Ovenbirds were not named because they are baked in ovens, but because their nests look like an old-fashioned baker’s oven. There are many varieties of ovenbirds throughout North and South America. In North America they are found only east of the Rocky Mountains. They are all noted for their lovely songs, especially when a bright moonlit night brings them out to sing in groups.
Bird watchers admire their unusual oven-like nests. However, it takes much searching to find one since they are well hidden. The nests look like ovens or igloos and are constructed with twig-supported mud or clay, with a small opening on the side. Usually they are built right on the ground, up against a fallen tree and near a pile of brush or leaves. They are so well hidden that a person may walk right past one and never see it.
When a male ovenbird wants to attract a mate, he puts on quite a display. With wings and tail spread out, he hops around with his head bobbing up and down excitedly. If a female is impressed, they are soon busy building a nest. This is done very carefully. As it progresses, if they are not pleased with any part, they will remove that section and do it over.
After the eggs are hatched, the mother carefully protects her chicks. When she leaves them for any reason, she stays close to the ground to avoid letting the nest be discovered, running like a mouse for a good distance before taking to the air. When she returns, she does the same.
South American ovenbirds are found in the northern part of the continent, some in deserts, some on ocean shores and others in mountains as high as 16,000 feet above sea level. These usually make their nests somewhat differently from their North American relatives, although following an oven-like pattern. One variety seems to prefer being near people and even makes its nests in plain sight. They are often built snugly on top of a fence post or stump.
Who taught these unusual birds to build such elaborate nests and how to raise and protect their young? Who gave them such sweet songs? Of course it was the Lord God, their Creator, of whom the Bible says, “O Lord, how manifold [what variety] are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all” (Psalm 104:2424O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. (Psalm 104:24)). None of the birds or animals is aware that they are always watched over by their Creator, but we who experience His daily love and care to us should always thank Him. The psalmist declared, “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men” (Psalm 107:88Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107:8))! Have you ever thanked Him for His love and care?
ML-10/02/2011