Hummingbirds are captivating creatures, recognized for their tiny stature and incredibly rapid wingbeats that produce a distinct humming sound. These small birds, comprising the Trochilidae family, are found exclusively in the Americas. Like most bird species, hummingbirds reproduce by laying eggs, a process central to their life cycle.
Hummingbird Egg Details
Hummingbird eggs are remarkably small, often compared to the size of a coffee bean or a pea. They are typically white or off-white in color and possess an oval shape. While minute in absolute terms, a hummingbird egg is proportionally quite large for the adult bird, sometimes representing nearly 17% of the female’s body weight.
Female hummingbirds typically lay a clutch of two eggs. This small clutch size is considered optimal, as it balances reproductive potential with the female’s capacity to successfully care for the young.
Where and How Hummingbirds Nest
Female hummingbirds are solely responsible for nest construction, a process that typically takes 5 to 10 days. They meticulously weave cup-shaped nests using fine plant fibers, moss, and often spider silk, which provides elasticity, allowing the nest to expand as the nestlings grow. Bits of lichen are frequently incorporated on the exterior, providing natural camouflage against predators.
Nests are strategically placed on small, downward-sloping branches, often overhanging open areas or streams, though some tropical species attach them to the undersides of leaves. After laying her two eggs, typically one to two days apart, the female begins incubation. This period lasts approximately 15 to 20 days, though it can extend up to 21 days in cooler weather. The female remains on the nest for most of this time, leaving only briefly to feed. This constant presence is essential for egg development.
Life After Hatching
Hummingbird nestlings hatch in a helpless, altricial state, appearing featherless or with only sparse down and dark skin. At this stage, they are blind and completely dependent on their mother for warmth and nourishment. The mother feeds her very rapidly growing young a diet of regurgitated nectar and small insects, providing the necessary protein for their development.
The growth rate of hummingbird chicks is very fast. Within approximately three weeks of hatching, the young birds are ready to fledge, or leave the nest. After fledging, the mother continues to guide them for a short period, helping them locate food sources and hone their foraging skills. By about one month of age, the young hummingbirds are typically fully mature and independent.