The 'architectural masterpieces' of animals that even humans must admire

Without using any tools, animals have created for themselves perfect nests that are not only safe shelters but also become impressive "architectural masterpieces".

1. Ploceidae Sparrows

These are the giant nests of the Ploceidae, a small, agile bird that lives in the arid plains on the border between South Africa and Namibia. This bird often builds large nests like this for its entire flock, which can accommodate hundreds of birds over many generations.

They choose different tree branches or electric poles to create the nest frame, then use dry grass, feathers, cotton, straw to create small rooms. Each small room has its own entrance, in each room is the residence of 3 to 4 birds.

On cold winter nights, the temperature outside can drop to below zero, but the temperature inside the bird's nest remains warm at 21-24 degrees Celsius. In hot summer, the temperature inside the nest remains very cool.

Giant bird nests hang from electric poles or treetops but are very sturdy.

2. Weaver Ant (Australian Green Ant)

These ants live in Central Africa and Southeast Asia and weave leaves together to make nests. They use a special "glue" made from silk from larvae to make their nests.

This glue is both highly sticky and as flexible as silk, so the leaves are stuck together very firmly. Some nests require up to half a meter of glue to complete.

Weaver ants use a very special "glue" made from larval silk to build their nests.

3. Vogelkop bird

If bird nests are considered "architectural masterpieces", then the nests of the Vogelkop bird are considered the most beautiful and colorful masterpieces, and some people even compare them to great "architects".

Male Vogelkop birds build nests from grass, twigs, and other small objects to attract females. Their nests have the most elaborate interior design in the animal world, filled with colorful fruits, flowers, beetles, and other decorative items, all arranged artistically to attract mates.

However, these comfortable, cozy "houses" are not used by female birds to raise their chicks.

Male Vogelkop birds build nests from grass, small branches... to attract females.

4. Compass

This termite species builds nests that strangely coincide with the Earth's magnetic field in Australia's Northern Territory, in Litchfield National Park, near the town of Batchelor, about 100km southwest of Darwin.

From a distance they look like tombstones but when you get closer you can see that they are much larger in size. A termite nest here can be up to 3m high with a rather flat shape.

What is special is that the thin edges of the termite nests point north and south like the needles of a compass. There have been many theories to explain why termites build their nests this way. One of them is to ensure the living conditions inside each termite nest. Because Northern Australia is hot during the day and cool at night, researchers believe that termites somehow grasp the Earth's magnetic field and apply it to building their nests to suit the climate.

A termite nest here can be up to 3m high with a flat shape. What is special is that the thin edges of the termite nest all point north and south like the needle of a compass.

5. Red Oven Sparrow

Oven Sparrows are often called “house builders” because of their unique nest-building technique, creating nests that resemble ovens.

They make this nest from mud, cow dung mixed with hair or straw and let the sunlight “dry” this mixture until it becomes as hard as rock. There is even a partition in the nest to create a separate space called “birthing chamber” for the female bird, this “birthing chamber” will be lined with grass and very warm feathers.

The nests are shaped like ovens. They make them from mud, cow dung mixed with hair or straw and leave them to dry in the sun.

6. Baya Sparrow

These birds often build their nests hanging from thorny branches or suspended over water, making them difficult for predators to reach. These nests are quite elaborate and have a beautiful, elegant appearance.

Baya sparrows often build their nests hanging from thorny tree branches or suspended over water for safety.

The Montezuma Oriole's Strange Nest Building Method. Hundreds of Montezuma Oriole nests hang from a single tree, all dominated by a single male.

The swallow nests are no less unique.

And this is the "special home" of the woolly beetle.

According to Young Knowledge