Hummingbirds build intricate nests to lay their eggs and raise their young. However, many threats can destroy a hummingbird’s nest and put their eggs and baby birds at risk. Understanding what destroys hummingbird nests can help people who want to support these tiny birds in their yards and gardens.
Weather
Weather is one of the biggest dangers to hummingbird nests. Since hummingbird nests are so small and exposed, they are vulnerable to being damaged or destroyed by heavy rains, strong winds, hail, and storms.
Heavy rains can cause hummingbird nests to become waterlogged or even wash away completely. The soft materials used to build hummingbird nests, like plant down and spider webs, can disintegrate when soaked by heavy rainfall. Even light drizzles over time can degrade and collapse nests.
Strong winds can also wreak havoc on delicate hummingbird nests. The gusts can blow nests right out of trees and shrubs, sending eggs or baby birds tumbling to the ground. Even if the nest stays in place, powerful winds can deform the structure, leaving eggs exposed or dislodging the hummers from their snug homes.
Hail is extremely dangerous for hummingbird eggs and nestlings. Hailstones can puncture eggs and injure or kill the tiny baby birds. The impacts can also shred nest materials, leaving the nest unstable or unusable. A hailstorm can destroy every hummingbird nest in its path in just minutes.
Thunderstorms bring several destructive forces together at once. Lashing winds, drenching rain, and battering hail can tear hummingbird nests apart rapidly. Lightning strikes on trees may also dislodge or electrify nests during storms. Hummingbirds often avoid nesting in isolated trees that are more likely to be hit by lightning, but it still poses a threat.
Predators and Pests
Hungry animals are another major threat to hummingbird nests. A wide array of predators and pests will eagerly raid hummingbird nests for eggs and chicks. Common nest predators include:
– Squirrels – These agile tree-dwellers frequently ransack hummingbird nests. They eat the eggs and young birds or may terrorize the parents away from the nest so they can take over the cozy home for themselves.
– Jays – Blue jays and other predatory birds like crows and ravens will attack hummingbird nests, poking holes in eggs with their sharp beaks or carrying away nestlings.
– Snakes – Small snakes like garter snakes can stealthily raid nests and devour hummingbird eggs. Larger snakes may eat nestlings and even attempt to swallow adult hummingbirds.
– Opossums – With their grasping paws and preference for eggs, opossums can quickly destroy an entire clutch of hummingbird eggs. They also commonly usurp hummingbird nests.
– Raccoons – These masked bandits have very dexterous paws that they use to reach into nests and steal eggs or baby birds. They may destroy the nest in the process.
– House cats – Free-roaming domestic cats are adept little hunters that can destroy hummingbird nests. They’ll consume the eggs or carry hummingbird nestlings away in their mouths.
– Ants – Some ants, like fire ants, will attack hummingbird nests and kill the chicks. They may also eat the eggs. Ant trails leading up trees can alert other predators to the nest’s presence.
– Bees and wasps – Bees sometimes take over hummingbird nests, driving the parents away. Some wasps may eat hummingbird eggs.
– Nest parasites – Certain insects like flies will lay their own eggs in hummingbird nests so their larvae can feed on the eggs or nestlings. Beetles may also infest and destroy nests.
Hummingbird parents will aggressively defend their nest from many types of intruders. But the tiny birds are limited in what they can do against large, determined predators. Once discovered, their nests are very vulnerable.
Damage by Humans
Human activity can also be a major source of hummingbird nest destruction. Some ways people may unintentionally bring harm to hummingbird nests include:
– Tree trimming – Nesting hummingbirds often place their tiny nests on the outermost branches and twigs of trees and shrubs. Trimming off these growths can remove active nests.
– Using yard tools – String trimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and lawn mowers can all accidentally shred, hit, or detach hummingbird nests hidden in vegetation. The fast-moving adult birds usually escape unharmed, but eggs and nestlings are killed.
– Letting pets roam – Cats allowed to roam outdoors readily kill adult hummingbirds, eggs, and babies at nests. Even leashed dogs may trample vegetation and damage low nests.
– Using pesticides – Insecticides and herbicides can sicken or kill hummingbirds or contaminate their food sources. The toxins may also poison nestlings when the parents bring tainted insects to feed their young.
