Month: July 2024

Northern Cardinal Nesting Behaviors Explained

Post author By Alexandra Goodman
Post date July 29, 2024
No Comments on Northern Cardinal Nesting Behaviors Explained

Northern Cardinal Male — Image by Mike Nolen via Flickr.

Northern cardinals: known in part for their aggression during breeding season, and loved by many regardless. The male has distinctive red plumage and a notable crest. The female is less vividly colored, but is unique in her look. She has beautiful red accents and a massive pink bill. Both male and female adorn a black mask around their eyes and the base of their bill.

Most people love these birds for their color and singing ability. However, we think the most interesting thing about Northern cardinals is their nesting behavior. Northern cardinal nesting behavior and their building techniques are quite fascinating. On top of this, they fully display their massive personalities during breeding season.

About Northern Cardinals

Northern Cardinal Female Perched — Image by Mike Nolen via Flickr.

While Northern cardinals prefer dense shrubbery for nesting, seeing them in backyards and suburban gardens is not a rarity. In fact, backyard bird feeders led to the vast expansion of the Northern cardinal’s territory. The species originally habituated Southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of Central America. Now, they are found across the Midwest and as far up the east coast as Canada. They have also been introduced in Southern California and Hawaii. This widespread territory provides the species protection from endangerment due to climate change and habitat destruction.

There are eighteen subspecies of Northern cardinals. Two groups categorize the subspecies based on size and color, crest size, bill shape, song dialect, and winter flocking behavior. All subspecies share a similar diet. This diet consists of grain, fruit, berries, and seeds. Northern cardinals additionally eat a variety of insects. This is especially true during breeding season. Due to the nature of their diet, they typically eat on the ground.

Northern Cardinals Nesting Behaviors

Now that we are familiar with the species, let’s dive into Northern cardinal nesting rituals and behaviors.

Courtship

Courtship begins at the brink of breeding season. This typically starts in the very late winter or at the onset of spring. When the male and female spot each other, they hold their heads high and sway back and forth as if dancing. They sing softly to one another while doing so. Once paired, the male partakes in feeding the female to strengthen the bond. This is often viewed as a kiss, as their beaks touch to pass the food.

Northern Cardinal Nesting Trends

Cardinal Pair — Image by Rockytopk9 via Flickr.

Once the birds complete courtship, it’s time to find a nesting site. Northern cardinals brood three to four times a year, so nesting starts early. Sometimes the first nest is built before the last snowmelt.

Eggs are typically laid in March, with the last brood laid by mid-August. There is a waiting period between courtship and egg laying because they are meticulously selective. Choosing a satisfactory nesting site takes over two weeks sometimes. On top of this, nest building doesn’t always start immediately once a site is selected. They wait an additional one to two weeks after nest completion. This provides time to ensure the nest is adequate.

Once laid, the female incubates the eggs for eleven to thirteen days. The male brings food to her during the first few days of incubation. Once hatched, both parents feed the fledglings. The male sometimes takes over feeding at the end, allowing the female to begin the nest building for the next brood. Seven to thirteen days later, the chicks leave the nest.

The Northern Cardinal Nest

The Northern cardinal nest rests between branches of a shrub or low tree in a dense thicket. The nest shape resembles a wide, open cup. It is twice as wide as it is high. The average nest is two to three inches tall and four to five inches wide. Its depth is about one and a half inches. The nest is typically well hidden and placed three to ten feet above the ground.

Northern Cardinal Nesting — Image by Ed Post via Flickr.

Northern Cardinal Nest Building

The male may collect some nesting materials, but the job of building the nest is largely left to the female. Females shape the nest by softening twigs and wrapping them around their body to form the cup shape. This method also allows them to measure for size. They continue spinning round and round at the center of the nest, pushing the material outward and into place with their feet as they go. They even jump on the material, forcing it into place.

The females’ construction starts with the base of the nest which is made from hardy plant stems and twigs. Next comes the cup, made of smooth materials such as dead leaves. The females then form the inner layer with fine bark strips and thin weed stems. Finally, they add the lining, consisting of rootlets, grass stems, and pine needles. They top the nest off with animal fur for comfort. This results in an insulated, sturdy, and soft Northern cardinal nest- everything a fledgling could wish for!

