Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds in the world. Known for their incredibly fast wing beats and ability to hover in midair, hummingbirds have captured the imagination of people for centuries. One of the most intriguing parts of hummingbird behavior is their nest building and nesting habits.
What is a hummingbird nest?
A hummingbird nest is a small, cup-shaped structure that a female hummingbird builds to hold her eggs and raise her young. The nest is made of soft plant fibers, spider webs, lichens, and moss, and lined with soft plant down, feathers, or fur. Hummingbird nests are typically around 2 inches wide and 1 inch deep.
Hummingbirds do not use twigs or sticks to build their nests like many other birds. Instead, they use stretchy, pliable materials that they can weave and knot together to form a sturdy cup shape. Spider silk makes up a key structural component of hummingbird nests. The silk allows the nest to stretch as the young hummingbirds grow.
Hummingbird nests are engineering marvels. Their petite size and fragile appearance belie the sturdy construction. Nests are built to securely cradle the eggs and survive wind and rain. Yet the materials are soft enough to expand with the growing chicks.
Where do hummingbirds build nests?
Hummingbirds nest in trees, shrubs, and vines, typically on lower hanging branches. Favorite nest sites include:
- Forks of branches
- Exterior branches near the trunk
- Drooping vines or fronds
- Crotches on horizontal limbs
Hummingbirds often choose nest sites near streams or water. They also prefer protected areas covered by leaves or needles. This helps provide shade and shelter from rain and wind.
In treeless areas like prairies or deserts, hummingbirds may nest low in shrubs. Where trees are scarce, they may even nest on poles, clothesline posts, or porch rails.
When do hummingbirds build nests?
Hummingbird nest building coincides with spring in temperate climates. In tropical zones where hummingbirds live year-round, nesting may occur in different seasons depending on flower availability.
Spring triggers hormone changes that stimulate mating behaviors and nesting instincts. As soon as they arrive from migration in early spring, male hummingbirds begin competing for territories. Females build their nests in late spring once they have mated.
It takes 10-15 days on average for a female hummingbird to build her nest. She uses spider silk to lash materials together and bits of lichen or moss to glue them in place.
Nests are built on top of old nests from previous years. A new layer of soft downy material is added to refresh the nest for each new clutch of eggs.
What is inside a hummingbird nest?
The typical contents of a hummingbird nest include:
- Eggs – Usually 2 eggs per clutch, white and about the size of a jellybean
- Nestlings – Tiny, naked chicks just a few grams in weight
- Down lining – Soft plant fibers, feathers, or animal hair
- Food remnants – Insect parts, pollen grains, nectar
- Droppings – Nestlings excrete in the nest
The eggs are laid days apart so the chicks hatch at different times. The first chick to hatch usually has a clear size and strength advantage over the second.
Hummingbird eggs are only about half an inch long. They are white with very little markings. The female incubates the eggs for 14-23 days before they hatch.
Nestlings have disproportionately large beaks and feet at birth. Their eyes are sealed shut and they have only a light covering of downy feathers. Within a week, their eyes open and they grow quickly.
How are hummingbird nests adapted to the birds?
Hummingbird nests have several key adaptations that make them well-suited for their tiny owners:
- Tiny size – The nest is built to fit the petite hummingbird’s body
- Sturdy but stretchy – Allows the nest to expand as chicks grow
- Dense but breathable – Lets air flow through while concealing nest contents
- Rain resistant – Sheds water and dries quickly
- Camouflage – Helps hide the nest from predators
- Insulated – Down lining helps retain heat
The intricacy of hummingbird nests allows them to meet the needs of the parents and chicks. The nests keep eggs and chicks secure, provide room to grow, and protect the vulnerable fledglings from threats.
Threats to hummingbird nests
Hummingbird nests face threats from both weather and predators. Risks include:
- Wind and rain – Can blow nests out of trees or soak chicks
- Overheating – Direct sun can bake unshaded nests
- Squirrels and chipmunks – May raid nests for eggs or chicks
- Jays – Blue jays may puncture eggs or impale nestlings on thorns
- Snakes – Garter snakes and others consume eggs and chicks
- Ants – Can swarm and kill nestlings
Hummingbird mothers do all they can to protect their nests. They may dive bomb or distract potential nest predators. However, the camouflaged sites they choose also help conceal their babies.
Hummingbird nest identification
Identifying hummingbird nests takes a watchful eye. Look for these signs and clues:
- Tiny cup shape – About 2 inches across
- Tightly woven outer materials – Moss, lichen, plant down
- Spider silk binding
- Downy inner lining
- Low on a branch – 5-10 feet high typically
- Female hovering nearby – May dive bomb intruders
- Tiny eggs – Jellybean sized, white
- High activity – Adults flying to and from nest repeatedly
Distinguishing hummingbird nests from other bird nests takes some practice. Key differences include the smaller size, stretchier materials, and lack of twigs.
Conclusion
Hummingbird nests are engineering marvels tailored exquisitely to the needs of these smallest of birds. Their adaptable yet durable designs help protect vulnerable eggs and chicks. While delicate in appearance, hummingbird nests are tightly woven to provide safety from threats even through stormy weather. Watching a nesting hummingbird pair nurture their chicks in one of these remarkable structures is a privilege for any bird lover.
