How do I identify a hummingbird nest?

Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and most fascinating birds found in nature. While hummingbirds themselves are easy to spot due to their iridescent colors and fast, hovering flight patterns, their nests can be more difficult to identify.

Hummingbird nests are incredibly tiny, often no larger than a walnut shell. They are precision-engineered and adapted to camouflage seamlessly into their surroundings. This makes hummingbird nests challenging to find unless you know exactly what to look for.

Luckily, there are some key characteristics to be aware of that can help you identify a hummingbird nest and observe these captivating little birds up close during breeding season.

Where do hummingbirds build nests?

Hummingbirds typically build nests in trees and shrubs, favoring branches that provide both cover and support. Here are some of the most common locations to look for hummingbird nests:

• On top of horizontal branches of trees and shrubs
• In the forks of vertical branches
• Along twigs near the ends of branches
• In sheltered areas protected by leaves and needles
• Under overhangs on porches, eaves, and awnings

Hummingbirds often choose nest sites near human-made structures, including around yards, gardens, and parks. Focus your search efforts near nectar sources like flower beds and hummingbird feeders where hummingbird activity is highest.

What are hummingbird nests made of?

Hummingbird nests are intricate structures made primarily from plant down and spider webs. Here are the main materials hummingbirds use:

• Plant down – The outside of hummingbird nests are covered in soft plant down from seeds or fruits like thistle, cattails, and cottonwood.
• Spider silk – Spider webs provide structural support and allow the nest to stretch as baby hummingbirds grow.
• Lichen and moss – Lichen and moss help camouflage the nests by blending in with tree bark.
• Buds and leaves – Buds, leaves, and tiny twigs may be woven into the nest walls.

The interior of the nest is lined with the finest plant down for insulation to keep eggs and hatchlings warm.

What do hummingbird nests look like?

Hummingbird nests are only around 2 inches wide and about 1 inch tall. Here are the key identifying features:

• Compact size – Nest is a small, dense cup barely larger than a quarter.
• Tightly woven – Plant down and spider webs are tightly woven together.
• Cup shape – Nest is shaped like a tiny cup with walls higher than the interior.
• Camouflage – Outer surface blends in with the nest location like tree bark.
• Interior lining – Interior has a thick layer of soft plant down.

Are hummingbird nests reusable?

Hummingbirds may reuse and repair old nests rather than building a completely new one each year. However, the nests become increasingly fragile and degraded over time. Hummingbirds will often still build at least a partial new nest each breeding season even when reusing an old one.

Here are signs that indicate a nest is being reused:

• Appears lumpy or irregularly shaped
• Contains remains of old nest materials
• Located in the same site as a previous year

Reused nests may have multiple layers of plant down and be larger than a new nest. But they still maintain the classic tiny cup-like shape.

What is the nesting process?

Understanding the hummingbird nesting timeline can help you spot the different stages of nest building and activity:

1. Site selection – The female hummingbird picks a nest location in early spring.
2. Building – Nest construction takes 5-10 days using spider webs and plant down.
3. Egg laying– The female lays 1-3 tiny white eggs over 2-3 days.
4. Incubation – Eggs are incubated for 2-3 weeks before hatching.
5. Nestlings – New hatchlings remain in the nest for 3-4 weeks.
6. Fledging – The young hummingbirds leave the nest and learn to fly.

Nests will be most active and easily observed during incubation through fledging from May to June in most regions.

How to observe active hummingbird nests

Here are some tips for how to observe and enjoy hummingbird nests without disturbing them:

• Use binoculars to scan branches and eaves for nests.
• Watch for females gathering nest materials like spider webs.
• Notice when females spend more time in one location.
• Avoid getting too close or startling the hummingbirds.
• Never touch an active nest or young hatchlings.
• Wait patiently nearby and watch activity from a distance.

Observing the incredible process of hummingbirds building, incubating, and raising new life in their elegant nests is a breathtaking experience. With a little knowledge and care, you can be privy to this special process in nature right in your own backyard.

Can you safely remove old hummingbird nests?

It is generally safe to remove old hummingbird nests in the fall and winter when they are no longer active. Here are some tips:

• Wait until all fledglings have left the nest – usually by late summer.
• Check that there are no new eggs or hatchlings inside before removing.
• Wear gloves and be careful of sharp twigs.
• Cut away nests firmly attached to eaves or lights.
• Monitor the site since hummingbirds may rebuild there.

Avoid removing nests while active from spring to midsummer. Monitor children and pets around nests to allow hummingbirds to safely finish nesting.

Signs a hummingbird nest is abandoned

It can be tricky to identify if a hummingbird nest is abandoned versus just undiscovered. Here are some signs that point to abandonment:

• No activity at the nest for over a week.
• Nest is damaged or partially destroyed.
• Eggs or hatchlings are missing from the nest.
• Predators like jays or squirrels investigating the nest.
• Drooping nest and weathering indicate inactivity.

Use caution when assessing if a nest is abandoned since females can incubate eggs for long periods out of sight. Observe for an extended time before removing nests.

Conclusion

Identifying hummingbird nests takes patience, a good eye, and an understanding of their small size and exceptional camouflage. But a little persistence during nesting season can allow you to find and observe one of these avian wonders right in your own yard.

Getting a rare glimpse into the private life of hummingbirds as they build their nests and raise their young is an unforgettable experience. Follow these tips to identify hummingbird nest locations, behaviors, and activity to enjoy these special moments in nature.