Building with Lichens
Did you know that many, maybe most lichens have some antibiotic properties? Animals and birds know this and eat or use lichens in various ways that may help them stay healthy. One common use of lichens is as a construction material in bird nests. The lichens may help keep baby birds disease free. Many birds use lichens, so look for nests especially when the leaves fall off the trees in autumn and nests are easier to find, and notice how many may have some lichens incorporated. If you can figure out what species of bird made the nest, that’s even better. Please let the Lichen Hunters know of your find.
It is not for us to know all the reasons a blue -gray gnatcatcher builds its home with lichens, but I can think of several possible reasons. Of course one reason is the known antibiotic property of the lichen; a built in disinfectant, in the walls of this perfect little home! Another reason may be that lichens are beautiful; the lovely blue-gray color the gnatcatcher likes in the lichens can be found in elegant home decor magazines, for human homes. Maybe the blue-gray gnatcatcher is matching its own color by using the same color of lichen on its nest walls, as we would wear harmonious colors because they are pleasing to see. Another reason may be that the flat surface of the foliose lichen may be somewhat water resistant and makes a nice solid surface. Also, since the lichens grow on the tree branches, covering the nest with the same lichen is good camouflage, hiding the chicks who would be a tasty treat for many predators, as well as the adult birds when they are resting on the nest.
Years ago I found a hummingbird nest made of lichens, in an apple tree. The nest was the size of a thimble. I considered it a small miracle that branch appeared right in front of me while picking apples.
This lovely photograph is from Paul and Bernadette Hayes. They recently found the nest about 10 feet up in a box elder tree, on a horizontal branch. It is the home of a bluegray gnatcatcher. Thank you Paul and Bernadette.
Discovering a well made birds nest covered in lichen is a lucky find. Please share your discoveries so we can learn about the birds in our home territory that use lichens.
KVR Lichens 
October 27, 2016 at 12:35 pm
Amazing
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March 28, 2023 at 9:43 am
I’m watching an osprey nest on the webcam at Rutland Water, UK. The parents have incorporated many branches covered in lichens into their nest construction. They parents also eat the lichens from time to time. i was wondering about that behaviour and when I Googled the question I was pointed to this page.
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December 22, 2023 at 3:34 pm
Hello and so sorry for missing this message until now. I can forget about the computer for long periods of time.
I do not know for sure, but from reading and observation think any birds using lichens in their nests may be using them medicinally. There are enough ‘official’ documentations of that being the case for birds and animals there is every reason to expect osprey to be capable of knowing what they need. Lichens in nests keep microrganisms down, reducing disease for chicks. I’ve read that almost half of lichens studied have some antibiotic/antifungal properties. There is much we don’t know! But the birds and animals must know what they need to thrive. I wonder what other medicines a bird would have access to that could be used internally? The lichens might have a function for the adult birds’ health as well.
Please let me know if you find out anything about their use of lichens.
Thank you, Susan
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March 28, 2023 at 9:46 am
I’m watching an osprey nest on a webcam at Rutland Water, UK. The parents are incorporating many branches covered with lichens into their nest construction. The parents sometimes eat the lichens – they’re in the mating/pre-egg laying phase at the moment. when I Goggled a question to try to find out about this behaviour, I was pointed to this page.
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