Oh, there you are! Yes, I know what you're looking at. No, this isn't just an elaborate pile of twigs. This is our home. And, if I may say so myself, it's quite a masterpiece. When you're a small bird living in a big forest, you have to be clever about where you build. We like our homes tucked into the forks of tree branches or among small plants, where they're secure but not too obvious. This one? Carefully chosen. My partner does most of the building. I, meanwhile, have an equally important job! Security. While she's busy with construction, I keep a close eye on the neighbourhood. I stay nearby to protect and accompany her while she's working. Teamwork, you see. Every successful household needs it. You don't spend all that time building a home only to let some uninvited guest wander in, right? And here's the really clever bit. That cosy-looking nest isn't simply thrown together from whatever happens to be lying around.

The materials are carefully woven, and she uses fungal filaments to line the interior so that it’s really soft and comfy! So, when you look at our little nest, you're not just looking at a collection of leaves and grass. You're looking at a nursery, a shelter and the beginning of the next generation. Not bad for a couple of tiny birds, eh? Anyway, I have a patrol to complete. Stay right there, I'll be back.

...A little later...

I'm back! I told you I would be. Since we're discussing family life, here's something you might find interesting. Our breeding season generally runs from March to August, which means there's quite a bit of activity happening around the forest during these months. When the eggs come, usually three or four, that's when we both get busy! We take turns keeping them warm, and after about 12 days, our little ones arrive. This is when things get really hectic! Once our chicks hatch, both parents share responsibility for caring for them. The next couple of weeks are very busy, with hungry little mouths demanding regular meals. It's food, feeding, guarding and more food! Eventually, the chicks are ready to leave and begin exploring the forest for themselves. And just like that, our quiet little nest becomes a little too quiet. Well... until the next family. Now, if you'll excuse me… I believe I have an insect to catch.

A Mahoora Naturalist spotted this striking Sri Lankan Black-naped Monarch perched quietly among the foliage right inside the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Yala. For a bird that spends much of its time darting through the forest in pursuit of insects, it was a rare moment of stillness. Thankfully, the Mahoora Naturalist had a camera with him so he was able to capture this beautiful little blue monarch before it could return to its busy day of nest building and family duties.