What do hummingbird eggs and nests look like?

Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and most fascinating birds. With over 300 different species, they display a stunning diversity in plumage, behavior, habitat, and nesting. Their tiny size belies the epic journeys many of them embark on during migration. The ruby-throated hummingbird, which summers across much of North America, migrates across the Gulf of Mexico, a 500 mile non-stop journey for such a small creature. Here we will explore the eggs and nests of these captivating creatures.

What do hummingbird eggs look like?

Hummingbird eggs are very small, like the birds themselves. They are oval or elliptical in shape and plain white in color. Some species lay eggs with a very slight pinkish or creamy tinge. The eggs measure 0.5 inches long on average and 0.25 inches wide. Their small size allows the female to lay 2 eggs per nesting attempt. Any more would not fit comfortably in the tiny nests they build.

The eggs have a smooth, glossy surface. Some have tiny speckles on the shell. The smooth surface and oval shape allows the eggs to neatly fit together in the nest. The female incubates the eggs by sitting on top of them, so the smooth surface provides more contact area for transferring warmth.

Within the shell, the developing chick takes up most of the space. There is only a small air pocket at the rounder end of the egg. The developing hummingbird embryo will get everything it needs from the yolk and egg white as it grows, until it hatches out of its protective casing.

Size differences between species

There are some size differences between species. The bee hummingbird is the smallest bird in the world and lays the tiniest eggs. Their eggs measure just 0.3 inches long. Larger hummingbird species lay proportionally larger eggs. For example, the eggs of a blue-throated hummingbird measure 0.8 inches long.

The table below shows egg sizes for some common hummingbird species:

As you can see, even the largest hummingbird eggs are still very small compared to other bird species. The small size allows the female to lay and incubate them in the nests they build.

What are hummingbird nests like?

Hummingbirds build very small, neat nests to house their eggs and raise their young. The nests are only about 2 inches across and 1 inch deep. This compact size keeps the eggs and chicks secure.

Most hummingbird nests have a neat, round shape. They have an outer layer of moss and lichens held together with spider silk and sometimes bits of bark. On the inside is a soft lining of plant down, feathers, or fur to cushion the eggs.

Hummingbirds use spider silk generously when building the nests. The silk provides a stretchy binder to hold the materials together. Stretch is important so the nest can flex as the female comes and goes, allowing it to spring back into shape instead of becoming misshapen.

The outer layer of the nest provides camouflage when placed in a tree or shrub. The inside forms a cozy, cushioned bowl for the tiny eggs and young chicks. The inner lining also helps insulate the nest.

Placement of hummingbird nests

Hummingbirds often place their nests on the branches of trees and shrubs. Many species prefer horizontal branches so the nest has a broader foundation for stability. Others may build nests at the end of drooping thin branches or tips of vines.

They look for sites that provide cover from above and the sides in the form of leaves, needles, or bark. Some nest on structures around human homes like eaves, beams, or lamp posts. The cover helps conceal the nest from predators.

Most hummingbird nests are between 3 to 20 feet off the ground. The most common height ranges from 6 to 15 feet up. Higher sites make it harder for predators to access the nest.

Proximity to food sources is also a factor in nest placement. Hummingbirds feed on nectar, so having flowers nearby helps provide for the energy needs of the female and chicks.

Unique nesting behaviors

Here are some fascinating facts about hummingbird nesting habits:

• The female builds the nest by herself. She collects all the materials and weaves the nest together.
• Many species build a new nest for each brood. Others may reuse a nest for a second brood.
• Some tropical species build hanging nests. These dangling structures provide extra protection.
• The Cuban emerald is the only hummingbird known to nest colonially, with up to 4 females using the same tree.
• To make space in small nests, the chicks will pile up on top of each other as they grow.

What materials do hummingbirds use to build nests?

Hummingbirds are resourceful in using available natural materials to construct their tiny homes. Here are some of the most common items found in hummingbird nests:

Plant down

The soft, fluffy down from various plants forms the interior lining. Common sources include thistles, milkweed, cattails, and cottonwood. Dandelion and fireweed down are also used when available. The plant down creates a cushion to nestle the eggs.

Spider silk

Spider silk provides the stretchy binding needed to hold nest materials together. Hummingbirds carefully gather strands from spider webs to weave into the nest construction.

Lichen and moss

An outer layer of lichens and mosses helps camouflage the nest. Bits of bark or small twigs may also be included in the outer layers.

Feathers

The female may line the nest with soft feathers. These can come from a variety of birds. Small contour feathers likely come from downy woodpeckers or chickadees.

Fur

Fur from animals may supplement the feather lining. Hairs from bats, squirrels, mice, and rabbits help provide insulating warmth.

Hummingbirds are talented nest architects. Their ability to construct tiny, durable, and camouflaged nests using available materials allows them to successfully breed across a wide range of environments.

Conclusion

Hummingbird eggs and nests are miniature marvels that enable these captivating birds to reproduce. Their small size developed in tandem with the birds’ tiny proportions. The eggs provide the essential protective casing and nutrients for developing chicks. The skillfully crafted nests keep the fragile eggs and young secure.

While all hummingbird eggs are diminutive, they span a range of sizes matching the diversity of species. From bee hummingbird eggs measuring only 0.3 inches to the 0.8 inch eggs of a blue-throated, they are models of miniaturization. Their smooth, oval shape allows them to fit perfectly together in the nest.

To house these tiny eggs, female hummingbirds construct exquisite nests. Using available materials like plant down, spider silk, lichen, and feathers, they weave together compact, cup-shaped shelters. The stretchy spider silk binds the structure while soft lining cushions the eggs. Clever placement provides stability and concealment from predators.

These delicate eggs and ingenious nests allow hummingbirds to thrive in environments from rainforests to mountains to backyards. Their adaptability in nesting habits has enabled them to become one of the most widely distributed avian families in the Americas. The next time you see a hummingbird buzzing by, take a moment to appreciate the remarkable repetition of nests and eggs these captivating creatures produce each season.