Hummingbirds are amazing little birds that bring joy to backyard birders across North America. Their dazzling, iridescent feathers and energetic flight never fail to delight. Many people enjoy watching hummingbirds visit their yards and gardens during the warmer months and try to attract these special birds by setting up feeders, planting nectar-producing flowers, and in some cases, providing materials for nest building.
But when is the right time to put out nesting materials for hummingbirds? And what type of nesting materials do hummingbirds prefer? Here is a comprehensive guide on when and how to provide nesting materials for hummingbirds.
When Do Hummingbirds Start Nesting?
Hummingbirds build a new nest each year. They typically start scouting for nest locations and gathering materials in early spring. The exact timing depends on the climate and location:
- In southern states like Texas, Louisiana, and Florida, hummingbirds may start nesting activities as early as February or March.
- In central states, nesting gets underway in April or May.
- In northern states and Canada, nesting starts in May or June in most cases.
Some hummingbird species, like Anna’s and rufous hummingbirds, spend winters in the southern U.S. and may begin nesting in January or February. Ruby-throated hummingbirds winter in Central America and arrive on their breeding grounds in the Eastern U.S. in early spring, usually by April.
The key factor influencing when hummingbirds start nesting is the blooming of nectar-producing flowers. Hummingbirds time their nesting so that the egg hatching and chick rearing overlap with peak flower nectar production. This ensures an abundant food source for the energy-intensive work of feeding their fast-growing chicks.
Signs Hummingbirds Are Nesting in Your Yard
Here are some clues hummingbirds are gearing up to nest in your yard:
- A female hummingbird may perform display dives in front of a male.
- You see hummingbirds gathering spider webs, lichens, and other nest materials.
- A hummingbird defends a particular tree, shrub, or nest site from other hummingbirds.
- You spot a female collecting fuzz and down from plants.
- A completed cup-shaped nest suddenly appears on a low tree branch.
When to Put Out Nesting Materials
The ideal time to put out nest material for hummingbirds is early in the spring nesting season for your area. This gives the hummingbirds plenty of time to collect the materials and complete their nests.
For example, in the mid-Atlantic you’d want to put out nesting materials in early April. In the Pacific Northwest, late April or early May is better. And in Canada and northern states, late May/early June is best.
Place your nest materials outdoors about 2 to 4 weeks before hummingbirds normally start nesting in your region. Keep an eye out for early arrivals just in case.
How Long to Leave Out Nest Materials
Leave your nest materials up for 6 to 8 weeks. This gives ample time for multiple hummingbirds to collect materials. Females may build more than one nest in a season, either laying another clutch after fledging a brood or rebuilding after a failed nest.
By late spring, natural sources of nest materials become abundant, so its fine to remove any leftovers.
Where to Put Hummingbird Nest Materials
Hang nest-building materials in a location that allows easy access for the hummingbirds. Ideas include:
- On a tree branch
- In a mesh onion bag hung from a hook
- Inside a mesh suet cage
- Tucked into an open-topped plant hanger
Choose a protected area out of reach from predators. Near a feeder is ideal so hummingbirds don’t have to travel far.
What to Use for Hummingbird Nest Materials
Hummingbirds are resourceful and make use of a variety of natural materials to build their tiny nests. Here are some items you can set out that mimic what they use in the wild:
Plant Down
The outside of hummingbird nests are often covered in soft plant down. Excellent options are:
- Cattail fluff
- Milkweed down
- Cottonwood seeds
- Dandelion fluff
Collect these materials yourself or purchase from a craft or nursery store. Avoid using synthetic materials which may harm birds.
Spider Silk
Hummingbirds line their nests with spider silk or plant fibers for a soft interior. Good choices are:
- Raw cotton
- Cotton balls pulled into thin fibers
- Fine hemp or jute
Avoid synthetic polyester fibers which may trap and tangle hummingbird feet.
