These Birds Build Big Nests. It Doesn't End Well. | National Geographic

Ornithologists are helpful folk, and when they name a bird the sociable weaver, you can tell that it's going to be a social creature and one that likes to weave large nests. Only the size of sparrows, these birds can build enormous nests, reaching 10 feet tall. But lest you think that we're doing a pleasant little video about nest building social birds, nope. Let's meet our antagonist of the story: the 5-foot long cape cobra, for whom this bird's nest is practically a buffet.

The cape cobra has some of the most powerful venom on the continent of Africa, paralyzing its victims' breathing until death. This is getting dark. The birds line their nests with sharp straw to keep the snakes out, but determined cobras can penetrate straw. They—did they not read The Three Little Pigs? Straw is not an effective deterrent against determined predators. Unable to save their hatchlings, the birds must save themselves. Stakes can eat around 70% of their offspring. Guys, this is grim!

I honestly thought that the script was going to be about these cool nests that the birds are building, but now just—this is carnage. Satisfied, the cobra leaves the nest. The birds are now safe to return and survey the damage. And I am just going to go grab a bunch of kitties and curl up into a ball and cry. [Music]