There are a few common reasons why a hummingbird’s nest may disappear:
Predators
Predators like cats, snakes, squirrels, and other birds may predate hummingbird nests, eating the eggs or young hummingbirds inside. This is one of the most common reasons hummingbird nests seem to vanish. The mother hummingbird may try to rebuild the nest in a new, more hidden location if this happens.
Weather
Strong winds, heavy rain, or storms can blow a flimsy hummingbird nest right out of the tree or off the branch where it was built. Hummingbird nests are very lightweight and compact, so they are prone to damage from weather events. The hummingbird will likely attempt to rebuild her nest after a storm.
Abandonment
Sometimes hummingbirds may abandon a nest on their own if they are disturbed frequently, if there is not an adequate food source nearby, or if they are chased off by another hummingbird. The nest may remain intact but the hummingbird will not use it again.
Tree Trimming or Removal
If the tree or shrub where the hummingbird nested is trimmed or removed altogether, the nest will disappear along with it. This often happens if the nesting site was in a tree in someone’s yard that gets routinely trimmed and maintained.
Tips to Prevent Disappearing Nests
Here are some tips to help prevent hummingbird nests from disappearing:
- Site nests away from high-traffic areas of your yard.
- Avoid trimming trees and bushes during nesting season.
- Install nest protectors or guards to prevent predators.
- Site nests underneath overhangs or porches to shelter them.
- Provide adequate food sources nearby.
- Remain hands off and observe nests from a distance.
Hummingbird nests are very delicate and face threats from many angles in nature. But you can take steps to help mama hummingbirds successfully nurture their young in your yard.
Typical Hummingbird Nesting Behaviors
To better understand why hummingbird nests disappear, it helps to know some key facts about normal hummingbird nesting habits:
- Hummingbirds build very small, compact nests out of plant down, spider webs, lichen, and moss. They are only about 2 inches across.
- Their nests are stretchable and expand as the baby birds grow.
- Nests are built on high, thin branches, cliff ledges, or poles. They blend in well camouflaged against trees.
- Hummingbirds lay two pea-sized white eggs in each nest.
- The eggs hatch after about 2 weeks. Babies fledge in 3 more weeks.
- The female feeds the babies as they grow by regurgitating nectar and insects.
- Some hummingbird species have two broods each summer, needing to rebuild nests.
Because hummingbird nests are so small and exposed, it is common for mishaps to occur. But hummingbirds are resilient and determined to reproduce.
Signs a Nest Has Been Predated
If a nest disappears suddenly, look for signs of predation like these:
- Pieces of nest materials, eggshells, or feathers on the ground
- Holes chewed in the nest or branch
- Tufts of fur caught on the tree
- Scattered leaves or damage around the tree base
Evidence like this indicates a predator raided the nest and is likely the cause of its disappearance. Common nest predators include raccoons, cats, rat snakes, blue jays, and squirrels.
Deterring Nest Predators
To help mother hummingbirds successfully raise their young, try deterring nest predators:
- Install plastic guards or mesh cages around nests.
- Apply sticky repellents to deter climbing predators.
- Use predator decoys like fake owls or snakes.
- Attach aluminum pie pans near nests to startle predators.
- Keep pet cats indoors and supervise outdoor dogs.
- Trim back branches to remove predator highway routes.
Avoid using scent repellents or chemicals, as these can negatively impact hummingbirds. Focus on exclusion and predator disruption around active nests.
Helping Hummingbirds Rebuild Nests
Hummingbirds are persistent and will often try to rebuild nests multiple times in a season if they get predated or damaged. You can help them by:
- Providing nesting materials like moss, dog hair, spiderwebs.
- Leaving some dead leaves and twigs in your yard over winter.
- Allowing native plants like milkweed and thistle to grow to supply down.
- Putting up nesting shelves or boxes.
- Adding hummingbird feeders to supplement their diet.
With a little support, hummingbirds will rebuild and re-nest after a nest failure. Their reproduction is key to maintaining healthy populations.
When to Get Help for Hummingbirds
In most cases, hummingbirds will independently rebuild nests and recover from predators or storms. But you should call for wildlife rehabilitator help if:
- You find abandoned baby hummingbirds on the ground
- You locate an intact nest extremely high up in a tree
- A nest is disturbed and the mother is unable to care for babies
- Nestlings appear weak, injured, or ill
A licensed rehabber can give supplemental feeding, treatment, and housing to displaced hummingbirds so they can hopefully be returned to the wild.
Appreciating the Hummingbird’s Nesting Quest
While disappearing hummingbird nests can be disappointing, it’s important to remember this is all part of nature’s process. The hummingbird’s drive to rebuild and re-nest ensures continuation of the species. We can support them by providing safe nesting spots and reducing disturbances. Enjoy observing their resolute nesting behaviors and take pride in providing a backyard habitat where they flourish.
