Where do hummingbirds build their nests?

Hummingbirds are amazing little birds that capture attention with their speedy flight and hoverings. They are found throughout the Americas and number over 300 different species. One of the most fascinating things about hummingbirds is the tiny nests they build to raise their young.

Nest Locations

Hummingbirds nest in a variety of locations. Here are some of the most common places hummingbirds build their nests:

• Tree branches – Hummingbirds often build nests on horizontal branches of trees. They prefer trees with dense areas of leaves or needles that provide cover and camouflage for the nest.
• Shrubs – Shrubs provide excellent nest sites, especially when they are next to a clearing or meadow where the hummingbird can access flowers for nectar.
• Vines – Vines growing against buildings, arbors, or trees are used by hummingbirds for their nests. The flexibility of vines helps provide support and protection.
• Eaves or porches – Hummingbirds will take advantage of any covered location and frequently build nests under the eaves of buildings, porches, or patios.
• Lamps or yard art – Some creative hummingbirds will nest on top of porch or yard fixtures if they provide a stable platform.

Hummingbirds tend to avoid nesting in the open or in exposed locations. The tiny nests and eggs are very vulnerable to predators and weather, so concealing them is a priority.

Favorite Trees and Shrubs

Hummingbirds will nest in a wide variety of trees and shrubs, but they do seem to have some favorites:

• Oak – Oak trees provide excellent cover and food sources near the nest, attracting hummingbirds.
• Maple – Maple trees have dense foliage and branching patterns that work well for hummingbird nests.
• Pine – Hummingbirds are attracted to the shelter provided by the needles of pines and other conifers.
• Apple trees – Apple trees in orchards or backyards attract hummingbirds nesting in the branches.
• Lilac – Lilacs provide a compact nesting site with dense branching and leaves.
• Rhododendron – This flowering bush appeals to hummingbirds and conceals nests.

Basically any sturdy shrub or tree with extensive cover from leaves, needles, flowers, or twigs can suit a hummingbird’s nesting needs.

Nest Construction

The actual hummingbird nest is a marvel of engineering. It is tiny, normally no more than 2 inches across and 1 inch high. The typical materials used in nest construction are:

• Plant down – The exterior of the nest is decorated with down from plants like cattails or thistle. This helps the nest blend in.
• Spider silk – Hummingbirds weave flexible spider silk into the nest to allow it to expand as the young grow.
• Lichen – Lichen is bound to the nest exterior for camouflage purposes.
• Buds – Buds from trees and plants adhere to the sticky spider silk, providing a comfortable interior.
• Moss – Moss is sometimes used in the interior and is pliable while providing insulation.

The combination of stretchy, sticky, and soft materials forms an expandable insulating home for the tiny hummingbirds. It only takes the hummingbird about 5-10 days to build this intricate nest.

Ideal Nest Sites

When choosing a nest site, hummingbirds seem to look for these features:

• Cover – Dense vegetation overhead helps hide the nest from predators.
• Sturdy support – A firm, stable platform or branch is required to support the nest.
• Clear access – Hummingbirds want an unobstructed path to fly to and from the nest.
• Proximity – Availability of food (flowers for nectar) and water sources nearby is preferred.

With these factors in mind, hummingbirds often select a low, outward branching section of tree. They avoid terminal ends of branches which have more movement. Shrubs against walls or trees satisfy the need for cover and support. Nest height ranges from 3 feet to 50 feet off the ground.

Favorite Features of Nest Sites

When given options, hummingbirds seem to gravitate toward nest locations with these features:

• Water – Proximity to streams, ponds, brooks, or bird baths is a huge draw.
• Flowers – Abundant flowers ensure a food source right next door.
• Trees – Preferrably oaks, pines, or other sturdy, sheltering specimens.
• Seclusion – Low foot traffic areas of the yard away from activity and predators.
• Filtered light – Dappled sunlight through leaves or a covered porch area.

Hummingbirds especially appreciate nesting sites that combine several of these favored features in one location.