Lichen and Moss
Bits of lichen and moss help camouflage hummingbird nests. Options include:
- Spanish moss
- Reindeer lichen
- Sphagnum moss
Collect your own or buy dried mosses/lichens from a craft store. Make sure no pesticides or dyes were used.
Pet Fur
Some people include pet fur in with the nest materials. Stick to naturally colored fur/hair from longhaired animals like:
- Cat
- Dog
- Alpaca
- Sheep
Avoid dyed hair/fur which may be unhealthy if ingested by birds.
Tips for Setting Out Nest Materials
Follow these tips when providing nest-building materials for hummingbirds:
- Use natural materials free of chemicals, dyes, and additives.
- Fluff and separate materials so they’re easier to grab.
- Hang materials in a spot sheltered from wind and rain.
- Replenish supplies as needed if materials get wet/depleted.
- Provide more than a hummingbird can use to reduce competition.
Getting Hummingbirds to Use Your Nest Supplies
It may take a little while for hummingbirds to discover the nest materials you set out. Here are some tips to encourage their use:
- Place materials very close to a hummingbird feeder to catch their attention.
- Sprinkle a few colorful strands over the feeder so birds investigate.
- Move materials to a more visible location if needed.
- Re-fluff and replace bedraggled materials with fresh ones.
With time, the hummingbirds will find your nest-building offerings. They may carry off materials one tiny bit at a time, but those small pieces add up!
Other Ways to Help Hummingbirds Nest
In addition to providing nest materials, some other ways to support nesting hummingbirds include:
- Let dead leaves and plant debris accumulate, since hummingbirds often nest in these natural materials.
- Avoid pruning trees and shrubs in spring when nests may be present.
- Allow native vines like honeysuckle to grow, as hummingbirds build nests in them.
- Put out nest platforms made just for hummingbirds.
- Keep outdoor cats indoors to protect nesting birds.
Enjoy Watching Hummingbird Nesting Behavior
One benefit of providing nest supplies for hummingbirds is you may get to observe their nesting behavior up close. Seeing a female gather tiny bits of fluff and meticulously build her nest is a special treat for any bird lover.
You might also spot fierce aerial displays by males trying to impress potential mates. And if you’re lucky, you may get to witness the incredible sight of tiny hummingbird hatchlings emerging in their nest.
Hummingbird Nesting FAQs
Some frequently asked questions about hummingbird nesting include:
Where do hummingbirds build nests?
Hummingbirds build small, compact nests in trees, shrubs, and vines. Favorite locations include:
- Outer branches of trees
- Forks in slender limbs
- Where leafy branches overlap
- Within dense shrubs and vines
Nests are usually 5 to 10 feet off the ground for safety, hidden from view, and protected from wind and rain.
What are hummingbird nests made of?
Hummingbird nests start with a base of woven plant fibers and add lichen, moss, or bark bits for camouflage. The outside is covered in soft plant down and the inside lined with fine plant fibers and spider silk.
How long does it take hummingbirds to build a nest?
It takes 5 to 10 days on average for a female hummingbird to build a nest. The actual construction takes 4 to 5 days, with the rest of the time spent finding materials and carefully weaving everything into place.
Do male hummingbirds help build the nest?
No, only female hummingbirds build the nest. Males may accompany females while they gather spider silk but don’t participate in construction.
Do hummingbirds use the same nest twice?
Hummingbirds rarely reuse a nest. The few exceptions seem to be in very temperate climates like California where nests may survive the winter intact.
Usually hummingbirds build a completely new nest each year. Old empty nests often degrade and fall apart after one season of use.
Conclusion
Providing nesting materials is an easy way to help hummingbirds that visit your yard. Use natural fibers, cottons, and plant down to mimic what they find in the wild. The best timing is early in the nesting season before other natural sources become abundant.
With some luck, you may get to observe hummingbirds make use of your nest supplies for constructing their tiny cradles. This adds a fun and rewarding new dimension to attracting these special birds.
