Disturbing a hummingbird nest can have serious consequences for the hummingbirds. Hummingbirds build very fragile nests out of plant fibers, spider webs, and lichens. These nests are only about 2 inches across and are constructed on top of branches or other sturdy structures. If you disturb a hummingbird nest, even accidentally, it could cause the nest to collapse or fall, destroying the eggs or injuring the baby hummingbirds inside.
Here are some key things to know about disturbing hummingbird nests:
It’s illegal
First and foremost, it is illegal to disturb an active hummingbird nest under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This federal law makes it a crime to interfere with the nest of any native migratory bird species, including hummingbirds. Fines for violating the MBTA can be up to $15,000 per infraction. So it’s critical to avoid disturbing hummingbird nests in any way.
The mother may abandon the nest
If a hummingbird nest is significantly disturbed, the mother hummingbird may abandon the nest altogether. Female hummingbirds are very sensitive to disturbances around their nest. If she senses the area is unsafe or the nest has been too badly damaged, a mother hummingbird may leave the nest, eggs, and hatchlings behind. Baby hummingbirds cannot survive for long without their mothers to care for them.
Eggs can be damaged or destroyed
A hummingbird nest typically contains two tiny white eggs about the size of jellybeans. These eggs are very fragile. If the nest is disturbed, the eggs can easily get cracked, damaged, or shattered completely. Even subtle disturbances that cause the eggs to roll around in the nest can risk harming the developing chicks inside.
Chicks may be injured or killed
In addition to damaging eggs, disturbing a hummingbird nest also puts the chicks in danger. Newly hatched hummingbirds are tiny, naked, and extremely fragile. They can be accidentally killed by a nest disruption. Older hummingbird chicks have thin, delicate bones that can be broken if the nest falls. And all baby hummingbirds are vulnerable to predators if the nest is disturbed and the mother abandons them.
How to avoid disturbing hummingbird nests
Here are some tips to avoid disturbing hummingbird nests:
- Watch for signs of nesting behavior in spring/summer like a female gathering nest materials or sitting on a nest.
- Don’t install humingbird feeders or plant flowers right next to trees and structures where hummingbirds may nest.
- Avoid pruning trees and shrubs or doing yardwork near hummingbird nesting spots from spring through summer.
- If you find a hummingbird nest, avoid that area and keep children and pets away until the chicks have left the nest.
- Don’t touch or interact with hummingbird nests or eggs.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if a nest falls naturally and the chicks survive.
What to do if you disturb a hummingbird nest
If a hummingbird nest is accidentally disturbed:
- Move away quickly and remain quiet so the mother will return.
- Do not attempt to repair or reattach the nest yourself.
- Give the mother several hours to return before contacting a rehabber for help.
- Cover or protect any intact eggs/chicks from predators in the meantime.
- A wildlife rehabilitator may be able to reattach the nest or care for orphaned chicks.
Consequences of disturbing nests
Disturbing a hummingbird nest nearly always has negative consequences. At best, the hummingbird parents may be stressed but still return and repair the nest. At worst, the babies inside the nest can die and the adult hummingbirds may abandon the area completely. So it is extremely important to avoid disturbing hummingbird nests in any way when possible.
When it’s OK to remove a hummingbird nest
In some rare cases, it may be necessary to deliberately remove an active hummingbird nest. This should only be done for safety reasons, like if a nest is built in a high-traffic area. A federal permit is required to remove an active nest. An expert should relocate the nest to a nearby safe location as quickly as possible so the mother can resume caring for the eggs/chicks.
Hummingbird nesting facts
Here are some key facts about hummingbird nesting that illustrate why their nests are so sensitive to disturbance:
- Hummingbird nests are only 1-2 inches wide and built loosely with flexible materials.
- They are constructed on top of branches high off the ground, leaving them prone to falling.
- Female hummingbirds lay 2 tiny pea-sized eggs per nest on average.
- The eggs are incubated for 14-16 days before hatching.
- Mother hummingbirds feed the chicks every 15-20 minutes from hatching to fledging.
- Chicks leave the nest after 3-4 weeks, sometimes sooner if the nest is disrupted.
In conclusion
Disturbing a hummingbird nest is extremely risky for the vulnerable eggs, chicks, and adult hummingbirds involved. The best approach is always to avoid hummingbird nesting areas altogether during breeding season and never disturb an active nest. Use caution when doing yardwork and supervise curious children and pets near nests. If you accidentally interfere with a nest, back away quickly and contact a wildlife rehabilitator if needed to give the hummingbirds their best chance of survival.
