When building a hummingbird house, one of the most important considerations is the size of the entry hole. Hummingbirds are very small birds with long slender beaks, so the hole needs to be precisely the right diameter to accommodate their size and shape. Drilling the entry hole to the proper size will encourage hummingbirds to use your handcrafted house, while holes that are too large or too small may deter them from taking up residence.
Why Hole Size Matters
Hummingbirds have evolved with specialized physical characteristics that allow them to hover and feed on flower nectar. Their slender, pointed beaks are perfectly adapted for reaching into flowers, while their small size and aerodynamic wings provide the agility and stamina required for sustained hovering flight. This means that they need an entry hole sized to their tiny proportions. A hole that is even slightly too big may allow larger birds or insects to invade the hummingbird nest, putting eggs and hatchlings at risk. On the other hand, a hole too small for an adult hummingbird to pass through will prevent them from accessing the nest at all. The optimal size allows hummingbirds easy passage without providing access to potential predators or competitors.
Standard Recommended Hole Size
Most experts agree that a 1⁄2 inch to 1 9/16 inch diameter hole is ideal for hummingbird house entry holes. This size range accounts for the small stature of hummingbirds while giving them enough wiggle room to pass through comfortably. Somewhere between 1⁄2 inch and 9/16 inch is recommended for smaller hummingbird species, while larger hummingbirds may be able to manage a hole closer to 5/8 inch. Avoid exceeding 1 9/16 inches, even for larger species, as this could potentially allow invasive bees or wasps to enter.
How to Drill the Correct Diameter Hole
When drilling entry holes for hummingbird houses, the goal is to achieve as precise a diameter within the recommended size range as possible. Here are some tips for drilling uniform holes in the optimal size:
Use a drill press for consistency
A drill press allows you to drill straight, centered holes of an exact size. This gives you much more accuracy and control than drilling a freehand hole, which tends to wander and vary in width. Securely clamp your hummingbird house to the drill press bed, align the bit, and drill straight down to get a clean, correctly-sized hole.
Select the right bit size
Consult a drill bit sizing chart to identify the diameter needed to achieve your desired hole size. A 1⁄2 inch bit should produce an appropriately small 9/16 inch hole for tiny hummingbird species. Larger birds may require a bit closer to 19/64 inches. Take precision measurements of the finished hole to confirm you’ve reached the optimal width.
Secure the housing material
Prevent the material from shaking or slipping during drilling by strongly clamping it down on the drill press bed. Use scrap wood blocks on either side to hold it steady. A material that shifts during drilling is more likely to end up with uneven holes.
Drill slowly
Let the drill press do the work by feeding the bit gradually into the housing material. Rushing the process by forcing the drill can cause the bit to wander and the hole to become enlarged or irregular. Maintaining a slow, steady drilling speed results in a more precise fit.
Clean out holes thoroughly
Use a narrow tool to clean out all wood fragments, splinters, and dust from newly drilled holes. Any debris left behind may obstruct a hummingbird’s passage or potentially damage its feathers as it brushes by.
What If the Hole is Too Small?
If test fittings with a narrow dowel indicate the drilled hole is slightly undersized, there are a couple of options for enlarging it precisely:
Ream the hole with a round file
A round rattail file sized just slightly above the drilled hole’s diameter can be used to gently ream out and widen the opening by a small margin. Work slowly and test frequently with your dowel to avoid removing too much material.
Redrill with the next larger bit
If the hole needs to be expanded by more than a couple millimeters, you can redrill it carefully using a drill bit gauged one size bigger. Clamp the housing securely again and drill through the existing hole, taking it up to the next diameter.
What If the Hole is Too Large?
If the entry hole turns out to be a bit wider than the ideal 9/16 inch specification, there are still options for customizing it for hummingbirds:
Insert a smaller diameter tube
Adding a length of narrow tubing into an oversized hole creates a smaller interior diameter. Attach a short section of 1⁄2 inch or 9/16 inch tubing around the exterior opening using waterproof adhesive. The tubing’s interior will serve as the new entry.
Build up the exterior rim
Applying a ring of wood putty or caulk around the exterior hole allows you to reduce its effective size. Once dried fully, sand any protruding material down flush for a clean appearance.
Start over with a new hole
If the hole is significantly oversized and other remedies aren’t feasible, it may be simplest to drill an entirely new, smaller hole in a better position on the hummingbird house. Seal up the old hole if needed.
Tips for a Hummingbird-Friendly Entry Hole
In addition to getting the diameter right, there are some other considerations for an inviting, functional hummingbird house entry hole:
Smooth and sand edges
Sand down any splintered or rough edges around the hole to prevent the birds from getting caught or injured as they pass through.
