aerie

/ˈɛri/

An aerie is the nest of a large bird of prey somewhere high up, such as the branch of a tree or a clifftop.

Don't confuse aerie with airy, meaning spacious and well ventilated (though it's a safe bet that given their location most aeries are exactly that). The word also has the meaning of a human residence that's perched high up — particularly an artist's garret, for example, in the eaves of a building.

Definitions of aerie

1. noun

   the lofty nest of a bird of prey (such as a hawk or eagle)
   synonyms: aery, eyrie, eyry

   type of:

   bird nest, bird's nest, birdnest

   nest where birds lay their eggs and hatch their young
2. noun

   any habitation at a high altitude
   synonyms: aery, eyrie, eyry

   type of:

   habitation

   the native habitat or home of an animal or plant