Hummingbirds, known for their iridescent plumage and aerial agility, construct miniature nests that are marvels of natural engineering. Within these delicate structures, eggs no larger than a jelly bean are laid, representing the beginning of a new generation. The journey from a minute egg to a fully fledged hummingbird involves a precise process, largely overseen by the female.
The Typical Incubation Period
The incubation period for hummingbird eggs typically spans 14 to 21 days, varying by species and environmental conditions. For example, Ruby-throated hummingbirds incubate for 11 to 16 days, while Rufous hummingbirds may take 15 to 17 days. This duration begins once the female has laid her full clutch, which is almost always two eggs, laid a day or two apart.
The female hummingbird is solely responsible for incubating the eggs. She maintains a constant temperature for the developing embryos, often around 96 degrees Fahrenheit, by sitting almost continuously on the nest. She takes brief, frequent breaks to forage, ensuring the eggs remain warm and viable. This dedicated brooding allows both eggs, despite being laid on different days, to hatch around the same time.
Factors Affecting Hatching
Several factors can influence the precise timing of hummingbird egg hatching. Ambient temperature plays a role, with colder weather potentially extending the incubation period by a few days. This highlights the importance of consistent warmth provided by the female.
Different hummingbird species also exhibit slight variations in their average incubation times, reflecting adaptations to their specific habitats and climates. The mother’s diligent incubation behavior is essential for successful hatching. Her ability to maintain a stable temperature for the eggs ensures proper embryonic development. Her consistent presence on the nest supports the delicate process of development.
Life After Hatching
Newly hatched hummingbird chicks are altricial, meaning they are born in a highly undeveloped state. They emerge blind, with closed eyes, and are largely featherless, appearing with pink, gray, or black skin. These tiny nestlings are unable to regulate their own body temperature or stand, and possess short, stubby beaks. Their initial weight is very small, often less than a dime.
The mother hummingbird takes on the role of feeding her offspring. She provides them with a high-protein diet of tiny insects and spiders, supplemented by nectar, which she regurgitates into their mouths several times an hour. This nutrient-rich food fuels their rapid growth; chicks can double their mass within just a few days of hatching.
Their eyes typically open around 9 to 10 days old, and pin-like feathers begin to appear, progressing to a full set by about three weeks of age. Around two weeks after hatching, the young begin exercising their wings. They typically fledge from the nest at approximately three weeks old. Even after leaving the nest, the mother continues to care for and teach them foraging skills for about another week.