Hummingbirds (family Trochilidae) are instantly recognizable by their small stature and incredible speed. They are the only vertebrates capable of sustained hovering flight. Their remarkable metabolism requires them to constantly seek nectar, making their reproductive habits a fascinating study in resource management. This exploration details their nesting practices, answering how many eggs they lay and outlining the subsequent developmental timeline.
The Standard Clutch Size
Across the hundreds of hummingbird species, the number of eggs laid in a single reproductive cycle is remarkably consistent. The vast majority of females lay two eggs per clutch. This small clutch size is an optimal strategy for a single parent, as the female performs all nesting and feeding duties alone. Producing more than two eggs would create an unsustainable demand for the mother to gather enough protein-rich insects and nectar to feed the young successfully.
Laying fewer than two eggs would not maximize the female’s reproductive potential. The occurrence of a single egg is rare, often associated with a late-season attempt or a resource-limited environment. Finding a nest with three eggs is extremely uncommon and usually suggests that two different females may have utilized the same structure for laying.
The Nest and Egg Characteristics
The nest is typically no larger than a walnut or a thimble. The female constructs a deep, compact cup using soft plant fibers and down gathered from nearby vegetation. She binds these materials together and anchors the structure to a branch using spider silk, which functions as an elastic adhesive.
This use of spider silk allows the nest to stretch outward as the nestlings grow. The exterior is camouflaged with bits of lichen and moss, making the nest look like a natural knot on a tree limb. The eggs are plain white and are the smallest of any bird species, usually described as being the size of a small jellybean or navy bean.
From Egg to Fledgling
The eggs are typically laid about 48 hours apart. Incubation lasts approximately 12 to 18 days, depending on the species and ambient temperature. The female often waits until the second egg is laid to begin consistent incubation, ensuring the two hatchlings emerge around the same time. She must take frequent, short breaks to feed herself, as her high metabolism requires constant refueling.
Once the chicks hatch, they require a diet heavy in protein, which the mother provides by catching and regurgitating small insects and spiders. The young hummingbirds remain in the nest for 18 to 28 days. This developmental phase is necessary for the nestlings to grow their flight feathers and gain the strength for their first sustained flight. The female continues to feed the fledglings for a short time after they leave the nest before the young birds become independent.