– Removing vegetation – Cutting down trees, shrubs, and vines that hummingbirds nest in will obviously destroy their nests. But even selective pruning may remove active nest sites.
– Nest touching – Many people enjoy getting a close look at hummingbird nests. But touching nests leaves human scent that may attract predators or cause the parents to abandon the nest.
– Extensive building work – Major renovations, roof repairs, painting, or construction near hummingbird nests can disturb the birds or physically dislodge the nests. Just walking on a ladder near a nest may be enough to make the parents leave.
– Vehicular collisions – Speeding cars sometimes hit birds that fly low across roads. Hummingbirds building nests near roads are at risk of being struck and killed while gathering nesting materials.
With a little care and forethought, these accidental nest destructions can be avoided when hummingbirds are nesting. Slowing down and observing from a distance allows people to enjoy these tiny birds while still protecting sensitive nesting areas.
Hummingbird Nest Placement
Where hummingbirds choose to build their nests greatly impacts how vulnerable they are to destruction. Nests in certain locations are naturally more exposed and at higher risk.
Hummingbirds often construct nests on the slender branches of trees and shrubs. This placement allows the nests to rock and sway with the wind with less chance of being dislodged. But it also leaves them fully exposed to the elements. There is no way for the tiny nests to be shielded from rain, wind, or hail when situated far out on flimsy twigs. Predators can also easily access nests with unobstructed paths on branches.
Nests built along forest edges or near isolated trees in fields tend to be more prone to animal intruders, lightning strikes, human interference, and collisions. Without extensive foliage cover, these nest sites are easily discovered by creatures seeking eggs or baby birds to eat. There are also no neighboring trees to intercept lightning bolts.
Hummingbird nests placed directly over water, like over pools or streams, may become waterlogged in heavy rain. Nestlings that fledge too early can end up floundering in the water below.
Even nest height makes a difference. Nests within reach of curious humans and pets or close to the ground where they can be disturbed by mowers and trimmers are most at risk. But nests too high in the canopy can still be threatened by wind and storms. There are always trade-offs when hummingbirds select nest placement.
How to Help Protect Hummingbird Nests
Many people enjoy seeing hummingbirds nesting in their yard and want to give them the best chance to raise their young successfully. Here are tips for protecting hummingbird nests.
– Choose protected sites for feeders or new plantings to encourage hummingbirds to nest in sheltered spots away from potential disruptions. Place feeders under cover of porches or eaves.
– Plant dense hedges and shrubs that provide cover for nests. Hummingbirds often nest towards the center of shrubs where there is more protection.
– Avoid pruning trees and shrubs during nesting season unless necessary. Check for active nests first.
– Mow or use yard tools carefully around vegetation, especially during spring and summer months when hummingbirds are nesting. Keep cats indoors so they don’t disturb or kill nesting birds.
– Place netting over fruit trees and bushes to keep jays from perching near hummingbird nests. They may attract other predators.
– Install nest boxes specifically designed for hummingbirds. Place in secluded locations away from feeders.
– Use insecticides and herbicides minimally or not at all. Try organic methods first. hummingbirds are sensitive.
– Keep trees around your property trimmed to reduce likelihood of lightning strikes hitting nests. Avoid lone trees in open areas.
– Monitor hummingbird nests discreetly to deter disturbances. Don’t touch or stand close. Watch activity from a window.
– Wait to do construction, painting, or repairs until after nesting season when fledglings have left nests.
– Reduce collisions by placing decals on glass windows or panes that reflect foliage, keeping outdoor lights turned off at night, and driving cautiously.
– Do not disturb an active nest. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if a nest is damaged or a fledgling falls out and needs help.
With some awareness and planning, people can take steps to protect hummingbird nests on their property and minimize risks. This helps more of these special birds successfully raise their young. With a little care, we can support hummingbirds at a vulnerable stage in their lives.
Hummingbird nests face threats from all sides, including severe weather, predatory animals, and inadvertent human interference. Their fragility and exposed locations make hummingbird nests prone to destruction, putting eggs and nestlings at risk. But by understanding what commonly damages hummingbird nests, people can take actions to help birds that nest on their property or in surrounding natural areas. Minimizing dangers gives hummingbird pairs a greater chance of safely raising their chicks until they are ready to take flight on their own. With some planning and precaution, we can support these tiny birds through the nesting season so the next generation of hummingbirds thrives.
