Tailorbird

/tˈeɪlɔːbˌɜːd/

/tˈeɪloːɹbˌɜːd/

Tailorbird

a small songbird known for its unique ability to sew leaves together to create nests, using plant fibers and spider silk

synonyms : Orthotomus sutorius

What is a "tailorbird"?

A tailorbird is a small and remarkable songbird found in various regions of Asia. It is known for its exceptional nest-building skills, which involve sewing leaves together using plant fibers and spider silk. With its vibrant plumage and agile nature, the tailorbird blends into the dense foliage of its preferred habitats, including forests, gardens, and shrublands. These birds have a distinctive call that echoes through the trees, often heard during breeding season as they establish their territories. Tailorbirds feed on a variety of insects, caterpillars, and spiders, which they glean from foliage and branches using their sharp beaks. However, their most captivating behavior is their nest construction. With precise skill and ingenuity, tailorbirds select large leaves and pierce them with plant fibers and spider silk to sew the edges together, creating a pocket-like structure. They may even use feathers, moss, or other materials to reinforce the nest, ensuring a secure home for their eggs and hatchlings

Examples

1. All of this helps conceal the tailorbirds’ nest and protect it from predators.

2. The common tailorbird of Asia takes the nest weaving process one step further by literally sewing its nest together like, a tailor.

3. And because the holes the tailorbird puts in the leaves are tiny, the leaves rarely turn brown, making it even harder to spot when everything else is green.