Hummingbirds are among the smallest birds in the world. These tiny creatures engage in a reproductive cycle that begins with courtship displays.
Understanding the Breeding Season
The timing of the hummingbird breeding season varies considerably depending on the specific species and their geographical location. In many parts of North America, reproductive activities typically commence in late March and can extend through July. However, in warmer southern regions, some species, such as Anna’s hummingbirds, may begin nesting as early as November or February, benefiting from milder winters and early floral blooms.
Environmental factors influence when hummingbirds initiate their breeding cycle. Climate, abundant food sources like nectar and insects, and daylight hours all contribute to reproductive behaviors. Favorable conditions and extended flowering seasons can support longer breeding periods, allowing for more nesting attempts.
Nesting and Egg Laying
Once the breeding season begins, the female hummingbird takes sole responsibility for nest construction. She builds a tiny, cup-shaped nest, often camouflaging it with bits of lichen or moss. The nest is woven using fine plant fibers, plant down, and spider silk, which provides strength and elasticity, allowing it to stretch as the young grow. Nests are typically located on slender, downward-sloping branches, often 10 to 20 feet above the ground.
After constructing her nest, the female usually lays two tiny, white, elliptical eggs, each about the size of a small jelly bean or pea. She typically lays these eggs one to two days apart. To ensure both eggs hatch at roughly the same time, the female will not begin full incubation until the second egg is laid, allowing her to synchronize their development.
From Hatchling to Fledgling
The incubation period for hummingbird eggs typically ranges from 14 to 22 days. For instance, Ruby-throated hummingbird eggs usually hatch within 14 to 16 days. During this time, the female remains on the nest for most of the day, leaving only for brief periods to feed, maintaining a consistent temperature of around 96 degrees Fahrenheit for the developing embryos.
Newly hatched hummingbirds are altricial, meaning they are born naked, blind, and completely dependent on their mother for warmth and nourishment. They are small, often weighing less than a gram, with dark skin and a few yellow, straw-like strands on their backs. Their eyes remain closed for about nine to ten days, and their beaks are short, unlike the long, pointed beaks of adult hummingbirds.
Nestlings experience rapid growth, doubling their mass within a few days. Pin feathers begin to emerge around 10 days after hatching, developing into a full set of feathers by about three weeks of age. Young hummingbirds begin exercising their wings around two weeks old in preparation for their first flight. Fledging, the process of leaving the nest, typically occurs between 18 to 28 days after hatching, with many leaving around 21 days.
Raising the Young and Multiple Broods
After the eggs hatch, the mother hummingbird continues to provide parental care. She feeds her rapidly growing young a high-protein diet of regurgitated insects and nectar, often visiting the nest every 20 minutes. The female is solely responsible for feeding and protecting the nestlings, as male hummingbirds typically play no role in raising the young after mating. This continuous feeding supports the chicks’ development of strong bones, beaks, and flight muscles.
Once the young hummingbirds fledge, they remain dependent on their mother for an additional week or so as they refine their flying skills and learn to forage independently. In areas with extended warm periods and abundant food resources, female hummingbirds may raise multiple broods within a single breeding season. For example, Anna’s hummingbirds can have two to three broods annually, while Ruby-throated hummingbirds generally raise one.