National Museum of Natural Science

The common name of this fungus is based on its appearance, which resembles a bird’s nest. How does the dung bird’s nest, which has neither gills nor pores disseminate its spores to reproduce? The structures that resemble bird’s eggs are called peridioles. Spores grow inside them. On each peridiole is a white funicular cord. When raindrops land on this fungus, the periodole is ejected due to the impact. The funicular cord functions like a rope, wrapping around nearby leaves, awaiting hungry herbivores to eat the leaves and the periodiole with them. After being digested and excreted, the spores germinate on the nutritious feces. This fungus mostly grows on soil. If you want to catch a glimps of it, look for it in grassy areas a few days after a rainstorm.