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.