Dung-loving bird's nest fungus

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Cyathus stercoreus

Dung-loving bird's nest fungus, a reference photo
Photo: Dr. Christian Glabasnia · CC BY-SA 3.0 (licence)

Cyathus stercoreus, commonly known as the dung-loving bird's nest or the dung bird's nest, is a species of fungus in the genus Cyathus, family Nidulariaceae. Like other species in the Nidulariaceae, the fruiting bodies of C. stercoreus resemble tiny bird's nests filled with eggs. The fruiting bodies are referred to as splash cups, because they are developed to use the force of falling drops of water to dislodge and disperse their spores. The species has a worldwide distribution, and prefers growing on dung, or soil containing dung; the specific epithet is derived from the Latin word stercorarius, meaning "of dung".

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Dung-loving bird's nest fungus being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Classification

Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Basidiomycota
Class
Agaricomycetes
Order
Agaricales
Family
Nidulariaceae
Genus
Cyathus
Species
Cyathus stercoreus

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