Hummingbirds are beloved backyard birds that delight people with their beauty, speed, and acrobatic flight. Many homeowners wish to attract hummingbirds to their yards by providing food sources like nectar feeders and flowering plants. But encouraging hummers to nest and raise their young takes some extra effort.
Why would you want hummingbirds to nest on your property?
Seeing hummingbirds nesting close by allows you to observe their full life cycle from eggs to fledglings. Watching their nesting behaviors and interactions is fascinating. Hummingbird nests are tiny architectural masterpieces. And having nests nearby ensures you’ll have visiting hummers throughout the season as the adults work tirelessly to feed their hungry babies.
When do hummingbirds nest?
Most hummingbirds in the United States and Canada nest between March and June. However, some southern species like Anna’s and Rufous hummingbirds may nest as early as January or February. And some western species like Black-chinned and Costa’s hummingbirds nest in summer months like July. Knowing your local hummingbirds’ nesting timeline helps target your nesting encouragement efforts.
Provide feeding opportunities
To encourage hummingbirds to nest on or near your property, first make sure you have abundant nectar feeders available. Hummingbirds need a reliable food source while incubating eggs and raising nestlings. Place several feeders around your yard spaced 10-20 feet apart so dominant birds can’t monopolize them. Clean and refresh feeders every 2-3 days with a 4:1 ratio of water to white refined sugar only. No food coloring, flavored syrups or artificial sweeteners.
Key feeding tips:
- Set feeders in shade to slow nectar fermentation
- Use red or other bright colored feeders
- Hang at appropriate heights for your species
Feeders drawing hummingbirds to your yard provide an excellent opportunity for them to discover safe nesting spots on your property.
Provide water sources
In addition to nectar, hummingbirds need reliable water sources for bathing and drinking. Options include misters, drippers, water features and baths. The sound and movement of water attracts hummingbirds. Place water sources near trees or shrubs where a nest may be built. Change water daily to prevent mosquitoes. waterfall.png Here are some recommended water sources to try:
- Misters – Hummingbirds fly through fine mist for bathing
- Drippers – Steady water flow dripping into a basin
- Waterfalls – Hummingbirds bathe in splash zones
- Rain chains – Trickling rain chain provides dripping water
- Baths – Shallow basins, fountain bowls or saucers
Provide nesting materials
Hummingbirds build nests out of a variety of soft plant fibers, cobwebs, hairs and feathers. You can set out nesting materials in a mesh bag or tray hung near trees or on porches where they may nest. Avoid synthetic fibers.
| Nesting Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Cotton | Pulls apart easily into fluffy fibers |
| Pet fur | Soft fur from domestic animals like cats, dogs |
| Spider silk | Silk strands collected from spider webs |
| Feathers | Delicate down feathers of birds or ducks |
| Moss | Dried green moss picked into tiny bits |
| Lichen | Grey or green lichen picked into tiny bits |
| Dandelion | The white fluffy seeds of dried dandelions |
Providing these materials saves time and energy for the busy hummingbirds.
Choose safe locations
Your yard probably contains many potential nesting sites for hummingbirds. But some spots are safer than others. Ideal nest locations include:
- Branches of trees or tall shrubs 10-20 feet up
- Overhangs of sheds, decks or porches
- Rain gutters and downspouts
- Along wires or poles
- In or under exotic plants like yucca
Avoid disturbing established nests in these locations. Also discourage nesting in unsafe areas like:
- Low shrubs or saplings under 6 feet tall
- Near busy walkways or doors
- On deck railings or furniture
Hummingbirds in unsafe spots may abandon nests or struggle to adapt. Gently redirect them to better areas.
Other safety tips:
- Avoid pruning or yardwork near nests
- Don’t use pesticides or herbicides in nesting zones
- Keep pets away from nesting trees/shrubs
- Don’t install nest boxes – they rarely use them
Provide abundant flowers
Flowers provide essential nutrition for hummingbirds, particularly protein-rich insects and spiders attracted to the blooms. Beds, borders and hanging baskets brimming with hummer-friendly flowers signal a habitat with plentiful food. Promote flowering from spring through fall with a variety of annuals and perennials. Here are top picks:
| Flower | Color | Season |
|---|---|---|
| Bee balm | Red | Summer |
| Fuchsia | Purple, pink | Summer – Fall |
| Petunia | Multicolor | Summer – Fall |
| Salvia | Scarlet | Summer – Fall |
| Columbine | Red, yellow | Spring – Summer |
| Honeysuckle | Orange, red | Summer |
| Trumpet vine | Orange, red | Summer – Fall |
| Gladiolia | Multicolor | Summer – Fall |
Group flower beds together to concentrate hummingbird activity in prime viewing and nesting areas.
Flower gardening tips:
- Use clusters of same color flowers
- Include both tubular and cup-shaped blooms
- Focus on red, orange and pink blossoms
- Avoid modern flower hybrids with little nectar
- Deadhead flowers to extend blooming
Provide shelter and foliage
Hummingbirds nest in protected microclimates out of wind and rain. Strategically placed trees, shrubs and foliage provide shelter while also giving nesting and perching spots. Plant hummingbird favorites along borders or fences.
| Plant | Description |
|---|---|
| Oak trees | Weeping willow trees |
| Birch trees | Branches and leaves for cover |
| Rose bushes | Thorny protection from predators |
| Lilac bushes | Dense branches conceal nests |
| Yucca | Sturdy and exotic perches |
Avoid excessive pruning of nesting trees and bushes from March to June. Let leaf litter accumulate beneath them to foster insect growth.
Other tips for shelter:
- Allow dead trees (snags) to stand
- Leave brush piles where hummers nest
- Don’t tightly trim hedges or shrubs
- Allow mosses and lichens to grow
Follow ethical practices
When seeking to draw nesting hummingbirds, ethical considerations ensure the birds’ well-being. Follow these tips:
- Never disturb active nests
- Don’t try to hand-feed adult or baby birds
- Deter predators like cats from nesting zones
- Choose non-toxic pest control methods only
- Do not use sticky traps – they can trap hummers
- Reduce window collisions with deterrents
- Consider taking down feeders late season
- Remove abandoned nests from wires or poles
Reward hummingbirds’ trust by making their nesting needs a priority, not your viewing enjoyment. With persistent Hummingbirds may nest in the same spot year after year if habitat conditions remain ideal.
Conclusion
Encouraging hummingbirds to nest successfully requires catering to their specialized needs for food, water, materials, shelter and safety. A diverse habitat with flowering plants, feeding stations, water sources, nesting materials and appropriate trees and shrubs signals a perfect spot to raise their young. Maintaining ethical practices through the process ensures the birds aren’t disturbed but supported. With proper encouragement, you may be rewarded with the sight of hummingbirds nesting happily in your yard for seasons to come.
