100 Eco Bricks Give Urban Birds Alternative To Trash Nesting

In an effort to provide urban birds with alternative nesting materials, the Peckable Architecture project has installed 100 natural-material bricks in Melbourne. The bricks, designed to break down over time, aim to reduce the use of trash in nests, which poses significant risks to birds, including choking, poisoning, and entanglement.

The bricks are installed across two prominent Melbourne sites: Federation Square and the Royal Botanic Gardens. Each brick combines a mix of natural materials, including bark, casuarina needles, fine twigs, coconut fiber, and moss, with an organic gelatin binder. This unique composition allows birds to collect the natural materials they need as the bricks break down.

A global study in 2023 found that litter was present in the nests of 176 different bird species, with common trash items including cigarette butts, plastic bags, and fishing nets. In Australia, a study of 893 nests from museum collections found that the occurrence of human-made materials in bird nests rose from 4% in 1832 to 30% in 2018, with most of these materials being plastics.

Birds are known to be skilled architects, designing their nests in response to the natural environment. A study of more than 700 nests found that those from rainy places had thinner walls to dry out faster. By providing natural-material bricks, the Peckable Architecture project hopes to encourage birds to use these alternative materials, reducing their reliance on trash and minimizing the associated risks.

## Why it matters The use of trash in nests poses significant risks to birds, particularly chicks, and is a growing concern in urban areas. By providing alternative nesting materials, the Peckable Architecture project aims to help mitigate these risks and support the well-being of urban bird populations. As birds continue to struggle with the impacts of biodiversity crisis and bird flu, initiatives like this can play a crucial role in supporting their health and survival.

## What happens next As the bricks break down over time, the project team will monitor the response of birds to the new nesting materials. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar projects in other urban areas, providing a valuable tool in the efforts to reduce the impact of trash on bird populations.