The short answer is yes, hummingbirds can and will live in birdhouses, provided the birdhouse meets some specific criteria to accommodate the unique needs of hummingbirds.
Ideal Birdhouse Design for Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds have very particular requirements when it comes to birdhouses. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Small entry hole – The entry hole should be no larger than 1.5 inches in diameter to prevent larger birds from entering.
- Good drainage – Hummingbird birdhouses should have multiple drainage holes in the floor to allow rainwater to drain out easily.
- Tightly fitting roof – The roof should fit snugly to help keep the interior dry.
- Small interior space – The interior floor space should be no larger than 5×5 inches to conserve heat in colder climates.
- Wood or plastic material – Avoid metal materials which can get too hot in summer sun.
- Multiple perches – Include 2-3 perches for resting inside the birdhouse.
- Easy access for cleaning – A removable side or roof allows cleaning out old nests.
- No perch near entry hole – This prevents larger birds from perching and entering the hole.
- Ventilation holes – Small holes under the roof provide air circulation.
Where to Place the Birdhouse
Proper placement of the hummingbird house is also very important:
- Hang the house on a tree branch, wooden post, or shelf mount using wire or string.
- Ideal height is 5-10 feet above ground with a clear flight path to the entry hole.
- Face the entry hole towards an open area away from prevailing winds and rain.
- Avoid placing near bushes or tall grass where cats may hide and ambush.
- Place in partial shade to keep the interior cooler in hot weather.
- In colder climates, place on southeast side that gets early morning sun.
- Do not place directly above a hummingbird feeder or other food source.
When to Put Out the Birdhouse
Timing is important when putting out a hummingbird nesting box:
- In warmer climates, place the box out in early spring before the return of hummingbirds to the area.
- In cooler areas, set out the birdhouse about 2-3 weeks before hummingbirds normally arrive.
- Make sure to hang the birdhouse well before nesting and breeding season gets underway.
- If hung too late, hummingbirds may not discover the birdhouse in time to use it.
Maintaining the Hummingbird Nest Box
Regular maintenance helps keep your hummingbird birdhouse clean and usable for years:
- Before each nesting season, inspect and clean out old nest materials and droppings.
- Use warm water and mild soap applied with a bottle brush for cleaning the interior.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach solutions inside the birdhouse.
- Make any necessary repairs like replacing loose shingles or rotten wood.
- Apply fresh paint or protective stain if the exterior appears worn or weathered.
- Consider moving the house to a new location every 2-3 years to prevent parasite buildup.
Attracting Hummingbirds to Use the Birdhouse
You can increase the appeal of a hummingbird house by doing the following:
- Plant plenty of brightly colored tubular flowers that hummingbirds are attracted to around the birdhouse.
- Set up a nearby sugar-water feeder to provide supplemental food for nesting hummingbirds.
- Include multiple birdhouses spaced 15-20 feet apart to provide options for nest site selection.
- Apply a rough texture to the exterior wood or add weathering to make it appear like a natural cavity in a tree.
- Avoid handling or disturbing the birdhouse once hummingbirds start using it for nesting.
Tips for Deterring Larger Birds
To prevent larger birds from moving into the hummingbird nest box:
- Ensure the entry hole is no bigger than 1 1⁄4 inches in diameter. This excludes most chickadees, wrens and sparrows.
- Add a few streamers or wind chimes near the entry hole to deter larger birds while allowing hummingbirds to maneuver around them.
- Coat the roof in petroleum jelly or vegetable shortening to prevent other birds from perching there.
- Place a perch above rather than below the entry hole to discourage perching.
- Construct a wire mesh cage around the birdhouse with openings sized for hummingbirds to keep other birds away.
Monitoring Activity at the Hummingbird House
Here are some tips for observing hummingbird activity at the birdhouse:
- Watch for males defending the territory around the birdhouse from other hummers.
- Females gathering soft plant down andspider silk to build the tiny nest inside.
- Don’t get too close once eggs have been laid or young are present.
- Listen for the high-pitched begging calls of the nestlings when the female returns to feed them.
- Expect the young hummingbirds to leave the nest about 18-22 days after hatching.
Potential Challenges
Be aware of these possible issues that may arise:
- Larger birds ousting hummingbirds – Follow deterrent methods outlined above.
- Wasps attempting nest in entry hole – Seal wasp nests with caulk when found.
- Ants invading the birdhouse – Apply a sticky substance like Tanglefoot around the cable or pole.
- Bird mites infesting the nest – Discard old nests promptly and clean box thoroughly.
- Fungus or mold inside from lack of cleaning – Use vinegar and water solution to kill spores.
Final Thoughts
Providing an appropriate birdhouse customized for hummingbirds is an excellent way to attract these special birds for nesting in your yard. Pay close attention to design, placement, timing, maintenance and monitoring for best results. The reward will be getting to observe the breeding behaviors and new offspring resulting from your efforts to provide hummingbirds with inviting housing.
