Part 2/5:
The process of nest building is not all work and no play. Between shifts spent constructing their nests, nuthatches take advantage of their surroundings to hunt for food. One particularly bright and colorful creature, the firebug, reveals its truism: its bright pattern serves as a warning that it is inedible. This mistake, however, proves catastrophic for the firebug, as the nuthatch seizes the opportunity.
Interestingly, the nuthatch does not consume the bug; instead, it repurposes it. By mashing up the firebug, the nuthatch creates a mixture that hardens, forming an effective cement to fill in any holes or cracks in the nest. This innovative use of available resources exemplifies the bird's adaptability.