Fungi

Fungi

This is the TINIEST bird's nest you'll ever see! Bird's nest fungi are a group of fungi that resemble bird nests due to their cup-shape and small egg-like reproductive structures nestled inside.

Young fruiting bodies have a thin membrane which eventually splits and reveals 'eggs' which have a diameter of 1-3mm. These reproductive bits, called peridioles, become splashed out when rain lands inside the cup!

There are around 60 species of bird's nest fungi found throughout the world on organic matter, such as decaying wood, in forests.