Should you put out hummingbird houses?

Hummingbirds are some of the most beloved backyard birds, with their iridescent feathers and incredible flying abilities. Many people want to attract hummingbirds to their yards by putting out feeders or planting flowers they like. Another way to invite hummers in is by providing special houses just for them. But is putting up hummingbird houses necessary or beneficial? There are pros and cons to consider.

What are hummingbird houses?

Hummingbird nests are tiny, cup-shaped structures the birds build out of plant down, spider silk, lichen, and other soft materials. They typically measure around 1-2 inches across and have thick walls to protect and insulate the eggs.

Hummingbird houses are manmade nesting sites intended to mimic natural nests. They usually consist of a small wooden or plastic cup mounted on a pole or tree. The inside has a soft lining or bedding to cradle the eggs. Houses often have a protective overhang or roof to shelter the nest from rain and sun.

Why put out hummingbird houses?

Here are some potential benefits of providing hummingbird nesting boxes:

• Give birds a safe spot to raise young – Keep eggs and babies protected from predators and harsh weather.
• Provide nesting site options – Increase available nesting real estate since good sites are limited.
• Enable observation of nesting behaviors – Allow people to witness hummingbirds’ fascinating breeding activities up close.
• Support local hummingbird populations – Potentially boost numbers of these beloved birds in the area.
• Create habitat opportunities – Turn unused areas of the yard into hummingbird nesting grounds.

For people who want to help or watch hummingbirds, nest boxes can be an easy way to get involved. The birds may also benefit from having more suitable nesting locations available.

Potential drawbacks of hummingbird houses

However, there are also some downsides for hummingbirds that should be considered:

• Artificial housing not always accepted – Hummingbirds may ignore or abandon manmade nest sites.
• Can attract predators – Nest boxes may focus attention and allow easier access for predators.
• Risk of overcrowding – Too many boxes close together could overwhelm an area’s natural resources.
• Need regular maintenance – Houses must be kept clean and maintained annually.
• May disrupt natural behaviors – Providing housing could lead hummingbirds to skip migration or nest in suboptimal areas.
• Limit natural selection – Weaker birds that might not survive without assistance could reproduce.

The key is making sure any nest boxes are installed mindfully and responsibly to avoid unintended ecological consequences.

Factors to consider when putting up hummingbird houses

If you do opt to try attracting hummingbirds with nesting boxes, here are some tips for success:

Proper design

The nest box should:

• Be small and sturdy with adequate drainage
• Have a protected, overhanging roof
• Be made of weatherproof materials
• Have a rough interior surface for grip
• Have a detachable bottom for easy cleaning
• Have a 1-1.5 inch diameter entrance hole

Following these guidelines will result in a safe, appealing house hummingbirds will be more likely to use.

Ideal placement

When siting the hummingbird house:

• Choose an open site away from dense foliage
• Mount the box on a pole or tree 6-20 feet off the ground
• Face entrance away from prevailing winds and rain
• Avoid placing near feeders or too many other boxes

Proper placement takes the birds’ needs into account and reduces risks.

Ongoing care

To keep the house functioning well:

• Clean out old nesting material annually after breeding season
• Check for and repair any damage from weather or animals
• Consider moving/rotating houses each year to avoid parasites
• Provide insect-attracting flowers and fresh nectar nearby

With regular maintenance, a quality hummingbird house can be reused for many seasons.

Key Considerations When Deciding to Use Hummingbird Houses

Here is a summary of the main factors to weigh:

Conclusion

Hummingbird houses can be great additions to a backyard sanctuary, but should be used thoughtfully. The most important considerations are providing appropriately designed and sited housing that is properly maintained. This will maximize benefits to hummers while minimizing unintended disruption to their natural behaviors and ecosystem. If the proper precautions are taken, hummingbird houses can be wonderful for both birds and people. But they require an investment of care, research, and vigilance to do more good than harm. Work with nature, and both hummingbirds and humans can enjoy the experience!