As the weather gets cooler, hummingbirds migrate south for the winter. However, some hardy species like Anna’s and Rufous hummingbirds stick around. Providing a winter home for these tough little birds can help them survive the cold months. Making a hummingbird house specifically designed for winter use takes some planning but is easy to do.
What materials do you need to make a winter hummingbird house?
The best materials for a winter hummingbird house are:
- Untreated pine, redwood, or cedar wood – These woods stand up to moisture without rotting
- A waterproof glue or sealant
- A 1-2 inch diameter entry hole
- Perches – Small twigs or branches work well
- Hook or hanging wire
- Clear silicone caulk or weatherstripping
- Optional: clear plexiglass or plastic sheeting for the front
Avoid using pressure-treated wood, which can contain chemicals harmful to birds. The house should be made of natural, non-toxic materials. Using a transparent material for the front panel allows sunlight to warm the interior.
What are the ideal dimensions?
The interior dimensions of the house should be:
- At least 4 inches high
- 4-6 inches deep
- 3-4 inches wide
This provides enough room for hummingbirds to enter, turn around, and shelter comfortably. The total dimensions can be larger to accommodate thicker walls for insulation.
Where should you place the entry hole?
The entry hole should be:
- 1-2 inches in diameter
- Placed in the center of the front panel
- Angled slightly downwards to prevent rain from getting inside
A centered, angled hole allows easy access while reducing the chances of water leaks.
How do you assemble a winter hummingbird house?
Follow these steps to assemble your winter hummingbird house:
- Cut wood pieces to size – 1 back, 1 front, 2 sides, 1 bottom, 1 roof
- Drill entry hole in the front piece at desired angle
- Apply waterproof glue, nails or screws to assemble box structure
- Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any gaps
- Attach a hanger at the top of the back panel
- Add plastic sheeting or plexiglass to the front (optional)
- Install perches using glue or screws
Make sure all joints and seams are tightly sealed to prevent heat loss. Allow any caulk or glue to fully dry before hanging the house.
Where is the best place to mount the house outside?
Look for a protected location out of the wind and rain/snow. Ideal spots include:
- Under the eaves of a building
- On a covered porch or patio
- Below larger tree branches
Face the house’s entry hole east or southeast to get morning sun exposure. Mount it 5-15 feet above ground so cats, squirrels or other animals can’t access it.
How do you keep the house insulated and warm?
Here are some tips for maintaining heat in your winter hummingbird house:
- Use insulation – Line interior walls with rigid foam or weatherstripping
- Add extra wood thickness for insulation
- Seal all cracks, joints, holes with caulk
- Use exterior paint or stain for waterproofing and heat retention
- Face entry hole towards morning sun
- Provide a wind block with plastic flap over the entry hole
Monitoring the interior temperature and making adjustments as needed will ensure your hummingbirds stay warm.
Should you provide a nectar feeder in winter too?
While hummingbirds don’t exclusively feed on nectar from flowers in winter, providing an artificial feeder can help supplement their diet. Follow these tips:
- Use a specially designed winter feeder with built-in heating to prevent freezing
- Make a sugar-water solution of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Boil the water first to eliminate bacteria
- Clean and sterilize feeders every few days with hot water and replace nectar
- Place feeder in a sheltered spot near the house, changing its position periodically
- Use red food dye in the nectar as visual cue; don’t use honey or artificial sweeteners
- Bring feeder inside at night to prevent freezing then place back out in the morning
Maintaining a consistent nectar supply provides critical energy birds need to survive cold weather.
What kind of maintenance does a winter hummingbird house need?
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your hummingbird house safe and usable all season:
- Check house weekly for any leaks/gaps and recaulk or repair as needed
- Clean out old nest materials after birds migrate in spring
- Apply fresh waterproofing to exterior before winter
- Replace any damaged or rotting wood promptly
- Make sure hanging wire or hardware is still secure
- Clear snow buildup on roof
- Keep nearby feeders clean and filled
With proper placement and care, a winter hummingbird house can provide vital shelter during harsh weather and may even attract permanent residents.
Conclusion
Providing hummingbirds with a safe, warm place to take refuge during winter can help them survive when temperatures drop and food sources are scarce. While making a specialized winter hummingbird house requires some planning and building skills, it is a very rewarding project. With appropriate materials, smart design features, strategic placement, and regular maintenance, these hardy birds will have a much better chance of making it through the coldest months.
