Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and most delicate birds, yet they are also some of the toughest and most resilient. With some basic supplies and a little bit of know-how, you can easily create a shelter in your own backyard to help provide food and shelter for these tiny feathered friends.
What do hummingbirds need in a shelter?
Hummingbirds have very specific needs when it comes to their shelter and food sources. Here are some of the key things they require:
- Nectar – Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from flower nectar and tree sap. They need a constant supply of nectar to survive.
- Small perches – Hummingbird feet are tiny, so they can’t grip large perches. Small branches and twigs are ideal.
- Protection from weather – Hummingbirds are susceptible to cold overnight temperatures and rain. Shelters should protect them from the elements.
- Insect food sources – Hummingbirds supplement their diet with small insects like fruit flies and gnats. Having insect-attracting plants helps provide food.
- Swift access – Hummingbirds burn calories quickly with their fast metabolism. Easy access to and from feeders is crucial.
Keeping these key needs in mind will help you design an effective hummingbird shelter for your backyard.
Where should you place a hummingbird shelter?
Location is important when putting up a hummingbird shelter. Here are some tips on the best placement:
- Near nectar sources – Put shelters near flowering plants and trees that provide nectar.
- Partial sunlight – Dappled sunlight helps keep nectar from spoiling without overheating the birds.
- Sheltered spot – Choose a covered location protected from wind, rain, and direct sun.
- Elevated position – Mount shelters at least 5 feet off the ground to deter predators.
- Clear access – There should be open spaces for easy access to feeders and perches.
Ideally, place your hummingbird shelter near the eaves of buildings or under tree canopies where there is adequate sunlight but protection from the elements.
What are good materials to use?
Hummingbird shelters can be made from many readily available materials. Here are some top options:
- Wood – Unfinished softwoods like pine or cedar are inexpensive and easy to work with.
- Plastic – Recycled plastic containers make sturdy, weatherproof shelters.
- Wicker or rattan – For a decorative shelter that blends into gardens.
- Terra cotta – Clay pots of various sizes can be turned into shelters.
- Metal – Copper, aluminum, and galvanized steel won’t rot over time.
Avoid painted or treated woods, as they may contain toxic chemicals. Thick, durable materials will stand up better to years of exposure to sun, rain, and wind.
What are the steps for building a hummingbird shelter?
Follow these steps to build a basic hummingbird shelter for your yard:
- Select a suitable container. Some options are a plastic tub, wooden box, terra cotta planter, or metal bucket.
- Cut an entrance hole about 1-1.5 inches in diameter near the top of the container.
- Drill 4-8 small drainage holes in the bottom. Line the bottom with pebbles or twigs.
- Affix a wooden perch under the entrance hole using glue or screws.
- Optionally, add more perches inside the shelter at various heights.
- Mount the shelter on a tree, post, or wall at least 5 feet off the ground.
- Decorate the shelter as desired with paint, stucco, moss, flowers, etc.
For a more decorative look, use a terra cotta planter or wicker basket. Add some outdoor waterproof glue and moss or vines to give your shelter some rustic flair.
What is the best way to clean and maintain a hummingbird shelter?
Regular cleaning and maintenance will help ensure your hummingbird shelter remains safe and sanitary:
- Clean feeders – Use a mild vinegar solution to clear nectar residue and prevent mold.
- Change nectar – Swap out old nectar for fresh every 2-3 days, more in hot weather.
- Clear debris – Pick out any built-up debris, old nesting material, or droppings.
- Check for damage – Assess any holes, cracks, rot, or pest infestations needing repair.
- Freshen perches – Replace worn or weathered perches as needed.
- Deep clean annually – Do a thorough scrub each year before hummingbird season.
A clean, well-maintained shelter demonstrates good stewardship and shows hummingbirds your space is safe for nesting and raising young.
What dangers do hummingbirds face?
Hummingbirds are very vulnerable to a number of dangers despite their diminutive size and speedy flying abilities. Here are some of the top threats hummingbirds must contend with:
- Predators – Birds of prey, snakes, house cats, and other predators can injure or kill hummingbirds.
- Collisions – Windows, vehicles, and structures take a toll on hummingbirds during migrations.
- Pesticides – Chemical residuals can be lethal to hummingbirds or contaminate nectar sources.
- Extreme weather – High winds, hail, extreme heat or cold can be deadly during vulnerable times.
- Nectar shortages – Lack of nectar-producing flowers can starve hummingbirds that can’t migrate.
Providing a clean, well-protected shelter with a constant nectar supply is key to helping hummingbirds avoid these threats.
What is the best way to provide food for hummingbirds in a shelter?
Hummingbirds get most of their nutrition from nectar. The best way to supplement their diet at a shelter is by providing nectar feeders.
- Use a simple 1 part sugar to 4 parts water ratio for homemade nectar.
- Avoid food dyes, honey, and artificial sweeteners in nectar mixes.
- Choose feeders with red parts to attract hummingbirds.
- Replace nectar every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather.
- Clean feeders thoroughly each week with a mild vinegar solution.
- Place feeders in shaded spots to keep nectar cool and fresh.
Having multiple feeders allows more hummingbirds to feed. Position them at different heights to accommodate all sizes of birds.
Can you provide other food sources in a hummingbird shelter?
While nectar should make up the bulk of food provisions, hummingbirds also appreciate other food sources:
- Edible flowers – Trumpet vines, bee balm, and nasturtiums attract insects that hummingbirds eat.
- Fruit feeders – Chopped oranges, bananas, melon, and berries offer some nutritional variety.
- Sugar water drippers – Dripping sugar water mimics tree sap, which hummingbirds drink.
- Insect attractors – Rotting fruit, pond water, and moist soil help draw gnats and mosquitoes.
A variety of food sources will ensure hummingbirds get all the carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals they need to thrive.
What are some common hummingbird shelter mistakes to avoid?
Even well-meaning attempts to create hummingbird shelters can sometimes do more harm than good. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Using toxic materials like pressure-treated wood, lead-based paints, etc.
- Not cleaning moldy feeders that spread deadly fungus diseases
- Letting nectar ferment into alcohol that sickens birds
- Allowing outdoor cats access to the space to prey on birds
- Putting feeders too close together causing aggression between birds
- Disturbing or handling nests, eggs, hatchlings
- Letting nectar run dry forcing birds to expend energy finding food
With attentive, responsible care and maintenance, hummingbird shelters should only benefit the birds by providing a dependable source of food and refuge.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds thrive when provided with a clean, safe shelter equipped to meet their specialized needs. While they are resilient birds, they also face many natural and manmade threats. By using appropriate materials and placement for a shelter, adding nectar feeders and other food sources, and diligently maintaining the space, you can successfully create a hummingbird haven right in your own backyard.
With a basic understanding of hummingbird biology and behavior, some simple building skills, and a passion for supporting our tiny feathered friends, anyone can construct a DIY shelter to help hummingbirds flourish. The reward of seeing these jewel-colored birds buzzing around your garden as they feed and rest will be well worth the time and care you put into creating their new shelter.
