A Collection of Comically Bad (and Beautiful) Pigeon Nests

Why do feral pigeons seem to build such hilariously low-effort nests? Perhaps their reasons are beyond our understanding. And before we go insulting pigeons, let's remind ourselves that humans domesticated these special birds thousands of years ago, used them for their meat and excellent homing abilities, and then abandoned them when they weren't so useful anymore. Domesticated pigeons became feral pigeons—cunning little masters of urban survival; creatures that thrive despite tireless municipal efforts to curb their population. Pigeons make bad nests because they don't need to make good ones. They're just that badass. 

Twitter account @BadNests is dedicated to cataloging the very best worst pigeon nests out there. Some notable submissions include a pigeon nest made out of nails, a pigeon nest made on top of anti-pigeon spikes, a pigeon egg laid next to a single stick on top of someone's bed, and a pigeon nest that looks more like an ashtray than a comfy place to lay eggs. Although, some studies have shown that the natural pesticide in tobacco can ward off parasitic mites that are harmful to baby birds. So before you judge a pigeon for building a nest made of cigarette butts on your window sill, give her the benefit of the doubt. She probably knows what she's doing. Keep scrolling to see the best terrible pigeon nests in all their glory.