Hummingbirds are amazing little birds that captivate people with their beauty and aerial acrobatics. One of the most intriguing parts of hummingbird life cycles is their breeding and nesting behaviors. Hummingbirds build very small, cup-shaped nests and lay tiny eggs within them. But what time of year do these events occur? The answer is that most hummingbirds in North America lay eggs between March and June. However, the specific timing depends on factors like the species, latitude, and climate. Keep reading for more details on hummingbird nesting seasons and why timing is important for their reproductive success.
Typical Nesting Season
In most of North America, hummingbirds mate and build nests in early spring. Egg laying typically begins in March or April. Here are some general time frames:
- Nest building: February to May
- Egg laying: March to June
- Incubation: 12-16 days
- Fledging: 20-26 days after hatching
The actual months depend on the region and species. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most widespread. They arrive early in southern Gulf states, so lay as early as February. In northern states and Canada, ruby-throats appear later and generally nest from April to June.
Rufous hummingbirds migrate north along the Pacific coast. They breed in states like Oregon and Alaska in April and May. Other western species like Anna’s and Costa’s hummingbirds may start nesting in February in places like California and Arizona. Timing overlaps for migratory and resident populations.
Why Spring and Early Summer
Hummingbirds time their breeding seasons to coincide with blooming flowers and optimal weather conditions. Here are some key reasons spring/early summer is the prime nesting period:
Abundant Flowers
Flowers provide the nectar that fuels hummingbirds. Spring is when many of their favorite nectar sources begin blooming, including:
- Columbines
- Honeysuckles
- Trumpet vines
- Bee balms
Peak flower season ensures female hummingbirds can get enough energy to produce eggs. It also means plenty of food for young after hatching.
Mild Weather
Chilly temperatures put extra stress on hummingbirds due to their high metabolisms and susceptibility to cold. Nesting in spring and summer provides warmth critical for egg/chick development. Temperatures from around 65°F to 85°F are ideal. Extreme heat and storms pose their own threats, but the moderate weather of spring helps hummingbirds thrive.
Long Daylight Hours
Increased daylight in spring and summer allows female hummingbirds to spend more time feeding. With 15 or more hours of daylight, they can take in more nectar to support energy needs during nesting. Considering a female may lay 2+ clutches in one breeding season, those extra daylight hours for feeding are extremely beneficial.
Timing of Insect Populations
Hummingbirds get protein from eating small insects and spiders. The peak of insect hatches often coincides with spring flowering. This ensures plenty of high-protein foods for raising chicks, who need insects for proper growth.
Non-territorial Behavior
Hummingbirds are less territorial during breeding seasons. Males allow females to move freely to build nests and feed. Nesting in spring takes advantage of this temporary lack of aggression before territories re-establish in summer.
Alignment with Migration
Spring nesting allows hummingbirds to breed as they move north along migration routes. Species like rufous hummingbirds can take advantage of newly blooming flowers and optimal conditions as they travel into temperate regions.
Minimal Energy Drains
In early spring, female hummingbirds are not worn down from a full season of migration, nesting, and raising chicks. Their energy is focused on breeding. Hummingbirds that nest later in summer may be depleted from the energy demands of producing multiple broods.
Variation Between Species
All hummingbirds follow a similar spring/summer nesting strategy. However, migration habits and climate preferences lead to variability in breeding timetables. Here are some examples:
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
Ruby-throats are the most widespread hummingbird in eastern North America. They show the following patterns:
- Southern states: Begin arriving in February, first eggs in March
- Northern states: Arrive in May, nesting from May to July
- Two broods per season, occasionally three
Rufous Hummingbirds
This migratory species breeds along a northward route:
- Pacific Northwest: Nesting from April to June
- Alaska: Nesting from May to July
- One brood per season
Anna’s Hummingbirds
A year-round resident in coastal California and the Southwest. Breeding timeline:
- Begins courtship in February
- Builds nest in February/March
- First eggs as early as late February
- Multiple broods from February to June
Costa’s Hummingbirds
This desert hummingbird starts nesting early:
- Southern Arizona: breeding begins in January
- Multiple broods from March to June
Allen’s Hummingbirds
Common along the California coast with a long breeding season:
- Nesting January to July
- Peaks February to May
- Two to three broods per season
The important thing to note is that no matter the region or species, nearly all hummingbirds initiate nesting in spring and early summer. Slight variations occur based on migratory patterns and species ranges.
What About Second Nestings?
Female hummingbirds will often produce two or even three clutches in a single breeding season. The second nesting happens 4-5 weeks after the first. Here are some notes about late or second nesting seasons:
- Primarily occurs March through August
- Most common in southern regions like California and Texas
- Requires abundant late-blooming flowers like salvias and autumn sage
- Helps compensate if first clutch fails
- May be triggered by hormones if spring nesting was unsuccessful
- Results in a short rest period before fall migration
Late summer nestings indicate a healthy population that is taking advantage of a long breeding season. It demonstrates there are enough resources in the ecosystem to sustain multiple nesting attempts.
How Climate Change Affects Nesting
Climate change appears to be shifting hummingbird nesting to earlier in spring across many areas. Warmer temperatures cause flowers and insects to emerge sooner. Here are some patterns being observed:
- Arriving at breeding grounds earlier – up to two weeks in some cases
- Building nests and initiating courtship in late winter vs. early spring
- Laying eggs earlier by an average of about 1 week compared to past records
- Producing offspring earlier by 0.8 days per decade according to one study
- Migrating northward earlier as warming expands suitable breeding habitat
These shifts highlight the flexibility of hummingbirds. However, the earlier timing can also create problems. If flowers bloom before hummingbirds arrive, there may not be adequate food supplies. Continued climate fluctuations could lead to further mismatches. Monitoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems will be important for successful nesting.
Conclusion
The majority of hummingbirds nest between the months of March and June. However, depending on the region and species, nesting may start as early as January or extend into July. Key factors influencing nest timing include flower blooms, insect availability, weather conditions, and migration patterns. While climate change is shifting some nesting earlier, hummingbirds are so far adapting well. Their flexibility and resilience ensures they continue to thrive in their specialized ecological niches across North America. Protecting habitat and food sources will be crucial for hummingbirds to adjust nesting cycles going forward.
