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What came first, the chicken or the egg? Well, probably the egg.
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All birds start their lives in an egg. It is a long time before they become an adult. Their parents must look after them well.
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A male and female produce an egg. The egg starts to grow inside the female. Then, the female lays a hard egg.
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The female lays the egg in a nest. A nest is a bird's home.
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Most birds make their nests in trees. Some birds make their nests in caves. Some birds make their nests on rocks.
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Nests can be made of different things. Eagles make their nest high in trees. They use twigs and branches to make their nests.
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A woodpecker makes its nest inside trees. They use their beaks to make holes for their nests.
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The egg must be kept warm. The female stays with the egg. She sometimes leaves to hunt.
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When it is ready, the egg will hatch. The chick starts to break the egg. It uses its beak. It starts to chirp. Then it comes out!
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For weeks, the nestling stays in the nest. The parents bring food. Some parents bring worms and other insects.
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Many birds are born without feathers. They start to grow little feathers. They are called down feathers. They keep the bird warm. They look fuzzy!
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But it isn't over yet. They must learn to fly. They must learn to find food. There is lots to learn!