Atlas of Habitats

group

0.0025 m³

at 2.4 m

6.7ºN

[branching] nest

earth

glueing

rough

birds

[branching] nest

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Introduction

Liberia
Robertsport
6.7505° N, 11.3799° W
18/04/2024, 3:15 pm

This branch-shaped swallow’s nest was built inside an abandoned hotel in the town of Robertsport. The former hotel has become a habitat for many different species over the years. Robertsport is named after Joseph Jenkins Robert, the first president of Liberia. In the 1940s, Robertsport was promoted and received infrastructural support, a cultural center, and a few hotels. The Civil Wars destroyed many structures so unfortunately, only a few ruins remain.

Microclimate

The bowl-shaped nest creates a snug, enclosed space, which helps retain warmth and provides a cozy environment for the eggs and young swallows. Although the found nest was connected to a warm ceiling, the thermal-camera images reveal that the porous and well-ventilated structure did not become overheated and absorb the surrounding temperature.

Material

Swallows gather mud from wet areas like riverbanks, puddles, or even areas of damp soil. They prefer mud that is sticky and malleable, which allows it to bind together when they start building. Swallows collect sticky mud and carry it in their beaks, shaping it into layers on walls or corners. Their saliva helps bind the mud, while grass and feathers reinforce and insulate the nest. The process takes up to two weeks.

Location

Swallows build their nests in high, sheltered locations to protect their young from predators like snakes or rodents. The mud nests are often built on vertical surfaces that predators find difficult to reach, adding an extra layer of protection. But the soil-based, bowl-shaped nest should not be exposed to rain due to its sensitivity to water. We found many other swallow nests in this abandoned hotel.

Construction

The bowl shape of the nest allows it to be sturdy and stable, as the weight of the mud and materials is evenly distributed, which helps it adhere securely to vertical surfaces like walls or ceilings. The nests are placed in protected spots on manmade structures to guard against predators and weather. Because the swallows start their construction from the ceiling, they need to design it and imagine its size and shape from the very beginning.