Quick Answer: Baby hummingbirds typically stay in their nest for 18-22 days after hatching. During this time, they grow from tiny, helpless chicks to fully-fledged juveniles ready to take their first flight. The mother hummingbird feeds and protects them throughout this period, making sure they develop properly.
Key Takeaways: How Long Do Baby Hummingbirds Stay in the Nest?
- Baby hummingbirds spend about 3 weeks in their nest from hatching to first flight
- The mother feeds them every 20 minutes during daylight hours
- Young hummingbirds continue to receive care from their mother for several days after leaving the nest.
Growing up as a baby hummingbird is quite a journey that happens surprisingly quickly. Since you’re wondering about their nesting period, let’s take a closer look at these remarkable tiny birds. In the next few minutes, you’ll learn exactly how long these fascinating creatures stay in their nests and what happens during each stage of their early development.
A Baby Hummingbird’s Journey from Egg to Flight
When a mother hummingbird lays her eggs, she’s starting a process that will last about six weeks from start to finish. The eggs need about 14-16 days of careful incubation before they hatch. Once they do, the real adventure begins.
The First Week in the Nest
During their first week of life, baby hummingbirds are incredibly small and vulnerable. They’re born:
- Blind
- Nearly featherless
- About the size of a small bean
- Weighing less than a penny.
The mother feeds them a mixture of nectar and tiny insects every 20 minutes during daylight hours. At this stage, they’re completely dependent on their mother for everything, including keeping warm.
Related Post: What Do Baby Hummingbirds Eat?
The Second Week: Major Changes
The second week brings dramatic changes to baby hummingbirds:
- Their eyes begin to open
- Pin feathers start emerging
- They grow to almost double their hatching size
- Their beaks begin lengthening.
The Final Week: Preparing for Flight
The third week is when baby hummingbirds really start looking like their parents:
- Their feathers fully develop
- They practice flapping their wings
- They begin preening themselves
- Their beaks reach almost adult length.
Life After Leaving the Nest
When baby hummingbirds first leave the nest (usually around day 21), they don’t just zip away immediately. The mother continues feeding them for 7-10 days while they perfect their flying skills and learn to feed themselves.
Signs a Baby Hummingbird is Ready to Leave
You can tell when a young hummingbird is nearly ready to leave the nest when:
- It looks almost as big as its mother
- It’s actively exercising its wings
- It’s getting restless in the nest
- Its feathers are fully developed.
Final Thoughts
The time baby hummingbirds spend in their nest might seem short, but it’s perfectly timed for these remarkable birds. Their rapid development from helpless chicks to skilled flyers is one of nature’s most impressive transformations.
Have you ever had the chance to watch baby hummingbirds grow up in a nest near your home?
Frequently Asked Questions (How Long Do Baby Hummingbirds Stay in the Nest?)
Q: Do baby hummingbirds return to the nest after they leave?
A: No, once baby hummingbirds leave the nest, they don’t return. However, they stay near the nest area for several days while their mother continues to feed them and teach them survival skills.
Q: How often does a mother hummingbird feed her babies?
A: The mother hummingbird feeds her babies every 20-30 minutes during daylight hours, providing them with a mixture of nectar and small insects.
Q: What happens if you find a baby hummingbird out of its nest?
A: If you find a baby hummingbird out of its nest, it’s best to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Only attempt to return it to its nest if you can locate it nearby and are certain it’s the correct nest.
Q: Can baby hummingbirds survive if the mother disappears?
A: Without their mother, baby hummingbirds are unlikely to survive unless they’re immediately taken to a wildlife rehabilitator. They need frequent feeding and care throughout their development.
Q: How many babies do hummingbirds typically have?
A: Hummingbirds typically lay two eggs per clutch. It’s rare to find a nest with more than two babies, though sometimes only one egg may hatch successfully.
Q: What do baby hummingbirds eat?
A: Baby hummingbirds are fed a mixture of nectar and tiny insects (like fruit flies and small spiders) by their mother. The insects provide essential protein for their growth.
Q: At what age can baby hummingbirds feed themselves?
A: Baby hummingbirds begin learning to feed themselves about 7-10 days after leaving the nest, when they’re approximately 28-32 days old.
