Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating birds found in Michigan. Their tiny size, dazzling colors, and incredible flying abilities make them a joy to observe. Hummingbirds are found throughout Michigan during the spring and summer months, but where exactly do they build their nests and raise their young?
Nesting Habits of Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds create some of the smallest nests in the bird world. Their nests are typically only around 2 inches wide and 1 inch deep. The nest is shaped like a tiny cup and is crafted out of plant down, spider webs, lichen, moss, and buds. The outside of the nest is decorated with lichen or moss to help camouflage it in the tree branches.
Female hummingbirds are solely responsible for nest construction. They use their beaks and feet to weave the nest materials together in a tight cup shape. The inside of the nest is lined with soft plant down to cushion the eggs. Hummingbird nests do not need to be sturdy as they contain so little weight.
Hummingbird nest placement varies by species, but they are most commonly found on horizontal branches in trees. Hummingbirds often choose branches that have drooping leaves or pine needles above them to shelter the nest. Other favorite spots include forks in branches, poles, ledges, and even on pieces of hanging debris or knots on tree trunks. Nests are built between 3 to 80 feet off the ground.
Common Hummingbird Species and Nesting in Michigan
There are several species of hummingbirds that breed in Michigan each summer. Here are some of the most common and where they tend to build their tiny nests:
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
The ruby-throated hummingbird is the only breeding hummingbird in Eastern North America. They are found statewide and are the most widespread species in Michigan.
Ruby-throats most often nest in deciduous trees, especially near clearings or fields. Favorite trees include maples, elms, willows, poplars, beech, hickories, and crabapples. The male ruby-throat may gather nest materials, but the female does the building.
Rufous Hummingbird
Rufous hummingbirds are uncommon summer residents in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. They breed in the western U.S. and Canada and occasionally wander east after breeding.
During the breeding season, rufous hummingbirds nest along forest edges and in openings. They prefer coniferous trees but will also use deciduous trees. Some favorite nest sites include Douglas fir, true firs, and spruces. They nest lower than ruby-throats, usually 6 to 20 feet up.
Calliope Hummingbird
Calliope hummingbirds are rare summer residents that occasionally nest in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Their breeding grounds are normally the northwestern U.S. and Canada.
Calliope hummingbird nests are found along streamsides in willow thickets and alder stands. They may also nest in conifer trees at higher elevations. Typical nest placement is along horizontal branches around 3 to 12 feet high.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird
Broad-tailed hummingbirds are accidental to Michigan and extremely rare. Their regular breeding range is the mountainous west from Mexico to Wyoming.
During breeding, broad-tailed hummingbirds nest in open woodlands and mountain meadows. They favor aspens, Douglas firs, and pine trees for nest placement. Nests are built along horizontal branches, often fairly high up around 10 to 50 feet off the ground.
Ideal Nesting Habitat
Hummingbirds nest in a variety of semi-open and edge habitats in Michigan. Here are some prime locations to find hummingbird nests:
- Forest edges and openings
- Parks and yards with trees
- Riparian areas along creeks and streams
- Bogs and fens
- Orchards and tree farms
- Roadsides with trees and powerlines
Trees that provide an abundance of flowers are particularly attractive to nesting hummingbirds. Good flower sources ensure plenty of nectar and small insects to feed their young. Excellent trees for hummingbirds include:
- Maples
- Crabapples
- Hawthorns
- Tulip trees
- Catalpas
- Alders
- Willows
Other features that create prime hummingbird nesting habitat include:
- Running water – streams, creeks, springs
- Tubular flowers – trumpet vine, honeysuckle, bee balm
- Feeders – to provide supplemental sugar water
- Dead snags – offer perches for males
- Insects – for feeding young
Nesting Season in Michigan
The hummingbird breeding season in Michigan runs from May through August. Here is the typical nesting and migration timeline:
- Mid-May – Adult males arrive and establish nesting territories
- Late May – Females arrive approximately 1 week after males
- May – June – Nest building, mating, and egg laying occur
- June – July – Incubation and raising young
- July – August – Young fledge and start migrating south
- Mid-September – Last straggling adults depart for winter
Ruby-throated hummingbirds may have two broods during a breeding season. The female will reuse the same nest or build a new one nearby for the second brood. Clutch size is 2-3 tiny white eggs measuring about 0.5 inches.
The female incubates the eggs for 12 to 16 days. After hatching, the young are fed by the female for 18 to 25 days until fledging. The female cares for and feeds the chicks on her own.
Tips for Finding Active Nests
Locating an active hummingbird nest takes patience and a watchful eye. Here are some tips to improve your chances:
- Look for females gathering nest materials – follow them to potential nest sites
- Identify preferred trees and regularly check for nests
- Watch for territorial males dive-bombing intruders
- Listen for begging calls of hatchlings
- Focus on nesting spots around 3 to 15 feet up
- Don’t give up! Nests are incredibly tiny and well-hidden
It’s important not to disturb active hummingbird nests since the birds are easily scared from the nest. Observe from a distance if you find one. Never touch the nest or young birds.
Interesting Facts About Hummingbird Nests
- The smallest bird nests in the world belong to hummingbirds
- Their nests are about half the size of a walnut shell
- The nests stretch and expand to accommodate growing chicks
- Hummingbird nests have some antifungal and antibacterial properties
- Females may decorate the outside with lichen to camouflage the nest
- Nests are built in 5-10 days from start to finish
- Old nests deteriorate and blow apart quickly after use
Conclusion
Hummingbirds craft architectural marvels on a miniature scale when building their nests. While difficult to find, they can be spotted throughout Michigan by looking in ideal habitat during breeding season. Favorite locations include forest edges and trees filled with flowers. Watch for the territorial males and you might spot a female zipping to and from the nest. With luck and perseverance, you may be rewarded with a glimpse into the private life of these flying jewels.
