Hummingbirds are amazing little birds. They can hover in the air and fly super fast. But did you know their egg-laying habits are just as interesting? The number of eggs they lay tells us a lot about how these tiny birds survive in the wild.
In this blog post, we’ll look at how many eggs hummingbirds lay, how big these eggs are, and how the birds take care of them. We’ll also explore why hummingbirds lay the number of eggs they do and how their high-energy lifestyle influences this.
Key Takeaways
- Hummingbirds usually lay two eggs in each nest.
- The eggs are tiny, about as big as a jelly bean.
Related Post: 9 Surprising Facts About Hummingbird Nesting.
How Many Eggs Do Hummingbirds Lay?
Most of the time, a female hummingbird lays two eggs. That’s right, just two! This is called a clutch. Sometimes, but not very often, a hummingbird might lay only one egg or even three. But two eggs is the most common across species.
Hummingbird Nests: Tiny Homes for Tiny Eggs
Before we talk more about the eggs, let’s look at where hummingbirds put them. Hummingbirds build really small nests. These nests are about the size of a golf ball or a small cupcake. They’re so tiny that they’re hard to spot!
Hummingbirds use soft, fluffy materials to make their nests comfy. They often use spider webs to hold everything together. The spider webs also help the nest stretch as the baby hummingbirds grow.
What Do Hummingbird Eggs Look Like?
Hummingbird eggs are super tiny. They’re about as big as a jelly bean or a coffee bean. Even though they’re so small, they’re actually quite big compared to the size of the mother hummingbird.
The eggs are white and kind of look like tiny oval beans. They’re so small that you could easily mistake them for seeds if you saw them outside the nest.
How Does a Mother Hummingbird Lay Her Eggs?
When it’s time to lay eggs, the female hummingbird does all the work. Here’s how it usually goes:
- The mother hummingbird lays one egg.
- She waits a day or two.
- Then she lays the second egg.
This way, the eggs don’t hatch at exactly the same time. This helps the mother hummingbird take care of her babies more easily.
Taking Care of the Eggs
After the female hummingbird lays her eggs, she has to keep them warm. This is called incubating. She sits on the eggs to keep them cozy and safe.
The mother hummingbird spends most of her time on the nest. But she does need to eat, so she takes quick breaks to find food. She has to be very careful not to stay away too long, or the eggs might get cold.
How Long Until the Eggs Hatch?
Hummingbird eggs usually take about 14 to 18 days to hatch. That’s about two weeks. During this time, the mother hummingbird keeps the eggs warm and safe.
When it’s time to hatch, the baby hummingbird (called a chick) uses its tiny beak to make a hole in the egg. It can take a whole day for the chick to fully come out of the egg!
Baby Hummingbirds
When the eggs hatch, the baby hummingbirds are very small. They don’t have any feathers, and their eyes are closed. They look a bit like tiny worms!
The mother hummingbird feeds her babies a special mixture of nectar and small insects. She does this by putting her long beak into the baby’s mouth and feeding it directly. As the chicks grow, they start to get feathers and look more like adult hummingbirds.
Why Do Hummingbirds Only Lay Two Eggs?
You might wonder why hummingbirds don’t lay more eggs. There are a few reasons:
- High-Energy Lifestyle: Hummingbirds have extremely high metabolisms, so laying and caring for more eggs would require more energy than they can manage. Their small size and need for frequent feeding to sustain their energy demands mean they can only support a few chicks at a time.
- Limited Care Resources: Hummingbirds are very small, so they can only take care of a few babies at a time.
- Energy Conservation: Flying takes a lot of energy for these tiny birds. By laying fewer eggs, they can conserve energy for both flying and feeding themselves.
- Focus on Survival: By having fewer babies, the mother hummingbird can give each one more food and attention. This helps the babies grow strong and healthy.
Additionally, different species of hummingbirds might vary slightly in how many eggs they lay. Most will lay two, but larger species, like the Giant Hummingbird, may lay just one.
Wrapping Up
Hummingbirds might be tiny, but the way they lay and take care of their eggs is really amazing. From their small nests to their jelly bean-sized eggs, everything about hummingbird babies is special.
Next time you see a hummingbird zipping around your garden, remember that it might be a busy mother taking care of her eggs or babies. These little birds work very hard to keep their families safe and healthy!
What do you think is the coolest thing about hummingbird eggs? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do male hummingbirds help with the eggs?
A: No, male hummingbirds don’t help with the eggs or the babies. The female hummingbird does all the work of building the nest, laying eggs, and taking care of the chicks. However, the male helps defend the territory, ensuring a safe area for feeding and raising the young, even though he doesn’t directly care for them.
Q: How many times a year do hummingbirds lay eggs?
A: Many hummingbirds lay eggs 2 or 3 times a year. This depends on things like the weather and how much food is available. Some species, particularly in cooler climates, may lay eggs only once a year.
Q: What should I do if I find a hummingbird nest?
A: If you find a hummingbird nest, it’s best to leave it alone. The mother hummingbird might get scared and leave if people come too close. You can watch from far away with binoculars if you want to see what happens!
Q: How long do baby hummingbirds stay in the nest?
A: Baby hummingbirds usually stay in the nest for about 18 to 22 days. After that, they’re ready to fly and find food on their own.
