Hummingbirds usually build their nests in trees or shrubs, often choosing spots 10 to 90 feet above the ground. They like sheltered spots in trees like oak, birch, or poplar, but sometimes they pick surprising places.
In this blog post, we’ll explore where hummingbirds like to nest, what materials they use, and some of the unusual places they might choose. We’ll also talk about how to make your garden more attractive to hummingbirds.
Key Points
- Hummingbirds nest in trees or shrubs, 10 to 90 feet above the ground.
- They prefer deciduous trees like oak, birch, and poplar.
- Nests are often in forked branches for stability.
- Hummingbirds might nest in hanging baskets or string lights.
- Nests are tiny, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and well-camouflaged.
- Making a hummingbird-friendly garden can attract nesting pairs.
Where Do Hummingbirds Build Their Nests?
Hummingbirds are picky about where they nest. They usually choose spots that provide shelter and are close to food sources. Here’s a closer look at their nesting spots:
Trees and Shrubs
Hummingbirds often nest in trees and shrubs, like:
- Oak
- Birch
- Poplar
- Hornbeam
- Hackberry.
They can also nest in coniferous trees like pines. They look for forked branches that provide a stable base for their nests.
Height Preferences
Hummingbirds build their nests 10 to 90 feet above the ground. This keeps them safe from predators and bad weather. Some even nest higher in tall trees!
Proximity to Resources
Hummingbirds choose nesting sites near:
- Water sources: Streams, ponds, or birdbaths
- Nectar-rich flowers: Their main food
- Insects: Important for feeding chicks
Unexpected Nesting Locations
Hummingbirds sometimes nest in unusual places like:
- Hanging flower baskets
- String lights or clotheslines
- Porch lights or security cameras
- Yard decorations or statues
- Tennis nets or trampolines.
These choices show how adaptable hummingbirds are, even in urban areas.
How Hummingbirds Build Their Nests
Hummingbird nests are tiny but strong. They are about 1.5 inches in diameter. Here’s how they build them:
Nest Materials
Hummingbirds use soft, flexible materials like:
- Plant down from thistles or dandelions
- Spider silk to hold the nest together
- Lichen to camouflage the nest
- Moss for structure and insulation
- Small twigs and leaves for the foundation.
Construction Process
The female hummingbird builds the nest alone:
- Site selection: She picks a forked branch.
- Foundation laying: She makes a platform with spider silk and plant material.
- Cup shaping: She shapes the nest into a cup using more spider silk and plants down.
- Exterior decoration: She adds lichen and moss to camouflage the nest.
- Interior lining: She lines the nest with soft materials for comfort.
This process takes 5-7 days, with the female making many trips to gather materials.
Hummingbird Nesting Behavior
Learning about hummingbird nesting habits can be fascinating. Here are some key points:
Nesting Season
Hummingbirds nest during the warmer months. In North America, they typically nest from late spring to early summer.
Clutch Size and Incubation
Hummingbirds usually lay two eggs, each the size of a jelly bean. The female incubates the eggs alone for about 14-18 days.
Chick Development
Hummingbird chicks are born blind and featherless. They grow quickly, with eyes opening after a week and feathers appearing after 10 days. They leave the nest after 18-22 days.
Nest Reuse
Hummingbirds rarely reuse their nests. However, they might build a new nest on top of an old one or use materials from an old nest.
Creating a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden
Creating a garden that attracts hummingbirds can be rewarding. Here are some tips:
- Plant native flowering plants that produce nectar.
- Use brightly coloured flowers, especially red, orange, and pink.
- Provide a water source, like a birdbath or misting fountain.
- Avoid using pesticides, which can harm hummingbirds and their food.
- Plant flowers that bloom at different times for a steady food supply.
Plant Nectar-Rich Flowers
Choose flowers with nectar and a tubular shape, like:
- Fuchsia
- Honeysuckle
- Bee Balm
- Cardinal Flower
- Trumpet Creeper.
Provide Water Sources
Install a shallow birdbath or a small fountain. Hummingbirds like flying through mist, so a mister can be a great addition.
Offer Nesting Materials
Leave out small, soft materials like:
- Cotton fibres
- Small pieces of string (no longer than 10 cm)
- Soft plant down.
Avoid Pesticides
Hummingbirds eat small insects for protein. Avoid pesticides to keep the insect population healthy.
Create Perches
Place thin branches or wires near flowers for hummingbirds to rest and watch their surroundings.
The Importance of Hummingbird Conservation
Hummingbirds are important pollinators and indicators of environmental health. We can help conserve them by understanding their needs and nesting habits.
Key conservation actions include:
- Preserving natural habitats
- Supporting organizations that protect hummingbirds and their habitats
- Educating others about the importance of hummingbirds.
Final Thoughts
Hummingbird nesting habits are fascinating. From choosing their nesting spots to building their tiny homes, their behaviour shows how adaptable and strong they are.
Learning about hummingbirds can inspire us to make our gardens more wildlife-friendly. This helps attract these beautiful birds and supports biodiversity.
Next time you see a hummingbird, whether in real life or on a screen, take a moment to appreciate its amazing journey. From a tiny egg in a walnut-sized nest to a bird that can travel long distances, the story of a hummingbird is one of nature’s most magical tales.
Thank you for reading!
