generally built with plaster, wood, terracotta or stucco. Artificial nests, such as nest boxes, are an important conservation tool for many species, however nest box programs rarely compare their effectiveness with individuals not using nest boxes. Red-footed falcons using nest boxes in heavily managed landscapes produced fewer fledglings than those nesting in natural nests, but also than pairs nesting in nest boxes in more natural habitats. References Notes Cited texts External links Lecture notes on bird nesting Department of natural resources Illinois state Earthlife site on bird nests Point Reyes Bird Observatory Teacher Resource Packet—Activity 4: Building Bird Nests Shelters built or used by animals Bird breeding Articles containing video clips