Nest architecture is linked with ecological success in songbirds

Nests are essential constructions that directly determine fitness, yet
their structure can vary substantially across bird species. While there is
evidence supporting a link between nest architecture and the habitat a
species occupies, we still ignore what ecological and evolutionary
processes are linked to different nest types. Using information on 3175
species of songbirds, we show that – after controlling for latitude and
body size – species that build domed nests (i.e., nests with a roof) have
smaller ranges, are less likely to colonise urban environments and have
potentially higher extinction rates compared to species with open and
cavity nests. Domed nests could be a costly specialisation, and we show
these nests take more time to be built, which could restrict breeding
opportunities. These diverse strands of evidence suggest that transition
from domed to open nests in passerines could represent an important
evolutionary innovation behind the success of the largest bird radiation.