Hummingbirds are some of the most fascinating creatures in the natural world. Their iridescent feathers shimmer in the sunlight as they dart from flower to flower, feeding on sweet nectar with their specialized long beaks. Hummingbirds are found only in the Americas, with over 300 different species identified. They are known for their incredibly fast wing beats, beating on average 50 times per second and even up to 200 times per second during courtship displays. This allows them to hover in place and even fly backwards – a feat no other bird can accomplish.
Hummingbirds have captured the imagination of people for centuries with their delicate beauty and energetic nature. But there is still much we don’t know about these tiny birds, including details about their breeding and nesting behaviors. One question that often comes up is, “Who actually sits on a hummingbird nest?” Let’s take a closer look at the unique nesting habits of hummingbirds to find the answer.
The Nest-Building Process
Hummingbirds build very small, compact nests out of plant down, spider webs, lichens, and moss. The female does most of the nest construction, though the male may contribute some materials. She uses her beak and feet to weave the materials together into a stretchy cup shape that expands as the baby birds grow.
Hummingbird nests are only about 2 inches wide and half an inch deep. Because they are so small, the nests can fit into all kinds of unlikely places including:
- On branches of trees and shrubs
- In the forks of tree limbs
- Attached to overhangs of buildings, sheds, or cabins
- On wires, clotheslines, or fence posts
- In hanging flower baskets or porch decorations
The female hummingbird chooses nest locations very carefully. She looks for sites that will support the weight of the nest while providing protection from predators and harsh weather. Ideal spots are hidden among dense leaves or tangled vines. Once the location is selected, nest construction only takes 5-10 days.
The Mating and Egg Laying
After mating, the female lays 1-3 tiny white eggs over 2-3 days. The eggs are only about half an inch long – smaller than a jellybean! She incubates the eggs alone for 14-23 days until they hatch. During this time, she leaves the nest periodically to feed. When she returns, she settles back down in the nest, covering the eggs with her body.
Who Sits on the Nest?
So to answer the original question, only the female hummingbird sits on the nest to incubate the eggs. The male plays no role directly in the nesting process. His involvement includes the initial courtship ritual, mating, and occasionally bringing some nest material. But once the eggs are laid, he goes on his way, leaving the female to take care of the rest.
The mother hummingbird is very dedicated to the nest, putting in tremendous effort to build it, lay her tiny eggs, incubate them, and later care for the chicks. She sits tightly on the nest to provide warmth and protection for her developing brood. Her willingness to patiently settle in for long periods in such a small space is quite impressive!
Nesting Behavior
Here are some more facts about hummingbird nesting habits:
- The mother may sit for 30-60 minutes at a time before leaving briefly to feed, returning almost immediately.
- To avoid drawing attention to the nest, she approaches and leaves very inconspicuously.
- She may decorate the outside with lichens or moss to help it blend in.
- Her body feathers help insulate the eggs from temperature changes.
- She may rotate or shuffle the eggs with her beak to ensure even warmth.
- During the last days of incubation, she spends more time on the nest, scarcely leaving.
- Once hatched, the chicks are brooded for 1-2 weeks until they can thermoregulate.
Threats to the Nest
Despite the mother’s diligent care, hummingbird nests face many threats from predators:
| Predator | Nest Threats |
|---|---|
| Jays | May eat eggs or chicks |
| Squirrels | Steal nest materials and sometimes eat eggs |
| Cats | Stake out a nest to grab chicks |
| Snakes | Routinely raid nests for eggs or chicks |
Hummingbird nests also face dangers from storms, falling branches, human disturbances, and competitors like bees or wasps taking over the nest location. With so many risks, it is impressive that any hummingbirds successfully fledge from the nest. But the instincts of the mother hummingbird have ensured the survival of their species for millennia.
Caring for the Chicks
If the chicks do safely hatch, they remain in the nest for 18-30 days while the mother continues caring for them. She feeds them by catching tiny insects and nectar. As they grow, she may make hundreds of feeding trips a day to satisfy their voracious appetites!
Here are some key facts about how mother hummingbirds care for chicks:
- The chicks hatch with eyes sealed shut and only sparse down – they are helpless.
- The mother feeds by regurgitating food directly into their mouths.
- She broods them continuously for the first week after hatching.
- Chicks fledge at about 3 weeks old but may return to the nest to roost.
- The mother becomes very aggressive, chasing away intruders.
- By 2-6 weeks after fledging, the young are independent.
Raising chicks is hard work! The mother must find enough food not only for herself but for her fast-growing brood. Yet she seems designed for this role, with total devotion to her nest and young.
Interesting Facts About Hummingbird Nests
Here are a few more fascinating tidbits about hummingbird nesting habits:
- Nests are often reused for second broods or by other hummingbirds.
- Some tropical species may nest 2-3 times per year.
- Males establish courtship territories with food sources to attract females.
- Females remember favorite food sources to return to after breeding.
- Some species weave ‘decoy’ nests that are not used for breeding.
- Nests are built a safe distance apart to reduce competition.
- Hummingbirds may reuse a nest site for up to 10 years.
Conclusion
In summary, hummingbird nesting is carried out exclusively by the female. She alone selects the site, collects materials, builds the tiny nest, lays and incubates the eggs, broods the chicks after hatching, and feeds the fast-growing babes. Her dedication lets the next generation take flight from nests that seem far too small and fragile for the job. Better understanding of hummingbird breeding habits allows us to support these aerial artists as they raise their families each season. Appreciating the mother hummingbird as she patiently sits to nurture new life reminds us of the miracles that unfold in nature if we just take time to notice.
