to build complex – and beautiful – nests to provide shelter and protection for their eggs and chicks. Have you ever wondered how they build them? You're probably most familiar with cup-shaped bird nests made from twigs and grass, but this is just one of many designs that birds use to create a home where they can nurture and protect their young. Depending on their habitat and way of life, a bird's nest can float on water, teeter on the highest rocky outcrop or be burrowed inside the trunk of a tree.

In this beautifully illustrated book, young readers will discover the remarkable variety of nest-building techniques used by birds from around the world, and marvel at their ingenious use of materials – from soft feathers and cushioning moss, to spiders' silk and sticky spittle.