Hummingbirds are amazing little birds that can hover in midair and fly backwards. They have special adaptations that allow them to do this, including wings that flap up to 80 times per second and the ability to rotate their wings in a full circle. Hummingbirds are the smallest birds in the world, with most species measuring only 3-5 inches long. Despite their tiny size, these energetic birds build intricate nests to raise their young.
Nesting Materials
Hummingbirds construct cup-shaped nests out of a variety of soft plant materials. The outside of the nest is covered in bits of bark, moss, and lichen that act as camouflage. This disguises the nest so it blends in with its surroundings, protecting the eggs and baby birds from predators.
The inside lining of the nest is made from the softest materials the female hummingbird can find. Common nest materials include:
- Plant down – The fluffy fibers from plants such as thistles, dandelions, and cattails.
- Spider silk – Sticky spider silk binds the nest materials together.
- Buds – Soft buds plucked from trees and plants.
- Moss – Delicate strands of moss help cushion the nest.
- Lichen – Fluffy lichens add insulation.
- Feathers – Collected feathers or downy tufts line the inner nest walls.
The female hummingbird gathers these materials and weaves them together using her bill and feet. She presses and shapes the materials into a cup about the size of half a walnut, just big enough for her tiny body. The nest walls are stretched and tailored so they gently expand as the baby birds grow.
Nest Locations
Hummingbirds nest in trees and shrubs wherever they can find a safe site. Favorite locations include:
- Forks of branches – The nest is wedged securely in a fork of branches.
- Overhanging branches – Young, flexible branches provide support and camouflage.
- Tree hollows – The nest may be attached to the inside walls of a cavity in a tree.
- Along limbs – Some hummingbird species build saddled nests resting on top of branches.
Hummingbirds are creative in their nest placement. They may choose sites within gardens, along walkways, on porches, or even on boat docks. The requirements seem to be a sheltered, semi-enclosed space up off the ground. If a nest site has been successful in the past, a female hummingbird may reuse and repair the same nest year after year.
Nest Construction
Building a hummingbird nest takes persistence, skill, and lots of energy. Here are some key facts about the nest construction process:
- It takes 5-10 days to build the nest.
- The female does most of the construction work.
- She uses spider silk to stitch the materials together.
- She shapes the nest walls using her body as a mold.
- Nests range from 1-2 inches across and have a 1-2 inch inner diameter.
- The rim is reinforced with woody fibers for support.
- The outside is camouflaged with lichens and bark bits.
- The inside has a soft lining for the eggs.
Constructing such an intricate structure is hard work for a tiny bird. A female hummingbird may make over a thousand flights to gather the best quality nest materials. However, all this effort is worth it to produce a secure and comfortable nest. Once built, the nest helps protect the eggs and nestlings until they are ready to fly.
Interesting Facts About Hummingbird Nests
There are many fascinating facts about the nests these energetic birds build, including:
- The nest size corresponds to the bird’s body size. Larger hummingbird species build larger nests.
- Nests may be reused for multiple broods or across breeding seasons. Females repair them by adding fresh materials.
- Some hummingbird species decorate the outside of the nest with lichens or moss to improve camouflage.
- The cup-shaped design provides just enough room for the female’s body and the eggs/chicks.
- Nests can be built in as little as 5 days but a more typical time is 7 to 10 days.
- In stormy weather, the female may use bits of paper, wood shavings, and cloth to reinforce the nest walls.
- Hummingbirds do not actually use their sticky feet to build nests as once believed. However, the feet do come in handy for gathering supplies.
- Nest-building takes incredible energy. A female’s body weight may decrease by up to 25% after completing a nest.
- Some hummingbird species reuse nest materials year after year, adding new materials to refurbish the nest.
- Nests are engineered to stretch. As the chicks grow, the nest walls and floor flex to accommodate the babies’ increasing size.
Related Questions
Here are answers to some other common questions about hummingbird nests:
How big are hummingbird nests?
Hummingbird nests are typically around 2 inches wide and 1-2 inches deep. However, their size can range from about 1 inch to 2.5 inches across depending on the species and nest materials available.
How long does it take hummingbirds to build a nest?
It takes between 5-10 days on average for a female hummingbird to build a complete nest. The construction process may take longer if weather conditions are bad or if it’s challenging for the bird to find materials.
Do male hummingbirds help build the nest?
No, male hummingbirds do not assist with nest construction or participate in incubation. The female takes responsibility for selecting the site, gathering materials, and weaving the nest cup. After mating, the male hummingbird provides no further care.
Do hummingbirds use the same nest more than once?
Yes, it’s common for female hummingbirds to repair and reuse a nest for multiple broods in a season, or even reuse it across seasons. They add new soft lining materials each time. Some nests may be used for many years.
How do hummingbirds attach their nests?
Hummingbirds anchor their nests in place using spider silk. The female weaves silk strands in and around the nest materials, tying the structure securely to supporting branches and twigs. This prevents the nest from falling even in storms.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are incredible nest builders. Using plant down, feathers, moss and other soft materials, they construct tiny but complex cup-shaped nests in which to lay their eggs and raise their young. Female hummingbirds carefully select sheltered locations and use spider silk to assemble durable nests. Their nest-building skills and adaptations allow hummingbirds to thrive in a wide range of environments.
