Hummingbirds are among the smallest birds, known for their rapid wingbeats and ability to hover in mid-air. They dart quickly from flower to flower, consuming nectar.
The Miniature Marvel: Hummingbird Egg Size
Hummingbird eggs are exceptionally small, reflecting the diminutive size of the birds themselves. Most hummingbird eggs range from 0.5 to 0.8 inches (approximately 1.2 to 1.4 centimeters) in length and 0.8 to 0.9 centimeters in width. These tiny eggs weigh less than half a gram, with some being as light as 0.05 grams. For perspective, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s egg weighs about half a gram, which is nearly 17 percent of the adult bird’s weight.
Their size is frequently compared to everyday objects, often described as similar to a small jelly bean, a coffee bean, a pea, or even a Tic Tac. The smallest hummingbird eggs, laid by the Bee Hummingbird found in Cuba, are about the size of a coffee bean. In contrast, the Giant Hummingbird, the largest species, lays eggs roughly the length of a penny. Despite their small dimensions, these eggs are considered fragile.
More About These Tiny Treasures
Beyond their size, hummingbird eggs possess distinct characteristics in their appearance. They are typically dull white and have an oval or elliptical shape. The shell is smooth and hard, occasionally featuring subtle brown speckles. Unlike the eggs of many other bird species, hummingbird eggs generally lack intricate patterns or vibrant colors.
Hummingbirds usually lay a small number of eggs in each reproductive cycle. The typical clutch size for most hummingbird species is two eggs. While it is possible for a female to lay one or three eggs, two is the most common number. Eggs are generally laid one at a time, often spaced a day or two apart. Depending on the species and environmental conditions, a female hummingbird may have one to three broods per season. For example, Anna’s Hummingbirds often produce two to three broods annually, while migratory species like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird typically have one.
Nesting and Incubation
The tiny eggs are laid in equally small, cup-shaped nests crafted by the female hummingbird. These nests are often no larger than a ping-pong ball or half a walnut shell, typically measuring about 1.5 inches in diameter. The female constructs the nest using soft plant materials, such as thistle or dandelion down, and reinforces it with spider silk. Spider silk provides elasticity, allowing the nest to expand as the chicks grow. Lichen and moss are incorporated into the exterior, providing natural camouflage that helps the nest blend with its surroundings on tree branches or shrubs.
Only the female hummingbird is responsible for building the nest and incubating the eggs. Males do not participate in these activities. The incubation period typically ranges from 14 to 21 days, though this can vary slightly based on the species and ambient temperature. During this time, the female sits on the eggs almost continuously, leaving the nest only for brief periods to forage for food and maintain a consistent temperature of around 96-98 degrees Fahrenheit for the developing embryos.
Once hatched, the chicks are featherless and have their eyes closed, remaining entirely dependent on their mother. They typically stay in the nest for about 18 to 28 days before they are ready to fledge. Even after fledging, the mother may continue to feed her offspring for an additional week or two as they learn to forage independently.