Attracting hummingbirds to feed is different from encouraging them to stay and raise a family. Hummingbirds seek a reliable, resource-rich territory offering consistent nourishment and secure shelter for their young. A yard becomes a nesting site by providing a comprehensive habitat, not merely sugar water. Successfully hosting a hummingbird nest requires intentional design focused on food security, structural cover, and predator protection. This guide details the steps needed to transform a yard from a temporary refueling stop into a permanent, safe breeding ground.
Establishing General Attraction
A mother hummingbird needs a constant, high-energy food source during nest building and chick-rearing. Place supplemental feeders in areas with dappled light or afternoon shade, as direct sunlight causes the sugar solution to ferment quickly. The nectar should be a simple mixture of one part pure white granulated sugar to four parts water, mirroring natural flower concentrations. This mixture must be changed and the feeder thoroughly cleaned every two to five days, or daily in hot weather, to prevent harmful mold and bacteria growth.
While nectar provides carbohydrates, hummingbirds also require water for bathing and preening for efficient flight. They rarely use traditional, deep bird baths due to their small size. A much more effective water source is a fine misting device or a dripper that allows water to collect on broad foliage. Hummingbirds will hover or rub against the wet leaves for a quick bath, which helps rinse sticky nectar residue from their bills.
Designing the Ideal Nesting Environment
Once the food supply is consistent, the female seeks structural elements that offer camouflage and protection for her nest. She will not use a birdhouse, instead preferring a secure, small, horizontal branch, often located in the fork of a tree or dense shrub. Ideal nesting sites are usually high off the ground, typically between 10 and 40 feet.
The best plant choices for cover are dense, leafy shrubs and evergreens, which provide year-round concealment and visual protection from predators. Incorporating thorny plants, such as roses or hollies, offers an extra layer of defense against climbing animals. Place these structural elements near open areas where the female can easily survey the territory and dart out to feed.
The nest is a tiny cup-shaped structure that must be built entirely by the female. To facilitate construction, ensure the presence of specific natural materials, especially spider silk, which is used to bind the nest and anchor it to the branch. The outer layer is camouflaged with lichen and moss, making it resemble a natural knot. Soft, downy plant fibers, such as those from milkweed, cattails, or cottonwood, line the interior, creating an expandable cup that grows with the young.
Protecting the Nesting Area
A reliable food source and structural cover are insufficient if the nesting area is unsafe. Domestic cats are significant predators; keeping them indoors or away from suspected nesting sites is a primary safety measure. Other nest predators, including jays, crows, and squirrels, can be deterred by creating a dense, multi-layered habitat that makes the nest difficult to access and spot.
Young hummingbirds require a protein-rich diet, which the mother provides by feeding them tiny insects and spiders captured nearby. This biological need makes the elimination of all pesticides, herbicides, and other yard chemicals necessary. Spraying to control insects removes the vital food source for the growing chicks and may also contaminate nesting materials.
Once a nest is established, minimize human activity nearby to ensure the mother is not stressed into abandoning her young. Avoid loud noises, and observe the nest from a respectful distance using binoculars. Do not prune any trees or shrubs during the nesting season, as this can expose the camouflaged nest or cause the mother to leave. The nesting period is short, with eggs hatching in 15 to 18 days and the young fledging roughly 18 to 28 days later.