Ground-nesting birds are a unique and fascinating group of avian species. Unlike their tree-dwelling counterparts, these birds choose the safety and seclusion of the earth to build their nests. From grasslands to forests, these birds can be found in various habitats around the world.
But why do some birds prefer to nest on the ground, and which species do so? In this guide, we’ll introduce you to 35 birds that nest on the ground and explore how this nesting behavior impacts their survival.
Table of Contents
Birds That Nest On The Ground
Wading Birds
Flamingo
The Flamingo (Phoenicopterus) is a ground nester, laying its eggs directly on the earth and sitting on them to incubate. It protects its young, feeds them, and ensures their safety from predators until they’re ready to leave the nest. Flamingos build their nests from mud or shallow water, incorporating plant materials like grasses and sedges.
Virginia Rail
Virginia Rail (Rallus limicola) bird is a ground nesting species. It breeds in the spring and summer months on or near wetland edges, such as streams, ponds, marshes, flooded fields and bogs. They build their nests at ground level on raised spots like rocks or mounds of earth.
Sandhill Crane
Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) choose to nest on sand for a number of reasons. One reason is that they prefer soft ground, as it offers more stability for the eggs and chicks. Another reason is that they do not have many predators in these areas. They also like to have good drainage, so they do not get their eggs wet when there is rain.
Shorebirds
Oystercatcher
Oystercatchers (Haematopus) are shorebirds, and like other ground-nesting birds they build their nests on the ground. They typically use sticks or grass to construct a simple cup shaped nest with an opening in one side. It is usually found on open flat areas close to water where it can be safe from predators such as foxes and cats which could harm its eggs.
Killdeer
Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus) nest on open, flat areas in coastal marshes or wetlands where there is plenty of water and plants for food. The Killdeer does not build its own nest, but instead will lay eggs on the ground or in shallow depressions made from mud. Killdeer nests may be mistaken as lumps of mud or sticks.
American Avocet
The American Avocet (Recurvirostra americana) is a bird that builds its nest on the ground. It uses mud and plant material to build the nest, but it may also use feathers or pieces of plastic. The avocet nests in a shallow depression near water or moist areas with good vegetation cover.
Plover
Plovers (Charadrius) are a type of bird that chooses to nest on the ground. Most people believe that birds choose trees for their nests, but plovers don’t feel safe in trees and therefore avoid them. When they find an ideal location, like a wide open space or the sand by the water’s edge, they will create their home there.
Sandpiper
Sandpipers (Calidris) nest on the ground in wetlands, grasslands, and other moist environments with access to a small body of water. They choose to nest on the ground for several reasons. The damp soil provides better insulation from heat than typical nests found in trees or bushes. Ground nesting also allows for more escape routes from predators that may come near their young chicks.
Stilts
Stilts (Himantopus) build nests on the ground, and while this might seem strange to some people, it is actually an adaptation that has helped them survive for millennia. These nests are built out of sticks or leaves, and they provide the stilts with protection from predators as well as the elements.
Game Birds
Scaled Quail
Scaled Quail (Callipepla squamata) are known for ground nesting. They live in areas with dense shrubs and short grasses, often near the edge of woodland. They make their nests on the ground under bushes or weeds and lay eggs that take about 20 days to hatch.
Ruffed Grouse
Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus) are medium-sized grouse, and one of the most numerous birds in North America. They prefer to nest on the ground under shrubs or small trees, sometimes only a few feet from an open clearing. These grouse typically lay 8 eggs per clutch and will have two clutches each year, which is about 16 eggs annually.
Turkey
The Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is a bird that build their nests on the ground. The male will start to search for a location in early spring, and he chooses his site carefully. He will want an area that has some vegetation nearby, but not too much. He needs room to spread out and create a large nesting cavity for himself and his mate.
Quails
Quails (Coturnix) are ground nesters, often found in dense vegetation and meadows. They build their nests on the ground or in low shrubs, occasionally using taller grasses. Quails incubate their eggs and protect their young, ensuring their safety until they are ready to leave the nest.
Partridge
The Partridge (Perdix) is a ground-nesting bird commonly found in open fields, scrubland, and prairies. It digs a small depression in the ground to lay its eggs, typically 6-10, though it can lay up to 16. These birds rely on their camouflage to protect their nests from predators.
Pheasant
Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) nest on the ground in tall grass, brush or other cover. This is because they lay their eggs on bare ground and need to incubate them for 25 days. Pheasants typically build nests by weaving together a few blades of grass or leaves with some mud from nearby sources such as puddles, streams, ditches or marshes.
Guineafowl
Guineafowl (Numididae) are ground-nesting birds that are most commonly found in Africa. They live and feed on the ground, with a preference for scrubland habitats. These birds lay a clutch of 5 to 8 eggs, and the females incubate them for about 26 days.
Waterfowl
American Wigeon
American Wigeon (Mareca americana) are ground nesters, and they do not always nest in a concealed location like other ducks such as Mallards or Northern Pintails. Instead, American Wigeons often lay their eggs near shrubs and under bushes which provide cover for them while incubating.
