Birds That Steal Nests

Cuckoo

Famous for laying eggs in other birds’ nests, cuckoos leave their young to be raised by unsuspecting foster parents—often at the host’s expense.

Brown-headed Cowbird

This brood parasite lays eggs in dozens of other species’ nests, letting other birds raise their chicks while skipping all parental duties.

European Starling

These aggressive birds often evict native birds like woodpeckers or bluebirds from their nests and take them over.

House Sparrow

Small but territorial, they frequently take over nests of native species—sometimes destroying eggs or chicks in the process.

Common Myna

Known for their dominance, mynas can force other birds out of tree hollows or roof corners, claiming ready-made nesting spots.

Cuckoo Finch

Similar to the cuckoo, it lays eggs in other birds’ nests that closely resemble the host’s eggs—tricking them into raising their chicks.

Red-headed Woodpecker

Though usually a cavity-builder, it has been seen stealing tree holes made by other woodpeckers when it finds the work already done.