The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is one of the most common and widely recognized hummingbird species in North America. These tiny, energetic birds can be found in backyards, gardens, and parks across much of the eastern and central United States and southern Canada during the spring and summer months. Ruby-throats get their name from the metallic ruby red throat patch found on the males of the species. One of the keys to their success across such a wide habitat range is their adaptability when it comes to nesting and breeding.
Nesting Behavior
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds build small, compact nests out of plant down, spider webs, lichens, and bud scales. The inner lining of the nest is made from soft plant fibers, down, and sometimes even dog hair or wool. The female hummingbird constructs the nest without any assistance from the male.
Nests are typically found on upward or outward facing branches in trees or shrubs. Ruby-throats prefer nesting sites that provide some protective coverage overhead from rain, direct sun, or predators. The nest is built in the shape of a cup or saddle with thick, reinforced walls. It is usually wedged into place between smaller branches or twigs in the tree or shrub.
Clutch size is two tiny white eggs which are incubated by the female for 12-14 days. The chicks will remain in the nest for another 16-26 days before fledging.
Tree Species Used for Nesting
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are not particularly picky when it comes to selecting a nesting tree or shrub species. They nest in a wide variety of deciduous and evergreen trees across their habitat range. Here are some of the most common species used:
Oak Trees
Oaks such as the Northern Red Oak, White Oak, Pin Oak, Willow Oak, Live Oak, Laurel Oak, and Water Oak provide excellent nesting opportunities. Their wide spreading branches and twig structures give hummingbirds plenty of options for wedging their tiny nests into place.
Maple Trees
Maples like Red Maple, Silver Maple, and Sugar Maple have beautifully tiered branching that hummingbirds can nest in. Maples provide early spring flowers that hummingbirds depend on for nectar as they migrate north and establish their breeding territories.
Birch Trees
Paper Birch, Yellow Birch, River Birch, and Weeping Birch are used by nesting Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. The drooping branches provide cover and their supple twigs allow the birds to wedge their nests into place.
Pine Trees
Pines such as Eastern White Pine, Red Pine, Pitch Pine, and Virginia Pine provide evergreen shelter for hummingbird nests. Their pom pom-like clusters of needles called fascicles offer protected nesting spots from the rain and sun.
Flowering Dogwood Trees
Flowering Dogwood has beautiful horizontal tiers of branches perfect for nest placement. Dogwoods provide an early spring source of nectar from their showy white and pink flower bracts which hummingbirds depend on.
Crabapple Trees
Crabapples are loaded with sweet spring flowering resources that Ruby-throats love. Varieties like Spring Snow Crabapple and Royalty Crabapple provide low branching nest sites and early spring food.
Willow Trees
Weeping Willow’s heavily drooping flexible branches provide concealment and support for hummingbird nests. Pussy Willow’s early spring catkins are an essential early season food.
Mimosa Trees
The fern-like leaves of Mimosa droop and provide cover for hummingbird nests. The pink powder puff flowers also draw in hungry migrating Ruby-throats each spring.
Locust Trees
Black Locust has lots of irregular twigs and knots perfect for wedging hummingbird nests into place. Honeylocust provides dappled shade and protection for nesting.
Sycamore Trees
American Sycamore has camouflage colored peeling bark that helps conceal hummingbird nests. Its form with spreading horizontal branches is excellent for nest placement.
Other Factors That Make a Good Nesting Tree
In addition to tree species, there are other characteristics that can make a tree attractive for nesting hummingbirds:
- Low hanging branches that provide nest cover and support
- Water sources like a stream, pond, or fountain nearby
- Plenty of early spring flowers for nectar
- Location along a natural corridor that hummingbirds travel along during migration
- Shelter from severe weather and predators
Here is a quick visual summary of some of the best trees for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to nest in:
| Tree | Picture |
|---|---|
| Oak | |
| Maple | |
| Birch | |
| Pine | |
| Dogwood | |
| Crabapple | |
| Willow | |
| Mimosa | |
| Locust | |
| Sycamore |
Backyard Landscaping Tips To Attract Nesting Hummingbirds
You can make your backyard or garden more attractive to nesting Ruby-throated Hummingbirds with a few key landscape plants and features:
- Plant early blooming nectar sources like flowers, shrubs, and trees that hummingbirds are drawn to like azaleas, crabapples, wild columbine, bee balm, and trumpet vine
- Include smaller ornamental trees like dogwood, redbud, mulberry and serviceberry that provide good nesting structure
- Choose species with sturdy forking branches in the right diameter range for nest placement
- Ensure there is a range of open and protected areas so hummingbirds can select the right nest sites
- Provide a water source like a mister, fountain, pond, or bird bath
- Limit use of pesticides which can interfere with nesting success
- Set up a feeder with hummingbird nectar to provide supplemental food
- Avoid excessive yardwork and pruning during peak nesting periods
Conclusion
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are adaptable when it comes to selecting a nest site. They will utilize a wide variety of tree species across their range. The key elements they look for are an upward facing fork or branches to build the nest in, some cover overhead for protection, and branches that allow them to wedge the nest walls into place.
By landscaping your yard with small, flowering trees and early spring blooms, you can create an attractive and welcoming environment for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Providing supplemental nectar feeders and water sources can help them save energy during the exhausting nesting and breeding season. Careful maintenance and limiting pesticide use will also boost nesting success for these energetic, acrobatic birds.