Canada Goose
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) lay their eggs on the ground, typically in a grassy area near water or some other source of food. Canada Geese nest in open fields, with tall grasses and vegetation for protection from predators such as foxes and coyotes.
Swan
Swans (Cygnus) are graceful waterfowl known for building their nests on the ground in freshwater marshes. They typically build their nests on floating vegetation or in reed beds close to freshwater. Less commonly, they may also nest on sandbanks, mudflats, or saltmarshes.
Ducks
Ducks (Anas) are a type of water bird that prefer to spend their time on the ground. They will dig up an area and make it their home, using plants and other materials for shelter. The females will lay eggs in this nest before covering them with grasses or down feathers from her body.
Northern Pintail
Northern Pintails (Anas acuta) prefer to nest on dry, open land with a lot of grasses and forbs nearby, like an alfalfa field or golf course. The females lay their eggs in a depression that they create by kicking out the vegetation on the ground.
Songbirds
Orange-crowned Warbler
The Orange-crowned Warbler (Leiothlypis celata) is a small songbird that migrates to North America from Central and South America. This bird has been known to nest in many places, including ground level shrubs, trees with thick foliage, the crowns of tall pine trees and even large oaks.
Wilson’s Warbler
The Wilson’s Warbler (Cardellina pusilla) breeds in the eastern United States and is usually found near streams and other water sources. The female builds the nest with moss, leaves, grasses, plant down or feathers she finds on the ground. She lines it with fur from mice or rabbits she catches herself or scavenges from dead animals. She also uses lichens for nesting material and to camouflage her eggs.
Ovenbird Warbler
The Ovenbird Warbler (Seiurus aurocapilla) is a ground nesting bird that lives in the eastern United States. It can be found living on forest edges, woodlands, fields and pastures with nearby cover or shrubs. The ovenbird warbler nests on the ground near to or under dense vegetation such as briars, honeysuckle vines, leaf litter and even snow-covered leaves for insulation during winter.
Hermit Thrush
The Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) is a common bird in North America. Rather than building nests in trees or on the ground, these birds will often nest in low vegetation such as grasses and forbs. The hermit thrush’s nest is made up of mosses and grasses which help camouflage it against its surroundings.
Meadowlark
The Meadowlark (Sturnella) is a ground-nesting bird, building its nest directly on the ground in open grassy areas, agricultural fields, and lightly wooded habitats. As the most abundant members of their family, Meadowlarks are widespread across the North American continent, thriving in various environments.
Bobolink
Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) are ground nesting birds. They spend their winters in the southern United States and Central America, then fly north to breed in North America. Bobolinks usually nest on the ground near grassy fields or other open areas with short vegetation for cover.
Lark Sparrow
The Lark Sparrow (Chondestes grammacus), a common species, is known to build its nest on the ground. Using grass and other nearby vegetation, it constructs a well-hidden nest. Often found in areas with high activity, such as gardens or farms, these birds take advantage of abundant food sources in these environments.
Savannah Sparrow
Savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) are a type of bird that typically builds their nests on the ground. This is common among sparrows, but not all species build their nests this way. Savannah sparrows lay three to five eggs in their nest, and they usually only lay one brood per year. The female does most of the incubating for about 13 days before hatching her chicks from her eggs.
Grasshopper Sparrow
Grasshopper sparrows (Ammodramus savannarum) lay their eggs on the ground and rely on concealment for protection. They build a nest of grasses, leaves, twigs and bark lined with feathers or fur in order to protect themselves from predators. Grasshopper sparrows typically breed between April and June depending on the location of where they live.
Common Yellowthroat
The common yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas) is a small songbird with males being more brightly colored than females. They are often found near marshes, wetlands, and other moist habitats. These birds are ground nesters, typically using natural cavities such as hollow logs or tree holes to nest in during the summer months.
Eastern Towhee
Eastern towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus) usually nest on the ground. They build their nests in a depression or cavity on the ground, often among grasses and leaves. These birds can also be found nesting on a fallen tree trunk, rock ledge, bird box or artificial site such as an old board propped up by two short stakes near the edge of a clearing.
More Ground Nesting Birds
Burrowing Owl
Burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) are a small, native bird species found in the southwestern United States. These birds have been observed to nest on the ground and their preferred nesting sites are usually found near shrubs or bushes for protection from predators. The nests can be difficult to spot as they blend into the ground with their brown coloration.
Common Tern
The Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) is a ground-nesting bird that builds its nest on sandy shores or gravel bars near water. It uses grasses, twigs, and other vegetation to create a simple nest. These terns often nest in colonies, taking advantage of the abundant food supply near coastal areas.
Eastern Whip-poor-will
The Eastern Whip-poor-will (Antrostomus vociferus) is a ground-nesting bird that prefers open woodlands, forest edges, and clearings. It builds its nest directly on the forest floor, using leaves, twigs, and other natural materials to create a sheltered spot. This nocturnal bird is known for its distinctive call, especially during the breeding season, which can often be heard late into the night.