Unusual Nest Sites

While hummingbirds generally follow their nest site preferences, they occasionally surprise us by building in unconventional places like:

• Mailboxes – A rural or low traffic mailbox makes an intriguing nest spot.
• Clothesline – Stretchy wires or cords may mimic flexible branches.
• Streetlights – Electrical conduits and casing evidentlysimulate ideal tree limbs.
• Awnings – Metal rafters and fabric can replicate covered porches.
• Auto mirrors – Side view mirrors must appear as sheltered nooks.

These odd locations illustrate the hummingbird’s ability to adapt as needed. Their main requirements are a stable base and shelter.

Predator Protection

Hummingbirds have many predators, so concealing their nests is critical. Some common hummingbird nest predators include:

Ambushing the hummingbirds at the nest allows these predators to easily catch these tiny, flying birds that normally evade them in flight. Camouflage, tree cover, and hidden locations help protect hummingbird nests from predators.

Nesting Season

The hummingbird nesting calendar aligns with the seasons when blossoming flowers provide nectar and insects are abundant as food sources:

• Spring – Nesting gets underway in late winter or early spring as flowers begin to bloom.
• Summer – The most active nesting period ranges from May through July.
• Fall – Some late nests occur from late summer into early fall before migration.
• Winter – Very few hummingbirds nest in winter due to scarce food supplies.

The majority of hummingbirds time their nesting to match peak flower availability in the spring and summer months.

Nest Reuse

Hummingbirds will reuse a nest site, but they build a completely new nest each time rather than reuse the old nest. Some reasons hummingbirds build a new nest each time include:

• Fragility – Old nests become brittle and compressed and would not stand up to reuse.
• Parasites – Nest reuse would allow parasite infestations to thrive.
• Improvement – The bird can incorporate improvements into the new nest.
• Hygiene – A fresh start helps prevent diseases.
• Resilience – New materials make the nest more flexible and resilient.

The effort required to build a new nest each time is worthwhile to hummingbirds for raising healthy young.

Shared Nest Sites

In rare cases, hummingbird nests have been found clustered very tightly together in the same tree. This unusual situation arises when there is limited ideal nesting habitat. Rather than find a subpar site, the hummingbirds seem willing to tolerate close neighbors. Some reasons for shared sites include:

• Limited options – Available habitat may exist only in certain trees or shrubs.
• Preferred location – Specific nest sites offer optimal features to support nest success.
• Safety – More hummingbirds may decrease risks from predators.
• Related females – Female hummingbirds may nest near relatives for added protection.

Despite their small size, hummingbirds are feisty and will defend their nests even in tight quarters. The close proximity actually discourages nest raiders.

Takeaway Facts

Here are some key takeaways about hummingbird nesting:

• Nests are built in trees, shrubs, vines, or under covered areas.
• Oak, pine, maple and fruit trees are preferred nest trees.
• Tiny nests only measure 1-2 inches across.
• Hummingbirds use soft plant down and flexible spider silk when building.
• Ideal sites offer cover, support, access, and proximity to food and water.
• Hummingbirds nest in the spring and summer when flowers bloom.
• New nests are built each year for health and structural reasons.
• On rare occasions, nests may be built very close together.

Understanding where and how hummingbirds create their nests provides insight into the lives of these energetic, delicate birds. With some patience, you may be rewarded by a hummingbird choosing to build her nest right outside your window!

Conclusion

Hummingbirds are fascinating, beautiful creatures that capture our imaginations in flight but also build intricate, micro-scale nests in which to raise their young. By seeking out specific trees, shrubs, or covered locations with optimal features, hummingbirds construct their exposed, fragile nests in sites that provide shelter, stability, proximity to food and water, and access. Their nest-building skills using soft, stretchy materials create an expandable, insulated home for their hatchlings. While most hummingbirds follow predictable nesting behaviors, they occasionally surprise us by adapting to uncommon locations. Learning about hummingbird nest placement and construction provides understanding and appreciation for the challenges these tiny birds overcome in order to thrive.