Hummingbirds, with their iridescent plumage and rapid wingbeats, are captivating creatures, and their nesting habits are astonishing. These tiny birds construct intricate nests, often overlooked due to their size and camouflage, to protect their offspring. The female hummingbird undertakes the entire nesting process alone, from selecting the site to raising the young.
Key Nesting Locations and Environments
Hummingbirds typically build nests in sheltered locations, favoring horizontal branches of trees or dense shrubs. Nests are usually situated between 5 and 20 feet above the ground, though some can be found as low as 6 feet or as high as 90 feet. This elevated position provides a degree of protection while remaining accessible for the female.
Specific tree species frequently host hummingbird nests, including deciduous hardwood trees like yellow poplar, sweetgum, maple, oak, and beech, as well as evergreens such as eucalyptus and pine. They may also select locations near a branch fork or on a gently sloping limb for added support. Proximity to abundant food sources, such as flowering plants, is also a factor, reducing the energy the mother expends on foraging trips. Microhabitats like those above streams or along the edges of clearings can also be chosen.
How Nests Are Built
The female constructs a hummingbird nest, taking five days to a week to complete. She uses a variety of soft, stretchy materials, including plant down from thistles or dandelions, moss, cotton fibers, and small feathers. These materials are woven together to form a compact, cup-shaped nest.
A defining feature of hummingbird nests is the use of spider silk, which acts as a natural glue and provides elasticity. The female collects strands of spider silk by plucking them from webs with her beak. This strong, flexible silk binds the nest materials together and anchors the nest to the branch, allowing it to stretch and expand as the nestlings grow. For camouflage, the exterior is adorned with tiny fragments of bark, lichen, and moss, making the nest blend seamlessly with its surroundings and often appear like a natural knot on a branch.
Hummingbird Nesting Timeline
The nesting season for hummingbirds can vary by geographic location, often beginning as early as March in warmer southern regions. After mating, the female constructs her nest. She typically lays two tiny, white, elliptical eggs, each about the size of a navy bean or small jelly bean, usually one to two days apart.
The incubation period, during which the female keeps the eggs warm, lasts between 14 and 22 days. Once hatched, the nestlings are altricial, meaning they are born blind and helpless, with little to no feathers. They remain in the nest for an additional 18 to 30 days until they are ready to fledge, or leave the nest. In warmer climates, some hummingbird species may have multiple broods within a single breeding season.
Helping Nests and Young Hummingbirds
Observing hummingbird nests should be done from a respectful distance to avoid disturbing the female and her young. Direct interference with a nest or its contents can cause the mother to abandon it, so refrain from touching them. Creating a hummingbird-friendly environment in a yard can indirectly support nesting success.
This includes planting native flowering plants that provide nectar and insects, an important protein source for nestlings. Providing fresh water sources, such as misters or bubblers, also benefits hummingbirds. If a nest or a baby hummingbird is found on the ground, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator. While it is a myth that a mother bird will reject her young if touched by humans, professional help ensures the best chance of survival for the fragile birds.