October 16, 2025
EggTober progress continued, with zeal, as I worked my way through week two. See for yourself! Check out the bird eggs that randomly popped up from my list of nesting birds of New Mexico. As with Submission One, included are a few fascinating facts about the shape of bird eggs to go along with week two birds.
If you missed Submission One of my EggTober post and would like to catch up, click here.
Egg Shape
The typical oval-shaped bird egg isn’t coincidental. Evolution, influenced by factors such as bird genetics and environmental influences, produced a “smart egg;” a perfectly shaped package just right for survival ……..
October 9th and 10th
1. Structural Strength
The oval shape provides greater strength and resilience, reducing the likelihood of breakage during incubation. It withstands external pressure more effectively, minimizing deformation or fractures in the developing embryo.
October 11th and 12th
2. Optimal Space
The oval shape maximizes the volume available for the embryo, ensuring proper development and sufficient reserves of nutrients, including proteins.
October 13th and 14th
3. Temperature Distribution
The oval shape promotes the even distribution of heat. When a female bird incubates the egg, her body heat is utilized to maintain warmth. The egg’s oval shape aids in evenly disseminating her body heat, ensuring a consistent temperature for the embryo throughout the incubation process.
October 15th and 16th
4. Prevents Rolling
The blunt, flat end of the oval egg shape helps prevent rolling within the nest. This stability safeguards the eggs, preventing them from accidentally falling from the nest or assuming an improper position.
Summary
While most bird eggs exhibit an oval shape, slight variations in shape do occur among different species. These variations are influenced by the birds’ lifestyles and specific incubation requirements. Overall, the oval shape plays a vital role in the reproductive ecology and physiological adaptations of birds.
Hope you have enjoyed Submission Two of EggTober! If so, please leave me a comment. And as always, thanks for popping in!
p.s. Stay tuned for Submission Three, landing in your in-basket next week!
a curious nature 
Well done and a wonderful series!
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Wow, Jean! Thank you so much for the feedback!
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Barb –
Another beautiful post! I so look forward to your wonderful, artistic renderings and great facts. Dee
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You are so kind, Dee! Thanks very much and I really do appreciate your positive comments!
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Your renditions of the various eggs is gorgeous and I love all the egg-trivia! The variety is fascinating and I’m so glad you’re capturing these phenomenal marvels of nature in your sketchbook! Thanks for sharing the next installment of your project!
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Many thanks, dear Karen! What perfect marvels of nature are eggs, huh! Even though each shape resembles an oval, o longed or scrunched a bit, each bird species (and sometimes each individual bird in the same species) has a slightly different twist on the egg. I do so appreciate you following along on my EggTober journey. On your week 3!
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I saw a nature sketch book in a bookstore that reminded me of your beautiful drawings. 👏🏻
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Quite an honor, Michele, that you thought of my work with a published book with nature art! Thank you! If you can recall the book title and author/artist, please share!
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You’re too modest – your talent is stellar! I didn’t snap a photo of the book. I will next time! Wishing you a wonderful Sunday. 🌻
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