There are a few main reasons why a female hummingbird may abandon her nest before the babies are ready to fledge:
Disturbances
Hummingbirds are very sensitive to disturbances near their nest. Excessive noise, pets, children playing near the nest, yard work, etc. can cause the mother to feel the area is unsafe and leave. Hummingbirds tend to choose nest sites that are sheltered and hidden, so lots of activity near the nest may make the mother feel too exposed and vulnerable.
Predators
If the mother senses predators like cats, snakes, or hawks nearby, she may abandon the nest to protect herself. Hummingbirds are small and at risk from predators. If she feels the area has become too risky, she will prioritize her own survival over staying with the nest.
Insufficient Food Sources
Hummingbirds need frequent access to nectar from flowers in order to survive and have the energy to care for babies. If feeders are not kept full or flowers are not blooming well, the mother may leave in search of more reliable food sources. Abandoning the nest ensures her survival so she can potentially breed again.
Nest Failure
Occasionally nests fail due to severe weather, predators knocking the nest down, or other events. If the nest is compromised, the hummingbird will abandon it and may build a new nest elsewhere.
Unfertilized Eggs
If the eggs in the nest are infertile or do not hatch for another reason, the female may abandon the nest after 2-3 weeks of waiting. Without babies to feed and raise, she will not continue sitting on unhatched eggs indefinitely.
Typical Hummingbird Nesting Behavior
To better understand unusual nest abandonment, it helps to first look at normal hummingbird nesting habits:
| Nest Building | Female builds nest in 2-10 days |
| Egg Laying | Female lays 1-3 eggs, one per day |
| Incubation | Female incubates eggs for 12-16 days |
| Nestlings | Babies hatch and remain in nest for 3-4 weeks |
| Fledging | Babies leave the nest at 3-4 weeks old |
The female alone builds the nest, incubates the eggs, and cares for the babies once they hatch. The male does not participate.
Key behaviors demonstrating the female’s commitment are:
– Building a complete nest over 2-10 days
– Laying a full clutch of 1-3 eggs
– Incubating the eggs for 2-2.5 weeks
– Actively feeding nestlings as they grow
– Protecting and teaching nestlings until they fledge
A female who abandons the nest early in this process is exhibiting unusual behavior, indicative of one of the problems mentioned earlier.
Signs of Abandonment
How can you tell if the hummingbird has left for good versus just being away from the nest temporarily? Here are some signs:
Mother Not Returning
Female hummingbirds are very dedicated mothers. If more than a day goes by without seeing the mother return to the nest, she likely has abandoned it completely. Brief periods away from the nest are normal as she feeds herself.
Eggs Not Being Incubated
Hummingbird eggs can survive for a brief period without incubation, but will fail if the female is gone for more than 1-2 days. Unattended eggs are a clear sign of abandonment.
Nestlings Going Unfed
Baby hummingbirds need to be fed every 20-30 minutes from sunrise to sunset. Nestlings going unfed for more than several hours indicate abandonment.
Intact Eggs
If intact eggs remain in the nest more than 16 days after being laid, they can be considered abandoned by the mother. Normal incubation is 12-16 days before hatching.
Dead Nestlings
Finding dead nestlings in the nest is a sure sign it has been abandoned, as the mother would never intentionally harm her young.
What to Do if the Nest is Abandoned
Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to entice a hummingbird back to a nest she has abandoned. However, here are some steps to help the situation:
Leave the Nest Alone
Do not remove or disturb the nest, even if abandoned. Let it remain in place in case she returns.
Remove Eggs/Nestlings
If eggs or live nestlings are present, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. They may be able to care for the babies. Do not try this yourself.
Improve the Habitat
Evaluate why the hummingbird may have left and improve the habitat. Add more feeders, plant more flowers, eliminate disturbances, etc.
Try Again
Sometimes females abandon the first nest due to insufficient food sources. Setting up multiple feeders may help her have enough energy to try nesting again in the same season. Provide a safe, undisturbed area for her.
Move On
If no babies are present, allow the mother to move on. She abandons the nest knowing her chances of successfully breeding are low there. Refilling your feeders regularly can still help her.
Preventing Nest Abandonment
To encourage hummingbirds to successfully nest in your yard:
Provide Plenty of Nectar
Keep multiple fresh nectar feeders filled so food is always available to the nesting mother. Use a proper nectar mix of 1 part white sugar to 4 parts hot water. No food dyes are needed.
Include Natural Nectar Sources
Plan a garden with continuous blooms throughout spring and summer. Choose tubular flowers in red, orange, and pink hues that attract hummingbirds.
Leave the Area Undisturbed
Do not prune, mow, use loud equipment, or allow children to play near the nest. Keep coming and going minimal in that area until chicks fledge.
Deter Predators
Use deterrents like fake owls or snakes to scare away potential nest predators. Avoid using pesticides that reduce insects the birds rely on for food.
Provide Nesting Materials
Offer cotton, hair, or plant down for the female to line her nest. Provide multiple small twigs and branches for nest building.
Choose a Sheltered Spot
Hummingbirds prefer nesting in concealed locations away from disturbances. Ensure shrubs, trees, or overhangs offer protection.
Following these tips will help create an attractive nesting site for hummingbirds. Be patient, as it may take a season or two before the birds choose to breed in your yard. The reward of seeing a hummingbird nest thrive in your garden is well worth the effort!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do hummingbirds stay in a nest?
Hummingbird nestlings remain in the nest for 3-4 weeks before fledging. The mother continues to care for them for another 1-2 weeks as they learn to fly and feed themselves.
Do hummingbird mothers return to the same nest?
No, female hummingbirds do not use the same nest twice. They build a new nest each breeding season. However, they often return to nest in the same general area year after year.
Do hummingbird fathers help care for babies?
No, male hummingbirds do not participate at all in nest building, incubating eggs, or feeding nestlings. The female takes on all parenting duties alone.
How many times do hummingbirds nest in one season?
Hummingbirds typically nest 1-2 times per season. If the first nest fails early enough, the female may build a second nest and have a new clutch.
Can you move a hummingbird nest?
It is best not to move or disturb an active hummingbird nest. If absolutely necessary, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for guidance on moving it as little distance as possible.
Conclusion
Hummingbird nest abandonment occurs when the mother feels the nest site is unsafe, insufficient food is available, or the nest itself has failed. By providing a sheltered location, reliable nectar sources, and minimal disturbances, you can create an attractive nesting spot in your yard. Be patient, as it may take seasons of work for the hummingbirds to utilize the space. If abandonment occurs, do not interfere with the nest but instead focus on improving conditions for next time. With some diligence, you can eventually witness the wonder of tiny hummingbirds successfully raising young in your own garden.
