If you’ve ever spotted a large clump of leaves perched high in a tree, you might have assumed it was a bird’s nest. In many cases, however, these leafy bundles are the work of squirrels, not birds.
Known as dreys, squirrel nests are often larger, more visible, and made from twigs and leaves with a soft inner lining. While they might look similar at first glance, their purpose, location, and construction reveal a very different story.
This article is for general knowledge only. Observing wildlife should be done safely and responsibly. Never disturb nests, as doing so can harm young animals and is illegal in some regions.
1. Size And Structure Give It Away
Squirrel dreys typically measure 30-45 cm in diameter, considerably larger than most bird nests in North America. They feature a sturdy outer shell of interwoven twigs forming a distinctive ball shape.
Inside, squirrels create a soft inner chamber lined with shredded bark, moss, leaves, and even fur. Unlike bird nests, which often have an open top, dreys are enclosed with just a small entrance hole that helps protect against predators and harsh weather.
2. Location Matters In Tree Placement
Bird nests often sit on supporting branches or in crotches close to the trunk for stability. Squirrels, however, favor positioning their leafy homes near the ends of sturdy branches or in forks at least 20 feet high.
The strategic placement provides excellent visibility of approaching predators while offering quick escape routes. You’ll frequently spot dreys in deciduous trees like oaks and maples, though some squirrels build in conifers during winter for better protection from elements.
3. Construction Materials Tell The Story
A quick glance at building materials offers major clues. Bird nests typically contain delicate materials like grass, feathers, spider silk, and mud, carefully woven into precise shapes suited to their species.
Squirrel dreys feature chunkier construction with large twigs forming the outer frame, while leaves, often still attached to small branches, make up much of the structure. During fall cleanup, squirrels sometimes repurpose entire clumps of fallen leaves, creating that distinctive leafy ball appearance overnight.
4. Seasonal Timing Reveals The Builder
Most songbirds build nests in spring, use them briefly for raising young, then abandon them entirely. Finding a new leafy structure in autumn almost guarantees it’s squirrel-made.
Gray and fox squirrels typically construct fresh dreys in fall as winter approaches. They maintain multiple homes throughout their territory, rotating between them regularly. This explains why you might suddenly notice several appear in your yard during October and November when trees begin losing leaves.
5. Activity Patterns Confirm Occupancy
Watching who comes and goes settles the question definitively. Birds make frequent trips during nesting season, carrying food to hungry chicks that often create visible movement and noise.
Squirrel homes show different patterns, residents typically enter at dusk and emerge at dawn. You might spot a bushy tail disappearing into the leafy mass or see squirrels adding fresh materials after storms. Multiple entry points and year-round use further distinguish these mammalian apartments from temporary bird nurseries.