Angle downward slightly
Aiming the hole at a downward slant prevents rain from entering the house. Angle it between 10-45 degrees down from horizontal.
Ensure adequate interior space
The entry hole should lead into an interior cavity deep and wide enough for nest building and brooding hatchlings. At least 5 inches is recommended.
Add perches
Small twig perches positioned below the entry give hummingbirds a place to rest before coming and going through the hole.
Conclusion
Drilling an appropriately sized entry hole is one of the most technical aspects of constructing a homemade hummingbird nesting box. By using a drill press, selecting the right bit diameter, and fine-tuning the hole if necessary, you can achieve a precision fit that mimics the natural cavities these tiny birds rely on for breeding. The ideal specifications fall between 1⁄2 inch and 9/16 inches, allowing the hummingbirds easy access without jeopardizing their safety. With a properly proportioned entrance hole and a few additional hummingbird-friendly features, you can create an appealing, functional housing sanctuary sure to attract these special feathered visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for hummingbird houses?
Cedar and pine are ideal woods for hummingbird houses as they are naturally weather-resistant and provide good insulation. Hardwoods like oak may also be used. Avoid pressure-treated lumber, which contains chemicals toxic to birds.
Where should hummingbird houses be placed?
Hang hummingbird houses in partial shade near flowering plants, facing east to southeast to avoid overheating in afternoon sun. Place houses 10-20 feet high on tree branches, posts, or beneath eaves.
How can you attract hummingbirds to a new house?
Offering a nectar feeder nearby helps attract hummingbirds to take up residence. Using red paint or décor on the house catches their eye. Place the house up in early spring so hummingbirds can nest as they arrive.
Do hummingbirds reuse the same nest each year?
No, hummingbirds build a new nest each spring with soft plant down lined with spider silk. Old nests deteriorate and may contain parasites, so it’s best to clean out used nests after young have fledged.
How often should hummingbird nectar be changed?
Empty and clean feeders every 2-3 days, or daily in hot weather. More frequent changing prevents fermentation and bacteria growth that could sicken hummingbirds. Use a mild soap and water solution.
What is the ideal recipe for homemade nectar?
A basic 1:4 ratio of granulated white sugar dissolved in boiled water is safe for hummingbirds. Do not use raw sugar, honey, or artificial sweeteners. Avoid food dyes. Cool nectar before filling feeders.
Should ants be kept away from hummingbird feeders?
Yes, ants can spread diseases and should not share nectar intended for hummingbirds. Suspend feeders on ropes or ant moats, use non-stick coatings, and keep surfaces clean to deter ants.
How often do hummingbirds lay eggs?
Hummingbirds typically nest twice per year, with the first clutch laid in late spring and a second in mid-summer. Each clutch contains 2 tiny white eggs, which are incubated for 2-3 weeks before hatching.
When do hummingbird chicks leave the nest?
Hummingbird chicks fledge about 3 weeks after hatching. They will remain dependent on parents for food and protection for another couple weeks before dispersing from their home territory.
What dangers do hummingbirds face?
Hummingbirds have many natural predators including snakes, cats, largemouth bass, praying mantises, and hawks. Collisions with windows, cars, walls, and fences also result in many hummingbird deaths.
How long do hummingbirds live?
Most wild hummingbirds have relatively short life spans of just 3-5 years. However, banded ruby-throats in the eastern U.S. have been known to survive up to 12 years in rare cases given ideal habitat conditions.
What are signs of a sick hummingbird?
Lethargy, loss of appetite, drooping wings, dull feathers, and labored breathing may indicate illness in a hummingbird. Common hummingbird maladies include infections, parasites, collisions, starvation, and ingested toxins.
How do hummingbirds survive cold winters?
Most hummingbirds migrate south to warmer climates in Mexico and Central America before winter frost arrives. Some species may overwinter in southernmost U.S. states if adequate food sources remain available.
How fast does a hummingbird’s heart beat?
A hummingbird’s heart races incredibly fast, up to 1,260 beats per minute. This rapid heartbeat enables their unique hovering flight and supports their intense metabolic needs.
Conclusion
Drilling a properly sized entry hole is crucial for creating a hummingbird house that invites these special birds to nest. Follow recommended dimensions, use a drill press for precision, and make adjustments as needed to achieve a snug but adequately spacious opening suited to hummingbird proportions. Consider hole location, drainage, and interior space as well when providing nest boxes. With a well-constructed house secured in a sheltered spot, you can look forward to years of joy watching hummingbirds fill your garden with life. If you found this advice helpful, be sure to leave feedback and share this article for other hummingbird enthusiasts aiming to attract these mesmerizing tiny visitors.
