Hummingbirds are some of the smallest and most delicate birds, but they face numerous threats from predators who want to eat their eggs. Hummingbird eggs are very small, averaging just half an inch long, making them a tasty morsel for predators large and small. In this article, we will explore the main predators that raid hummingbird nests and eat their eggs.
Insects
Insects are one of the most common predators of hummingbird eggs. They are small enough to easily access nests and feed on the tiny eggs inside. Ants are especially problematic, as they attack en masse. An ant colony can quickly overwhelm a nest and devour all the eggs. Wasps, hornets, and bees may also feed on hummingbird eggs when they locate a nest. These stinging insects will eat not just the eggs, but also the hatchlings and even adult hummingbirds in some cases.
Beetles
Beetles are another insect predator that consumes hummingbird eggs. There are many species of beetles that can threaten hummingbird nests, such as ladybugs and longhorn beetles. Ladybugs in particular are significant predators of hummingbird eggs. Even though ladybugs are considered helpful garden insects, they will feed on bird eggs when given the opportunity. Their small size allows them to invade nests undetected.
Flies
Flies are also problematic for hummingbirds. Blow flies and botflies are known to parasitize hummingbird nests, laying eggs on the baby birds which then hatch into larvae. Fly larvae burrow into the skin of the chicks, eventually killing them. Fly eggs can outcompete hummingbird eggs in a nest. And adult flies may directly feed on hummingbird eggs as well.
Reptiles and Amphibians
Reptiles and amphibians also prey on hummingbird eggs. These cold-blooded creatures are adept climbers and can access nests placed in trees, bushes and feeders.
Snakes
One of the biggest reptile threats to hummingbirds are snakes. Snakes are able to stretch up and reach nests positioned fairly high off the ground. Colubrid snakes like the garter snake and gartersnake in particular are known predators. They use their keen sense of smell to locate hidden nests and readily consume hummingbird eggs. Larger constrictor snakes like the black racer can also be problematic.
Lizards
Lizards are another reptile that will eat hummingbird eggs. Swift lizards and fence lizards have been observed raiding hummingbird nests. The Puerto Rican crested anole is especially problematic for the Puerto Rican hummingbird, raiding over 10% of nests in some habitats.
Frogs and Toads
Frogs and toads are not as adept at climbing as reptiles, but a few select species can and do threaten hummingbird nests, such as tree frogs and bullfrogs. Their sticky tongue allows them to grab eggs from nests if they can access them.
Mammals
Many different mammals also consume hummingbird eggs. The main mammalian predators include:
Chipmunks
Chipmunks are voracious predators of bird eggs. Their small size lets them climb out on branches near hummingbird nests and steal the eggs. One study found over 20% of hummingbird nest failures were due to chipmunks.
Squirrels
Squirrels are also adept climbers that can access nests high up in trees. Both gray squirrels and flying squirrels are problematic. They have keen senses of smell to sniff out hidden nests.
Raccoons
Raccoons use their dexterous paws to locate and open nests at night. Once they find a nest, raccoons will eat every egg.
Coyotes
Coyotes are major predators of adult hummingbirds but will also raid nests if given the chance. Their intelligence and problem-solving skills allow them to access hard-to-reach nest locations.
Cats
Domestic and feral cats are also big threats. An estimated 2.4 billion birds are killed by cats every year in just the U.S. and Canada, with hummingbirds likely representing a portion of that total.
Opossums
Opossums are not adept climbers but can reach nests located in shrubs and on branches closer to the ground. They primarily raid nests at night.
Birds
Surprisingly, the most feared predators of hummingbird eggs are other birds. Here are some of the key bird species that eat hummingbird eggs:
Jays
From blue jays to gray jays, jays are very problematic nest predators. A study in California found jays were responsible for over 60% of hummingbird nest failures. Jays are intelligent birds capable of locating well-hidden nests.
Crows
Crows are also adept nest raiders. American crows and fish crows can be significant threats to hummingbird eggs due to their intelligence and food-driven motivation.
Magpies
Black-billed magpies are notorious hummingbird egg eaters, especially in locations where their habitat overlaps with hummingbirds in the western U.S. One magpie was observed destroying 27 hummingbird nests!
Owls
While owls don’t climb into nests, they can still threaten hummingbirds by picking off adults. With no parents, eggs quickly perish. Screech owls, pygmy owls and elf owls are examples of predatory owls in hummingbird habitat.
Hawks and Falcons
Birds of prey like sharp-shinned hawks and American kestrels prey on adult hummingbirds. They also sometimes raid nests if they locate them while hunting perched adults.
How to Prevent Predation
Hummingbird nests are vulnerable to threats from all sides. But people can take steps to help reduce predation pressure:
- Keep feeders far away from nests to avoid attracting animals
- Install predator baffles on poles and fences near nests
- Use nest boxes or wire cages to physically protect nests
- Apply insect repellent or grease on poles and wires to deter climbing insects and reptiles
- Keep nest locations away from artificial lights which can attract nocturnal mammals
- Trim branches and vegetation around nests to remove insect habitat and climbing access points
- Use traps, repellents or exclusion techniques for troublesome nest predators like jays, squirrels and raccoons
While it is impossible to protect all hummingbird nests from predators, making a yard less attractive to predators and physically blocking access points can go a long way toward saving eggs and hatchlings.
Conclusion
Hummingbird eggs face threats from all sides, with insects, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and other birds all eager to consume the protein-packed eggs. By being aware of the predators in your area, and taking steps to deter and block them, you can improve the odds for hummingbird nesting success and hatchling survival.
