Hummingbirds are fascinating little creatures that capture the imagination with their diminutive size, iridescent feathers, and remarkable flying abilities. Many people enjoy watching hummingbirds visit their gardens and want to encourage these tiny visitors by providing food and shelter.
What do hummingbirds need in a nest?
Hummingbirds build small, compact nests to hold their eggs and raise their young. A hummingbird nest is typically only 2-3 inches across and about 1 inch deep. The nests are made of soft plant down held together by spider silk and sometimes bud scales, bark shreds, or lichens. An ideal hummingbird nest location provides shelter from rain, sun, and predators as well as easy access to food sources.
Hummingbirds prefer to build nests on horizontal branches in trees or shrubs. They may also nest in vines, on porch railings, or under the eaves of buildings. The nest is neatly woven into a cup shape and attached to the substrate with spider webs. Common nesting sites include oak, willow, sycamore, pine, and ornamental trees or shrubs.
Can you attract hummingbirds with artificial nests?
Providing artificial nesting sites is one way that people try to invite hummingbirds to take up residence in their yards. Offering ready-made nests saves the birds the energy expenditure of gathering materials and constructing their own nests.
There are a few considerations when putting out manufactured hummingbird nests:
- Make sure the nest is small and sturdy with a well-attached perch.
- Place it in a sheltered location on a tree branch, under an eave, or on a porch.
- Avoid areas with heavy winds or too much disturbance.
- Keep ants away by putting petroleum jelly on the wire hanger.
- Supplement the nest with a nearby feeder.
With the right placement in a safe location, artificial nests can successfully attract hummingbirds. However, even if you provide an appealing nest, there is no guarantee hummingbirds will use it. They may still prefer to build their own nest in a site they select.
What materials work best for artificial nests?
Manufactured hummingbird nests are made from a variety of materials designed to emulate a natural nest as closely as possible. Here are some common options:
Material | Description |
---|---|
Plastic | Durable and weather resistant but may trap heat |
Wire mesh | Sturdy base for holding nest materials |
Coconut fiber | Has a soft, natural texture |
Polyester fabric | Wicks away moisture to stay dry |
Sphagnum moss | Absorbs water and insulates chicks |
The nest itself should be about 2 inches across. Synthetic materials like plastics, polyester fabrics, and wire mesh form the base. Natural fibers like dried grasses, coconut coir, mosses, or felted wool provide interior padding.
When is the best time to set out artificial nests?
Hummingbirds can be encouraged to use artificial nests, but timing is important. Follow these tips on when to install them:
- Early spring is ideal before nesting season gets underway.
- Clean out old nests and replace bedding in reused nests.
- Put nests out by early March before migrating hummingbirds arrive.
- In southern areas, nests can go out as early as January.
- Avoid disturbing nests once eggs have been laid.
Feeders placed near nests will help attract hummingbirds looking for breeding territory. Maintaining the nests and surrounding habitat encourages birds that successfully fledge young to nest there again in future years.
Do other birds use hummingbird nests?
The small size of hummingbird nests is designed to fit their tiny frames. But occasionally other species of birds may also show interest in the artificial nesting sites:
- Chickadees – Small enough to fit and will readily use nest boxes or woven pouches.
- House wrens – Known for filling up any crevice or nesting site they can find.
- Flying squirrels – Can take over nests once hummingbirds fledge.
- Wasps – Will occupy old nests, so clean them out annually.
- Ants – Can invade nests once chicks leave the nest.
Though not designed for them, nests may attract other species, so it’s important to monitor and clean them out each year to ensure they remain usable habitat for hummingbirds.
Conclusion
Providing artificial nests is one strategy for attracting hummingbirds to your yard. Place small, sturdy nests made with weather resistant synthetic materials and natural fiber padding in sheltered spots near flowering plants that will provide food. Early spring is the best time to set out nests so hummingbirds can occupy them as they arrive from migration. With proper setup and maintenance, artificial nesting sites can successfully host hummingbird broods.