Hummingbirds are amazing little creatures that bring joy to backyard birders everywhere. Their speedy flight, glittering colors, and charming personalities make them a delight to watch. Many people put up feeders specifically to attract hummingbirds to their yard. This raises an interesting question – how close to feeders do hummingbirds actually nest?
The quick answer is that hummingbirds typically do not nest right next to feeders. They tend to nest a bit farther away, anywhere from 10 to 100 feet from a feeder. However, this can vary based on the individual bird, food availability, and habitat. Keep reading for more details!
Typical Nesting Distance from Feeders
Most experts recommend placing hummingbird feeders 10-15 feet away from where you would like the birds to nest. Here are some typical distances hummingbirds keep between their nests and feeders:
- 10 – 25 feet away – This is a common nest distance. It provides easy access to the feeder while keeping the nest safely distant.
- 25 – 50 feet away – Many hummingbirds nest this distance away. It offers adequate separation but still allows for quick trips to sip nectar.
- 50 – 100 feet away – Some more wary hummingbirds prefer to nest farther from feeders at 50 feet or more.
- 100+ feet away – It’s not unusual for hummingbirds to nest very far from feeders, over 100 feet away or more, especially in wild areas.
So while they may vigorously defend a feeder, most hummingbirds do not want their nest to be right next to that feeding area. Nesting farther away helps minimize disturbances.
Factors That Influence Nest Placement
Several key factors influence exactly how far from a feeder a hummingbird will nest:
Food Availability
If food is scarce, hummingbirds may nest closer to feeders to be near a reliable food source. Where native flowers are plentiful, they can nest farther away.
Predators
Areas near feeders may leave nests more vulnerable to predators. Nesting farther away provides more protection.
Habitat
Dense trees or shrubs may encourage closer nesting, while open areas may cause them to nest further out.
Competing Hummingbirds
In areas with large hummingbird populations, competition may drive them to nest farther apart. With less competition, they can nest closer together.
Individual Behavior
Some hummingbirds are naturally more wary than others. Shy individuals may prefer nesting much farther from feeders and activity.
Typical Hummingbird Nesting Habits
To better understand their feeder-nesting relationship, let’s look at some general nesting habits of hummingbirds:
- They often reuse the same nests year after year, or build a new one close by.
- Evergreen trees and shrubs are favorite nest sites, including cypress, juniper, pine and fir trees.
- Nests are typically 10-20 feet off the ground to be less visible and avoid predators.
- They may nest 2-3 times per season, raising 2-3 broods each time.
- A 2″ wide nest is built from soft plant down, spider web silk, and lichen bound with saliva.
- Females do most of the nest building over 2-10 days.
- The female incubates the 2 tiny white eggs for 14-23 days.
- Chicks fledge in 16-28 days, then are dependent on their parents another 2-6 weeks.
Knowing these nesting preferences and patterns helps explain why decent spacing from feeders is ideal. The farther nests are from disturbance, predators, and competing birds near feeders, the better chance those nests have of successfully fledging healthy chicks.
Ideal Places to Put Up Hummingbird Feeders
If you want to attract nesting hummingbirds, carefully consider where you hang feeders in your yard. Here are some tips:
- Place feeders in open spaces near nesting habitat like dense trees or shrubs.
- Avoid disturbing established nests by moving feeders yearly before nesting season.
- Separate feeders from bird baths and perches, which serve a different purpose.
- Group multiple feeders together at least 10 feet from heavy activity, water features, or bird houses.
- Consider weather and sunlight exposure when placing feeders.
- Install feeders securely so they don’t sway or tip in wind.
- Elevate feeders 5-6 feet off the ground to aid visibility and access.
- Clean feeders regularly to prevent mold, bacteria, and ant infestations.
Positioning feeders thoughtfully in this manner helps create an inviting space for hummingbirds to feed and nest.
Can Feeders Be Too Close to Nests?
While most hummingbirds avoid nesting right next to a feeder, it does occasionally happen. If a feeder ends up directly beside or very near to a hummingbird nest, there are a couple risks:
- Increased disturbance – Activity around the feeder may disrupt nesting birds or draw predators to the area.
- Territorial behavior – The nesting hummingbirds may guard the feeder excessively, not allowing other birds to approach it.
To avoid these issues, it’s best to follow the 10 foot rule and maintain some separation between feeders and nests. If you notice territorial behavior or disrupted nesting patterns from a feeder being too close, consider gently relocating the feeder farther away.
Tips for Encouraging Hummingbirds to Nest Nearby
Here are some tips to make your yard attractive for hummingbirds looking for a nest site:
- Plant native flowers and shrubs that hummingbirds love such as bee balm, butterfly bushes, fuchsia, and lantana.
- Provide a water feature such as a mini waterfall or mist system.
- Include tall trees that offer protective cover like pines, oaks, maples, and cypress.
- Avoid trimming bushes and trees during nesting season which runs from February to September.
- Eliminate pesticide use which can poison hummingbirds and insects they rely on.
- Set out nesting materials like plant fuzz and pet fur for birds to incorporate.
- Install feeders properly to show it’s a safe space for hummingbirds.
- Get a nest box or jar specifically made for hummingbirds.
Creating an enticing habitat loaded with flowers, food, water sources, and nesting materials will go a long way in convincing hummingbirds your yard is the perfect spot to settle down and raise their chicks!
Fascinating Hummingbird Nesting Facts
Here are some intriguing facts about hummingbird nesting habits:
- Hummingbird nests are about the size of a walnut shell and incredibly tiny!
- Their nests stretch and expand as the chicks grow inside.
- They prefer nesting spots sheltered from wind, sun, and rain.
- Hummingbird pairs often work together to build the nest.
- Nests are camouflaged with lichen, moss, and vegetation to blend in.
- A hummingbird’s body heat while nesting raises the interior temperature.
- Some species use sticky spider silk to help adhere the nest to branches.
- Hummingbirds are very protective – even hawks, crows and squirrels avoid active nests!
Observing and learning about hummingbirds’ unique and particular nesting behaviors helps us understand why they build nests where they do in relation to feeders and other features in their habitat.
Key Takeaways on Hummingbird Nest Placement
To wrap up, here are the key points on how close hummingbirds nest to feeders:
- Most hummingbirds build nests 10-100 feet away from feeders.
- They prefer keeping some separation between feeder traffic and their nest site.
- Specific distances are influenced by food availability, predators, habitat, competition, and individual behavior.
- Ideal feeder placement has open spaces, natural nesting spots, and is free from excessive activity.
- With thoughtful feeder and habitat management, you can attract nesting hummingbirds!
The next time you spy a hummingbird zipping by, remember they likely have a nest tucked safely away not too far from your feeder. With a little luck, you may even spot a female darting to and from her nearby nest as she cares for her chicks!
Conclusion
Hummingbirds captivate us with their speedy flight, dazzling colors, and sweet-tempered appeal. Watching them visit nectar feeders to refuel brings many of us great joy. However, attracting them to nest as well takes knowledge and planning.
Key factors like food availability, predators, habitat, competition, and individual behavior all influence where exactly hummingbirds build nests in relation to feeders. While they don’t nest directly next to feeders, most nest 10-100 feet away for safer access. With smart feeder placement, garden design, and nesting amenities, you can entice hummingbirds to settle down and nest in your yard. Getting to observe these special birds not just feeding at your feeders but also raising their chicks nearby is a profound privilege. With a little effort to understand and provide for their nesting needs, you’ll be rewarded with the gift of their presence each year.
