Baby hummingbirds, also known as nestlings, typically stay in the nest anywhere from 18 to 28 days after hatching before fledging (leaving the nest). The exact length of time depends on the species.
Typical Nesting Timeline
Here is a general timeline for hummingbird nesting and development:
- Eggs are laid: The mother hummingbird lays 1-3 tiny white eggs in a delicately woven nest about the size of a walnut.
- Eggs hatch: After about 2 weeks of incubation, the eggs hatch over a period of 1-3 days.
- Nestlings develop: The naked, helpless hatchlings quickly grow feathers and gain strength. Their eyes open at about 1 week old.
- Fledging: Between 18-28 days after hatching, the nestlings fledge (leave the nest). They can fly short distances but still rely on the mother for 1-2 weeks.
- Independence: By 6-8 weeks of age, the young hummingbirds become completely independent.
Developmental Stages in the Nest
Let’s take a closer look at what happens in each stage while the hummingbird is still in the nest:
Hatching (Day 1)
Hummingbird hatchlings are about the size of a bumblebee when they emerge from their pea-sized eggs. Their eyes are closed, and their bodies have no feathers. Within hours, a layer of soft down covers their skin.
Week 1
In the first week after hatching, the nestlings grow quickly. Pinfeathers begin breaking through their downy coat. Their eyes open around day 5-7. By day 7, some flight feathers have started to unfurl on their wings.
Weeks 2-3
During weeks 2 and 3, hummingbird chicks develop mature feathers for flight. They learn to sit up in the nest and stretch and flap their wings. Their mother continues to feed them with regurgitated nectar and insects. Just before fledging, the hummingbird’s bill straightens and lengthens to reach nectar.
Fledging (Day 18-28)
In the days leading up to fledging, the nestlings stand on the rim of the nest and flap vigorously to strengthen their flight muscles. Then they’ll take a leap of faith, flying for the first time! The first flight is usually short, spiraling downward until the young bird grips onto a nearby perch.
Key Factors Affecting Nesting Time
What determines whether hummingbird nestlings fledge on the short or long end of the 18-28 day range? Here are some key factors:
Species
The species of hummingbird impacts nesting time. For example:
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds fledge in 18-22 days.
- Rufous hummingbirds fledge in 20-25 days.
- Black-chinned hummingbirds fledge in 23-26 days.
- Anna’s hummingbirds fledge in 25-28 days.
In warmer climates, some species may nest closer to the shorter end of the range. Large hummingbird species tend to have longer nesting periods.
Weather
Colder temperatures can slow the nestlings’ growth rate. Food scarcity due to storms or drought may also lengthen the nesting period. Ideally, the weather is mild and food is plentiful so the baby hummingbirds thrive.
Predators
If predators are spotted in the territory, the mother hummingbird may encourage the babies to fledge early for safety. Common hummingbird nest predators include jays, crows, squirrels, cats, and snakes.
Human Interference
Handling nests or capturing wild hummingbird fledglings too early often results in a poor survival rate. This interference can prematurely trigger fledging. It’s best to leave hummingbird nests undisturbed and observe from a distance.
Nest Sanitation
If debris accumulates in the nest or diseases infest the nestlings, the mother hummingbird may force the chicks to fledge early. Keeping feeders clean and avoiding use of pesticides can promote nest sanitation.
Number of Nestlings
When fewer baby hummingbirds share the nest, there may be less competition for food. This can accelerate growth and earlier fledging. Nests with 1-2 chicks often fledge sooner than maximum clutches of 3 chicks.
Caring for Hummingbird Nestlings
If you find a fallen hummingbird nest with hatchlings, here are some care guidelines:
- Handle chicks minimally, wearing non-powdered latex gloves.
- Keep chicks in a padded ventilated container at 80-90°F.
- Feed commercial nectar every 20-30 minutes using a dropper.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately for guidance.
It is illegal to keep wild baby hummingbirds as pets. With proper licensed care, they can often be rehabilitated and released back to the wild.
Fledgling Care Outside the Nest
Once hummingbird nestlings fledge, they still need 1-2 weeks of parental care before they can survive independently. Here’s how you can help fledglings thrive outside the nest:
- Let fledglings rest on branches or the ground; the parents still feed them.
- Avoid handling fledglings but you can move them off the ground if in danger.
- Provide nectar in feeders for the parents to feed the chicks.
- Keep cats indoors so they don’t prey on fledglings.
- Call a rehabilitator if a fledgling is injured or weak without parents.
Signs a Hummingbird is Ready to Fledge
How can you tell if a baby hummingbird is gearing up to take its first flight? Here are some signs the hummingbird is nearly ready to fledge:
- Flapping wings vigorously when perched at nest rim
- Wings with nearly full adult feathers
- Straight, elongated bill instead of short hooked bill
- Frequent wing stretching and preening
- Leaning forward on nest with tail in the air
- Good balance and strength in legs/feet
- Age of 18-28 days old
The nestling will wait for the right wind conditions before fledging. Once ready, it will fly within one or two days. You may even witness the first magical flight!
Hummingbird Nestling Growth Chart
Here is a chart summarizing the major growth milestones as hummingbirds develop in the nest after hatching:
| Age | Developmental Milestones |
|---|---|
| Hatching (day 1) | – Weigh 0.6 grams – No feathers, eyes closed – Helpless |
| Week 1 | – Eyes open around day 5-7 – Covered in down – Pinfeathers emerge – Gain 10% of weight daily |
| Week 2 | – Fully alert – Plumage filling in – Beg for food from mother – Wing flapping |
| Week 3 | – Feathers nearly complete – Bill straightens – Stands on nest rim – Wing muscles strengthen |
| Week 4 | – Fully feathered – Leans body forward – Ready to fledge! |
Conclusion
Baby hummingbirds typically spend between 18-28 days developing in the nest after hatching. The timeline depends on factors like species, weather, predators, and number of chicks. With a consistent food supply and mild climate, hummingbirds often fledge closer to 18-22 days. Fledglings then continue maturing outside the nest for another 1-2 weeks before becoming independent juveniles.
Understanding the hummingbird nesting cycle helps birders know what to expect and how they can support these tiny newcomers. With proper habitat and care, baby hummingbirds can thrive from hatching to fledging and beyond!
