Hummingbirds are a beloved bird species found throughout North America. Their small size, vibrant colors, and incredible flying abilities make them a joy to observe. While hummingbirds are found in all 48 contiguous United States during migration, fewer species nest extensively across the country. So an important question for birders and nature enthusiasts in Oklahoma is: do hummingbirds nest here?
The Short Answer
Yes, hummingbirds do nest in Oklahoma. While only a few hummingbird species nest regularly in the state, Oklahoma lies within the breeding range of these species. The ruby-throated hummingbird and black-chinned hummingbird are the main nesting hummingbirds in Oklahoma.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in Oklahoma
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the most widespread and common hummingbird in Eastern North America. Their breeding range extends across the Eastern U.S. into the Midwest and up into Canada. Oklahoma lies near the southwestern edge of the ruby-throated hummingbird’s nesting range.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds arrive in Oklahoma in early spring to establish breeding territories. Males arrive first, followed by females approximately a week later. Ruby-throats in Oklahoma may have two broods during the breeding season from April to August.
Male ruby-throats display elaborately to attract females. Their courtship display consists of aerial loops, dives, and shuttling back and forth in front of the female. If successful, the female will construct a small, cup-shaped nest out of soft plant down, spider webs, and lichens.
Ruby-throated hummingbird nests are typically found on downward sloping tree branches. Oaks, hickories, and hackberries are common nest sites. Nests may be built up to 20 feet above ground, but 5-10 feet is more common. The female lays two tiny white eggs and incubates them for 12-14 days.
The nestlings hatch with eyes sealed shut and almost no feathers. The female feeds the chicks small insects and nectar numerous times per day. Nestlings fledge in 16-18 days, gaining their flying abilities before their mother abandons the nest.
Best Places to See Nesting Ruby-throats in Oklahoma
Here are some top spots for finding nesting ruby-throated hummingbirds in Oklahoma:
- The Arbuckle Mountains in south central Oklahoma
- The cross timbers and prairie forests of northeastern Oklahoma
- The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Oklahoma
- The Ouachita National Forest in eastern Oklahoma
- Tucker Tower at Sequoyah State Park
Black-chinned Hummingbirds in Oklahoma
The black-chinned hummingbird has expanded its breeding range eastward across Texas over the past 50 years. Originally a species of the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico, black-chins now nest commonly in western Oklahoma.
Male black-chinned hummingbirds arrive in Oklahoma in mid-March to establish breeding territories. Females follow approximately 2 weeks later. Nesting occurs from March through July and occasionally early August.
Similar to ruby-throats, male black-chins perform elaborate courtship displays. Males fly in repeating oval patterns low over the ground while making buzzing and whistling sounds with their tail feathers.
Female black-chins build a compact nest of plant down bound with spider webs on the upper branches of deciduous trees. The female incubates the two tiny white eggs for 15-16 days before they hatch.
Nestlings develop quickly on a diet of small insects and nectar provided by the female. They leave the nest after 20-23 days, gaining flight ability just before fledging.
Where to See Black-chinned Hummingbirds Nesting in Oklahoma
The highest densities of nesting black-chinned hummingbirds are found along the western border of Oklahoma. Some top spots include:
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
- Black Mesa State Park
- Great Plains State Park
- Roman Nose State Park
- The western half of the Red River drainage
Other Hummingbird Species Nesting in Oklahoma
While ruby-throated and black-chinned hummingbirds make up the majority of nesting hummers in Oklahoma, a few other species may nest here occasionally:
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous hummingbirds breed primarily in the Pacific Northwest and northern Rocky Mountains. However, a few birds nest at higher elevations in the Wichita Mountains of southwestern Oklahoma most years.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Like rufous hummingbirds, broad-tails mainly nest in the western U.S. But a handful of nesting records exist for the Wichita Mountains and Black Mesa area of northwestern Oklahoma.
Buff-bellied Hummingbird
Buff-bellied hummingbirds nest primarily in south Texas. But a few birds have nested in southern Oklahoma in McCurtain County near the Red River.
When Do Hummingbirds Nest in Oklahoma?
The nesting season for hummingbirds in Oklahoma aligns with the timing across the Eastern U.S.:
- Courtship and breeding territory establishment: Mid-March to early April
- Nest building: Late March to late May
- Egg laying and incubation: April through July
- Nestlings and fledglings: May through August
Ruby-throated hummingbirds may have two broods during this time. Black-chinned hummingbirds typically only nest once in Oklahoma.
The overall nesting season lasts from April through early August. But most nests can be found May through July during the peak activity.
Where Do Hummingbirds Nest in Oklahoma?
Hummingbirds often seek specific features when choosing nest sites in Oklahoma:
- Nests are built on horizontal branches of deciduous trees. Oaks, hackberries, cottonwoods, elms, and sycamores are frequent choices.
- Sites are 5-20 feet above ground, providing safety from many predators.
- Branches are often over or near a stream, pond, or lake.
- Nests receive some shade to prevent overheating.
- High densities of small insects and flowers with adequate nectar are nearby.
In addition to natural vegetation, hummingbirds readily nest in yards and gardens. Providing flowering plants and artificial feeders full of nectar helps attract nesting hummers.
