Birds Turn the Tables on Humans by Using Anti-Bird Spikes in Nests

Anti-bird spikes are metal or plastic devices that are attached to buildings, statues, or other structures to prevent birds from landing, roosting, or nesting on them.

They are meant to deter birds by making the surface uncomfortable or inaccessible, without harming them physically.

However, some birds have found a clever way to turn these spikes to their advantage by using them as nest-building materials.

This shows the remarkable adaptability and intelligence of birds, as well as their resilience in urban environments.

How do birds use anti-bird spikes in nests?

(Photo : ANDER GILLENEA/AFP via Getty Images)

Birds use anti-bird spikes in nests in different ways, depending on the species and the availability of other materials, as per the BBC.

Some birds, such as carrion crows and Eurasian magpies, incorporate the spikes into their nests as defensive structures, to protect their eggs and chicks from predators or parasites.

They place the spikes on the roof or the rim of their nests, pointing outwards, creating a thorny barrier that discourages intruders.

This is similar to how some birds use thorny branches or barbed wire for the same purpose.

Other birds, such as pigeons and gulls, use anti-bird spikes as nest-supporting structures, to create a stable platform for their nests.

They place the spikes on the bottom or the side of their nests, interlocking them with other materials, such as twigs, grass, or feathers.

This helps them to anchor their nests on narrow ledges or uneven surfaces, where they would otherwise have difficulty building or maintaining their nests.

Birds use anti-bird spikes in nests by either ripping them off from buildings with their beaks or claws, or collecting loose spikes that have fallen off or been discarded by humans.

They then carry them to their nest sites, usually in trees or on rooftops, and weave them into their nests with other materials. They may also modify the spikes by bending or breaking them to fit their needs.

Also Read: Diving Birds That Are Highly Specialized and Hence Less Adaptable To Shifting Conditions May Be More Vulnerable to Extinction

Why do birds use anti-bird spikes in nests?

Birds use anti-bird spikes in nests for various reasons, depending on the species and the situation. Some of the possible reasons are:

To enhance their nest security and survival. By using anti-bird spikes as defensive structures, birds can reduce the risk of predation or parasitism by other birds or animals, such as cats, squirrels, hawks, crows, or cuckoos. This can increase their breeding success and fitness.
To cope with habitat loss and fragmentation. By using anti-bird spikes as nest-supporting structures, birds can expand their nesting options and opportunities in urban areas, where natural nesting sites are scarce or degraded. This can help them to adapt to human-dominated environments and avoid competition or displacement by other birds.
To exploit a novel and abundant resource. By using anti-bird spikes as nest-building materials, birds can take advantage of a human-made resource that is widely available and easy to access in cities. This can save them time and energy that would otherwise be spent on searching for or transporting other materials.

Birds use anti-bird spikes in nests as a form of behavioral plasticity, which is the ability to change one's behavior in response to environmental changes, as per RNZ.

This is a common trait among birds, especially those that live in urban areas, where they face many challenges and opportunities.

By using anti-bird spikes in nests, birds demonstrate their creativity and problem-solving skills, as well as their resistance and revenge against human attempts to exclude them.