Trial students were generally able to match the birds to the correct nests. Not surprisingly, they were most likely to confuse the fantail and blackbird nests. Both birds have nests in trees so students needed to make more detailed observations.

 

Fewer students provided a valid explanation for why they had made their choices.

Those that did write an explanation were most likely to use environmental cues.

     Because it looks like it is on a beach and there is a nest on the beach

     Because a pukeko can’t fly and the nest matches with the bird's environment

     I think this because it is sitting on a tree with no leaves.

Some referred to size (for the fantail).

     Because it is small and so is the bird

Other cues used less often were science knowledge or personal experiences.

     Because pukekos live on the ground

     Because I see them round there

For the blackbird, a few used a process of elimination.

     Because it was the last nest left

In the case of the fantail, a small number of trial students gave two reasons.

     Because the fantail is small so the nest would be small, and the branches are similar

Most students who attempted a writtten explanation used relevant evidence. A few, though, gave a reason that did not provide evidence, or the evidence provided did not discriminate between nests.

     Because fantails like to be warm and the nest looks warm 

     Because it has lots of eggs in it

     Because of the background