Forests provide birds with food, nest sites and protection.
Birds, in turn, help the forest by scattering seeds and eating insects that may harm trees. Forest trees are especially valuable to birds because they provide nest sites high enough above the forest floor that most ground-dwelling predators cannot reach them. Some birds stay mostly overhead in the tall treetop canopy seeking food and prime nest sites. Some thrive in the understory of smaller trees, while others make their homes on the forest floor. Even though well hidden, birds of the forest floor do not survive as well as birds in the treetops.