Hummingbirds, with their shimmering feathers and rapid wing beats, are captivating creatures. These tiny birds, known for their ability to hover and even fly backward, exhibit remarkable behaviors, especially concerning their nesting habits. Their small size makes their nests particularly intricate and often difficult to spot. This article explores the fascinating world of hummingbird nesting, addressing a common question about whether they reuse their delicate homes.
Why Hummingbirds Don’t Reuse Nests
Hummingbirds generally do not reuse the same nest in subsequent years or even for multiple broods within a single breeding season. One primary reason is the fragile nature of their nests, which are constructed from delicate materials like spider silk, plant down, and lichens. These tiny structures are not built to withstand the elements, such as rain and wind, and naturally degrade over time. The elastic qualities of the spider silk allow the nest to stretch as the chicks grow, which can also cause the nest to lose its original shape, rendering it unsuitable for future use.
Furthermore, hygiene plays a role in this non-reuse. An old nest can accumulate parasites, such as mites and fleas, and bacteria from previous broods, posing health risks to new chicks. Building a fresh nest helps prevent the transmission of these potential threats. Avoiding known locations for predators is another factor; a used nest might attract unwanted attention, making a new, hidden site a safer choice for raising vulnerable young.
What Happens to Abandoned Nests
Once a hummingbird nest has served its purpose and the young have fledged, it is typically abandoned. Most of these delicate structures naturally decompose and disintegrate due to exposure to weather elements like rain, wind, and sun. The materials used in their construction, such as plant fibers and spider silk, are organic and break down over time. Many nests simply fall apart or are blown away from their perch once they are no longer actively maintained.
Occasionally, other small insects or spiders might utilize the abandoned nest structure for shelter or as a base for their own webs. However, significant re-use by other bird species is uncommon. Sometimes, well-preserved abandoned nests are discovered by humans, offering a rare glimpse into the intricate craftsmanship of these tiny birds.
How Hummingbirds Build New Nests
The construction of a hummingbird nest is an intricate process undertaken solely by the female. She meticulously gathers materials and weaves them together to create a tiny, cup-shaped structure. The nest’s foundation often consists of twigs, plant fibers, and bits of leaves, bound together with copious amounts of spider silk. Spider silk is a crucial material, providing strength.
For insulation and softness, the female lines the interior with soft plant down from sources such as dandelions, thistles, or cattails. The exterior is frequently adorned with lichens or moss, which serve as camouflage, helping the nest blend seamlessly with its surroundings. The female uses her beak and feet to shape the nest, pressing and rotating her body to create the perfect cup. Nests are typically located on a downward-sloping branch, often camouflaged under a larger leaf or in dense foliage, usually 10 to 90 feet high, and often near reliable food sources.
The Hummingbird Nesting Cycle
Many hummingbird species, especially those in warmer regions with extended breeding seasons, can raise multiple broods within a single year, sometimes two to three or even more. The breeding season typically spans from early spring to late summer, though in southern U.S. states, it can begin as early as February, and some western species may start nesting in November.
The entire nesting process, from nest building to the young leaving the nest, typically lasts about 5 to 8 weeks. Nest building itself can take anywhere from a few days to a week, though it can sometimes extend to two or three weeks. After the nest is complete, the female usually lays two tiny, white eggs, typically a day or two apart.
Incubation lasts approximately 15 to 18 days. Once hatched, the chicks remain in the nest for about 18 to 25 days before they fledge. Young hummingbirds become independent within a few days to a week after fledging, allowing the female to potentially begin another nesting cycle if conditions are favorable.