As their common name suggests, they look like small bird's nests, complete with eggs. In fact, the nest is a splash cup which is light to dark brown or white on the outside and white, grey or brown on the inside, depending on species. With smooth flaring sides between 4 and 10 mm in diameter and 6 to 20 mm in height, depending on species, the Immature Bird Nest has a cap over the top of the splash cup to protect the eggs, which break away at maturity. The eggs are small capsules known as peridioles which, contain the spores. These peridioles are lens shaped and shiny white, black-grey or dark brown. |
Cyathus striatus |