Hummingbird nests are found statewide, but the highest densities coincide with optimal habitat:
- Eastern oak and hickory forests
- Riparian corridors statewide
- Pine and oak woodlands in the Wichita Mountains
Identifying Hummingbird Nests in Oklahoma
Locating active hummingbird nests takes patience and a sharp eye. Their small size and clever camouflaging makes them easy to overlook.
Here are tips for finding hummingbird nests:
- Search nesting habitat during the breeding season from April to July.
- Scan branches ranging from eye level up to 20 feet high.
- Look for small, round or teardrop-shaped nests about 2 inches across.
- Watch for the female visiting the nest and sitting on it.
- Listen for begging calls of nestlings indicating an active nest.
Approach nests carefully and do not disturb them. Photograph nests from at least 10 feet away to avoid causing the female to abandon it.
Tips for Attracting Nesting Hummingbirds
You can make your yard or garden more attractive to nesting hummingbirds in Oklahoma with a few simple tactics:
- Plant a variety of hummingbird-pollinated flowers including bee balm, cardinal flower, and columbine.
- Provide multiple hummingbird feeders especially early and late in the season.
- Include flowering native plants like red buckeye, trumpet creeper, and coral honeysuckle.
- Allow natural leaf litter to accumulate as habitat for insect prey.
- Avoid pesticides that reduce insects needed to feed young.
- Install a small water feature like a mister, drippier, or small pond.
With abundant food, water, nesting sites, and cover from predators, your yard may soon host its own nesting hummingbirds!
How Many Broods Do Hummingbirds Have in Oklahoma?
The number of broods each season depends on the hummingbird species:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird: Often raises two broods per breeding season in Oklahoma. The female builds a new nest and lays eggs after successfully fledging the first brood.
- Black-chinned hummingbird: Typically single brooded in Oklahoma. They may nest twice further south in Texas where the season is longer.
- Rufous and broad-tailed hummingbirds: Single brood reported in Oklahoma’s limited nesting records for these species.
Raising two broods allows ruby-throats to maximize reproduction. The long breeding season across eastern Oklahoma provides enough time for multiple nesting attempts.
How Many Eggs Do Hummingbirds Lay in Oklahoma?
Hummingbirds lay tiny eggs with the following clutch sizes in Oklahoma:
- Ruby-throated hummingbird: 2 eggs per clutch, occasionally 3
- Black-chinned hummingbird: 2 eggs
- Rufous and broad-tailed hummingbirds: Likely 2 eggs based on nests elsewhere in range
Two eggs is the norm for most hummingbird species. The female can efficiently incubate two small eggs and raise two fast-growing chicks on her own.
Hummingbird Nest Identification
Identifying hummingbird nests to species can be challenging. But here are some clues to help determine the likely builder:
Species | Nest Features |
---|---|
Ruby-throated | -Typically 10+ feet up on thin branch -Mossy outer coating -Held together by spider webs -1.5-2 inches across -Eastern Oklahoma |
Black-chinned | -5-15 feet up on stout branch -Covered in lichens -Attached by spider silk -About 1 inch across -Western Oklahoma |
Rufous/broad-tailed | -Up to 30 feet in pine or fir at higher elevations -Thick walls of bud scales, bark strips, and spider webs -Conical shape -1.5-2 inches across |
Identifying the adult birds coming to and from the nest provides definitive confirmation. But nest features and location offer helpful clues for identification.
Threats to Hummingbird Nests in Oklahoma
Hummingbird nests face threats from both natural and human-caused factors in Oklahoma:
Natural Threats
- Wind and storms can knock nests from branches and limbs.
- Predators like blue jays, snakes, and squirrels may raid nests.
- Parasitic botflies and mites can infest and weaken nestlings.
- Competing hummingbirds may fight over nest sites.
Human-related Threats
- Tree pruning and removal destroys potential nest sites.
- Use of pesticides reduces insect prey for nestlings.
- Free-roaming pets like cats can prey on adults and young.
- Nest disturbance from human activities near the site.
Nest predation and disturbance can cause females to abandon eggs or nestlings. Minimizing threats helps increase nesting success for hummingbirds.
Tips for Protecting Hummingbird Nests
Here are some ways to help protect hummingbird nests on your property:
- Avoid pruning trees and disturbing vegetation in nesting areas from April-July.
- Prevent pets from roaming freely in hummingbird habitat during nesting season.
- Use non-toxic methods for controlling insects to provide prey for young.
- Place nesting material like pet hair and plant down in mesh bags for females to collect.
- Install nest cameras carefully to minimize disturbance while monitoring nests.
- Keep feeders clean and full of fresh nectar to provide energy for nesting parents.
Taking simple actions to preserve habitat and directly minimize threats can boost nesting success for hummingbirds raising the next generation!
Conclusion
Oklahoma lies within the breeding range of several hummingbird species. Ruby-throated and black-chinned hummingbirds nest most commonly across the state. Providing habitat with nest sites, insect prey, and nectar sources enables Oklahoma landowners to host these tiny, energetic birds.
Paying close attention to the timing, habitat, and behavior of hummingbirds allows people to discover these delicate nests. While threats exist, actions like protecting nest trees and reducing pesticides can increase nest success. With mindful management, Oklahoma residents and visitors alike can enjoy observing hummingbirds nesting across the state.