BIRDS
Several bird species are known to nest in cave entrances.

The large entrance of Peak Cavern is used by jackdaws Corvus monedula and the steep slopes outside are used by mallards.

Dippers Cinclus cinclus are characteristic of rocky upland streams in the north-west of Britain. They swim underwater to catch invertebrates and can even walk on the bottom!

Other species which are often associated with caves include the Swallow Hirundo rustica, Swift Apus apus, Jackdaw and Wren Troglodytes troglodytes.  The cave nesting behaviour of swallows and swifts pre-dates their more modern reliance on buildings for nest sites.

Jackdaw nesting in a hole above Peak Cavern entrance

Wren nest in a mine near Matlock. Typically made from moss with a small hole.

Dipper nest, Giants Hole