Females lay 3 to 4 white eggs in their nest cavities and incubate them for about 25 days.

In groups with more than one breeding female, the females put their eggs into a single nest cavity.

There it is used as a lining for their nest cavities.

In some species the male helps with the sealing process from outside the nest cavity.

Once hatched, the nestlings remain in the nest cavity for about 26 days.

The nest cavity is dug with the hind feet.

The nest cavity is deep, the parents and young entirely hidden from view.

A nest cavity 14-20 cm deep is usually dug.

There they cluster while scout workers fly in search of a suitable new nest cavity.

The birds need mature forest, because they depend on old pines for their nest cavities.