Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds in the world. Their ability to hover mid-air and fly backwards sets them apart from other birds. But where do these tiny creatures make their homes?
Nests
Hummingbirds build tiny, cup-shaped nests to lay their eggs and raise their young. The nests are only about 2 inches wide and 1 inch deep. They are usually built on top of branches or twigs high up in trees. Some hummingbirds may also build nests on wires, posts, or even cactus plants.
To build their nests, hummingbirds use spider silk and plant down. The spider silk helps bind the nest materials together and anchors the nest to the branch. Downy plant fibers, like cotton or thistle, is used to line the interior of the nest for a soft bedding. Lichen and moss camouflage the outside of the nest.
Female hummingbirds do most of the nest building work. They collect the materials and carefully weave everything together using their beak and feet. The building process takes 5-10 days. Once complete, the tiny nests are well-camouflaged and difficult for predators to spot.
Eggs
After finishing the nest, the female hummingbird lays her eggs. She usually lays 2 pea-sized eggs. The eggs are white and only about 0.5 inches long. To keep the eggs warm in her absence, the female uses her body heat to incubate them.
The eggs hatch after 2-3 weeks. When they first emerge, the baby hummingbirds are naked and blind. They rely completely on their mother for food and care. The female continues to incubate her babies for another 2-3 weeks until they develop feathers and open their eyes.
Food
To feed her young, the mother hummingbird leaves the nest to gather nectar and tiny insects. She uses her long, specially adapted tongue to drink nectar from flowers and feed on small spiders and gnats. The protein from the insects helps the babies grow.
The mother returns to the nest every 5-10 minutes, feeding each baby a high-protein diet of regurgitated insects and nectar. By 2-3 weeks, the babies are ready to leave the nest but they still rely on their mother for another 2-4 weeks until they can get food on their own.
Migration
Most hummingbirds migrate each year, traveling between their summer breeding grounds and winter homes. In fall and early winter, they migrate south. Then in spring, they travel back north again. Their migration paths can stretch thousands of miles across North America.
Some key migration routes in the United States include:
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrating between Canada and Mexico along the Eastern seaboard
- Rufous hummingbirds migrating between Mexico and Alaska along the Pacific Coast
- Allen’s and Costa’s hummingbirds migrating between Mexico and California
During migration, hummingbirds make many stops along their route to rest and refuel. Backyard feeders provide an important food source for them during these pitstops. Having nectar feeders available helps ensure hummingbirds have enough energy to complete their strenuous journeys.
Range
Hummingbirds are found only in the Western Hemisphere. Here are some details on their range:
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds live in Eastern North America from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia, south to Florida and Mexico
- Black-chinned hummingbirds range from British Columbia to Mexico, east to Texas and Montana
- Anna’s hummingbirds live along North America’s Pacific Coast from British Columbia to Baja California
- Rufous hummingbirds breed from Alaska to California and winter from Mexico to Chile
- Costa’s hummingbirds live in the southwestern U.S. and Mexico
- Chilean hummingbirds inhabit Chile and Argentina
Most hummingbird species are migratory and their range expands during summer breeding seasons. Then they retreat to more concentrated wintering grounds in Mexico and Central America.
Habitat
Hummingbirds live in a variety of habitats during their breeding and non-breeding seasons. Here are some of their preferred dwelling places:
- Forests – many hummingbirds nest in the branches of trees in forests and woodlands from temperate to tropical regions.
- Gardens – backyard gardens full of flowering plants provide habitat for hummingbirds, especially during migration.
- Meadows – open grasslands and meadows with scattered shrubs and trees hold nesting habitat.
- Deserts – some species inhabit desert scrublands and nest in cacti or trees.
- Mountains – higher elevation mountains offer summer breeding grounds for some hummingbirds.
- Rainforests – tropical rainforests are winter homes for migrating hummingbirds like the ruby-throated.
As tiny birds with a rapid metabolism, hummingbirds require habitat rich in nectar-producing flowers and small insects to thrive.
Interesting Facts
Here are some fascinating tidbits about hummingbirds and their homes:
- Their nests expand as the babies grow to perfectly accommodate the nestlings.
- Hummingbird nests can be found 30-130 feet above ground.
- Some species reuse nests from previous years to save energy.
- Anna’s hummingbirds build nests as early as December in preparation for breeding season.
- Tropical species may breed all year long, not just during summer.
- A hummingbird’s wings beat up to 15 times per second in insect-like fashion.
- Their elongated bill allows them to access nectar from specialty flowers.
- During migration, they fly low over water, skimming the surface for insects.
- At night, they enter a hibernation-like state to conserve energy.
- They prefer to live alone and actively chase other birds from their territory.
Threats
The biggest threats to hummingbirds and their homes include:
- Habitat loss – logging, agriculture, and development destroys their breeding areas.
- Climate change – rising temperatures and extreme weather events put stress on populations.
- Pesticides – chemicals reduce insect prey and contaminate habitat.
- Window collisions – hummingbirds often fatally collide with glass during migrations.
- Outdoor cats – cats prey on hummingbirds and nestlings.
Protecting habitat corridors and reducing pesticide usage can help preserve hummingbird populations. Preventing window collisions and keeping cats indoors also supports hummingbird conservation.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds craft intricate tiny nests high up in trees and other structures to house their eggs and raise their young. Their nest architecture is a marvel of nature. Females build the cup-shaped masterpieces using spider silk and plant down. After nesting, hummingbirds embark on epic migrations across North and South America. These long journeys take them between their breeding and wintering grounds.
With a rapid metabolism, hummingbirds require abundant nectar and tree cover for nesting. But sustaining their habitat is an increasing challenge due to climate change, chemical pollution, and urbanization. Protecting parks, preserving native plant life, and reducing pesticide use can help provide sanctuary for these aerial artists. Understanding hummingbird homes and lifecycles allows us to support populations of these special creatures.