Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that have captured the fascination of people for centuries. Their diminutive size combined with their speed and agility make them a joy to watch. Many people put up hummingbird feeders or plant flowers specifically to attract hummingbirds to their yards. This has led to questions around what kinds of houses and shelters hummingbirds use for nesting and resting.
Do hummingbirds use birdhouses?
Hummingbirds do not use traditional birdhouses for nesting like chickadees or bluebirds. There are several reasons for this:
- Hummingbird nests are very small – only around 2 inches across and 1 inch deep. This is too small for most birdhouse entrance holes and chambers.
- Hummingbirds prefer to build nests on branches rather than in enclosed spaces. They likely feel more secure being able to see any threats coming.
- Birdhouses are designed to protect against weather and predators. But hummingbirds rely more on camouflage rather than shelter from the elements.
So while you may see a cute little birdhouse advertised as a “hummingbird house”, it’s not something a hummingbird could actually use for nesting or roosting purposes.
Do hummingbirds use any houses or shelters?
While they don’t use birdhouses, hummingbirds do sometimes rely on shelters for nesting or resting:
- Nests – Hummingbird nests provide shelter, but they are out in the open attached to branches, under eaves, or in trees rather than enclosed in a house.
- Trees and shrubs – Hummingbirds will rest and sleep at night tucked into thick trees or shrubs. The vegetation provides cover from predators and elements.
- Rain shelters – Some people put up small roofs or covers that hummingbirds can fly under to get out of the rain.
- Insulated boxes – In extremely cold climates, some homeowners put up special insulated boxes for hummingbirds to take shelter in during winter storms.
So while hummingbird houses aren’t used for nesting, the birds do appreciate shelters they can easily fly in and out of. Providing thick vegetation, rain covers, or insulated boxes can help attract and protect hummingbirds in your yard.
What are hummingbird nests made of?
Hummingbird nests are tiny architectural marvels. They have to be securely attached to branches and protect eggs and chicks while allowing enough airflow so the parents can easily fly in and out. Here are some key facts about hummingbird nest materials:
- The main building material is soft plant down, cobwebs, buds, moss, and lichen gathered by the female hummingbird.
- The outside is decorated with lichen or moss to help camouflage it against the branch.
- Spider silk is used to tightly bind materials together and attach the nest to a secure twig.
- Nests are only about 2 inches wide and 1 inch deep – just big enough for tiny hummingbirds.
By using flexible materials like down and spider silk, hummingbird nests can shift and stretch to accommodate growing chicks while still being securely bound to the branch. The soft down keeps the eggs and chicks cushioned and insulated.
Do hummingbirds reuse nests?
Hummingbirds rarely reuse a nest for a second breeding season. Here are some reasons why:
- The nests are not very durable so they degrade over time.
- Parasites or infections left over from previous chicks may still be present.
- Predators are more likely to notice and target old nests.
- Building a new nest each season helps ensure it will be optimally placed.
So while it would save effort to reuse a nest, mother hummingbirds tend to start fresh each year. However, hummingbirds may reuse a nest for raising a second brood in the same season. The original nest is still recently built and less likely to have issues.
When do hummingbirds build nests?
Hummingbird nest building is timed around preparing for breeding and raising young:
- Spring – Nest building starts in early spring as the hummingbirds arrive from migration. This prepares for the first brood.
- Early summer – Nests for a potential second brood may be built in early summer after successfully raising the first brood.
- Fall – Some autumn nest building occurs before migration possibly for practicing or shelter during travel.
The process takes 5-10 days of collecting materials and weaving the nest. Timing ensures the nest will be ready for mating and egg-laying as summer approaches while food sources like flowers and insects are abundant.
Where do hummingbirds build nests?
Hummingbirds are very selective about where they build nests. Nest placement helps keep eggs and chicks safe while allowing easy access for the parents. Favorite locations include:
- On top of small horizontal branches
- In the forks of vertical branches
- Under overhangs or eaves of buildings
- On poles, clotheslines, or porch railings
- In trees or shrubs around yards
The ideal site is typically 10-20 feet off the ground and has cover above and nearby. But hummingbirds can adapt and may occasionally nest in more unusual spots like up in rain gutters.
Do hummingbirds use wooden nest boxes?
While regular birdhouses don’t work for hummingbirds, they will sometimes use specialized hummingbird nest boxes. These have a very small 1-1.5 inch entrance hole and provide a cavity-like space for the nest. Reasons hummingbirds may use nest boxes include:
- Limited natural sites available in the area
- The box is located in or near a preferred feeding area
- It provides added protection from weather or predators
- They are familiar with nesting in that type of container
For a nest box to successfully attract hummingbirds, proper placement and maintenance are key. But under the right conditions, the birds will adopt these manmade wooden structures.
What is the best way to attract hummingbirds?
Here are some tips to draw hummingbirds to your yard so you can observe these special birds:
- Get a hummingbird feeder and fill it with a 1:4 ratio of white sugar to water. Red dye is not necessary but can help attract them.
- Plant native flowers and trees that provide nectar such as bee balm, trumpet vine, lilies, and fuschia.
- Provide a water mister or fountain for drinking and bathing.
- Avoid using pesticides which can reduce the insect population hummingbirds rely on.
- Place feeders and plants where hummingbirds can easily see them and have space to maneuver.
Providing food, water, shelter, and nesting materials can convince hummingbirds to make your yard part of their daily routine.
Fun facts about hummingbirds
- Hummingbird hearts beat up to 1,260 times per minute.
- They have the ability to fly backwards and even upside down.
- Hummingbirds eat up to 2/3 of their weight in nectar each day.
- Their wings beat an amazing 70 times per second on average.
- Some species migrate 500 miles or more each spring and fall.
Researching and observing these incredible tiny birds is a wonderful way to learn about nature. With some patience, thoughtfully planted flowers, and the right feeders or houses, you may be able to attract hummingbirds to your own yard.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are captivating creatures that have fascinated people for ages. While they don’t use traditional birdhouses, they can be encouraged to nest in specialized boxes or take shelter in covered feeding areas. Providing the right habitat and food sources is the best way to observe hummingbird behavior up close. With their glittering colors, delicate nests, and feats of flight, hummingbirds will bring joy and wonder into any yard lucky enough to host them.
