Hummingbirds are among the most captivating creatures, known for their iridescent plumage and rapid wingbeats. These tiny birds, often seen darting among flowers, captivate observers with their agility and vibrant appearance. Their entire life cycle, from their minuscule eggs to their swift flight, offers a glimpse into nature’s intricate designs. Exploring the details of their eggs reveals an equally fascinating world, proportional to the birds themselves.
The Remarkable Size of Hummingbird Eggs
Hummingbird eggs are exceptionally small, reflecting the diminutive size of the adult birds. Across more than 350 species, egg dimensions range between 0.5 and 0.8 inches (1.2 to 1.4 cm) in length. They weigh less than half a gram, with some, like the Bee Hummingbird’s, weighing just 0.05 grams. For perspective, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird egg weighs about half a gram, roughly one-fifth the weight of a penny.
To better visualize their small scale, hummingbird eggs are often compared to common items. They are described as similar in size to a green pea, a small jelly bean, a coffee bean, or even a tic-tac. The Giant Hummingbird, the largest species, lays eggs about the length of a penny, while the Bee Hummingbird, the smallest, lays eggs approximately the size of a coffee bean.
Beyond Size: Other Egg Characteristics
Beyond their size, hummingbird eggs have distinct characteristics in appearance and development. They are dull white or creamy white, usually without patterns or prominent coloration. This plain white hue helps keep the eggs cool by reflecting sunlight. Subtle brownish speckles may be present in some instances.
Hummingbird eggs are elliptical or ovoid, sometimes slightly pointed at one end. This shape is efficient for incubation and allows for easy arrangement within their compact nests. The female almost always lays a clutch of two eggs, though one or three are occasionally seen. Incubation begins after the second egg is laid and lasts between 14 to 23 days, with Ruby-throated Hummingbirds incubating for 12 to 14 days.
Where These Tiny Eggs Are Laid
Hummingbird eggs are cradled within nests, primarily built by the female. These nests are perfectly sized to accommodate the eggs and growing nestlings. They are cup-shaped and small, often compared to a thimble, a walnut half, or a ping-pong ball, with an outer diameter ranging from 1 to 1.75 inches.
Nest construction materials are carefully chosen. Females weave together fine plant fibers, plant down (such as thistle or dandelion down), and soft bits of leaves. Spider silk is a key material, acting as a strong, elastic binder that secures and anchors the nest. This elasticity allows the nest to stretch as the chicks grow.
For camouflage, the nest exterior is adorned with bits of lichen and moss, blending with its surroundings. Nests are attached to slender branches of trees or shrubs, often in a fork, though some species build them in varied locations. The female may also use pine resin to glue the nest securely to a branch.