Urban bird nest building on man-made structures: A review

The behavioral responses of birds to urban environments are crucial for their ability to thrive within city landscapes. Various urban birds have demonstrated the capacity to exploit artificial structures as nesting sites due to the limited availability of natural options. This review examines the current state of urban bird nesting behaviors on man-made structures and highlights directions for future research. Nest types frequently observed on these structures include woven, cavity, ground, and mud nests. These adaptive behaviors increase nesting opportunities and improve reproductive success, although they may heighten vulnerability to ecological traps. Proximity to human habitats can promote conservation awareness but also presents potential economic and health-related challenges. Therefore, applying diverse strategies is essential for effectively managing and protecting nests on man-made structures across various circumstances. There is also a need for thorough, long-term studies on the ecological and evolutionary impacts of nest building on artificial structures and the mechanisms influencing nest-site selection. Furthermore, exploring innovative approaches that combine policy implementation and citizen science will be vital for advancing human-bird coexistence.