Interesting Facts About Northern Cardinals

Cardinal Pair Feeding — Image by Brody J via Flickr.

Bonus content! Here are a few fun facts about our beloved Northern cardinals.

Their red plumage is due to carotenoids attained by eating fruits, such as wild grapes and dogwood berries.
Northern cardinals are monogamous. Pairs sometimes last a few winters, a few years, or for life.
Northern cardinal nesting happens at the same breeding territory each year. The pair returns to the same territory time and time again. They do not, however, use the same nest.
This species loves feeding on black oil sunflower seeds at birdfeeders, preferably tray feeders. Pair this with some shrubbery such as honeysuckle, hawthorn, blackberry, or privet, and you just may find a cardinal nest in your back yard.
They do not use nest boxes.
The Northern cardinal nesting season is extraordinarily long. It spans three seasons of the year in some cases- spring, summer, and fall.
Northern cardinals roost communally in winter and do not migrate.
It is illegal to disrupt nesting cardinals in the U.S. Do not attempt to move Northern cardinal nests.
They are parasitized by brown-headed cowbirds. Cardinals cannot tell the difference in the eggs or fledglings. They often raise them accidentally as their own. It is, regardless, no use trying to get rid of the egg. The female cowbird returns to check on the egg, and if it is missing, destroys the Northern cardinal eggs.
The male protects a territory size of three to six acres when nesting. Males chase away males during nesting, but females also chase other females away during courtship and breeding. Their aggression is severe during this time. They even fight their own reflections in windows, thinking it is an intruding bird.
They thin out their nest throughout the breeding season to reduce insulation as the weather warms up, protecting the eggs and fledglings from overheating.

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Bird Behaviors Nesting Notes

Nesting Behaviors of Blue Jays in North America

Post author By Alexandra Goodman
Post date July 26, 2024
5 Comments on Nesting Behaviors of Blue Jays in North America

Blue jays are a birdwatcher’s joy, often topping their list of desired sightings. Although similar in appearance to other blue-colored jays like the Steller’s, Pinyon and Mexican jay, blue jays have distinct characteristics that make them stand out from the rest.

The nesting behavior of the blue jay is unique in many ways, including how these birds handle courtship, feeding, and defence against predation. Let’s learn more about this fascinating bird and its unique nesting conduct.

Blue Jay Perched — Image by Rockytopk9 via Flickr.

North American Blue Jays

Blue jays are aptly named for the bright blue plumage on their wings and tails, which fades to a duller blue on their back. They are easily recognized by the black band around their neck, which can even be used to identify individual birds as the shape varies significantly from individual to individual.

Blue jays are crested birds. However, they relax their crest when at ease.

Blue Jay With Crest — Image by Steve Jones via Flickr.

Blue jays stand out from similarly colored birds like bluebirds and buntings due to their significantly larger size.

Blue jays are both loved and hated. They are loved for their beauty and intellect but hated for their tendency to bully other bird species.These birds are notorious for shoving others off feeders, stealing eggs from nearby nests, and chasing away birds, small animals, and even humans who venture too close to their nests.

Blue Jays Nesting Behavior

Blue jays exhibit unique nesting behavior. But, before the nest, comes courtship.

Many males try their hand, well, wing, at winning the female, putting on grand displays of flight and following the female from tree to tree. She chooses her mate with a nod, yet they do not mate immediately. They instead continue to deepen their bond by sharing songs and grooming one another.

Nest Building and Maintenance

When it is time to build a nest, they work together as a pair- a rarity in the avian world. The male collects building materials, including twigs, tree bark, grass, leaves, and moss. He may also select other materials, such as cotton or newspaper strips, if they are located in an urban area.

Blue Jay Nest — Image by Eric Tischler via Flickr.

Blue jays are territorial and must nest within their own area. The females prefer deciduous trees. They build their nests in a vertical crotch of the tree trunk or at a horizontal fork of a tree limb further out from the trunk. The building site is typically eight to thirty feet above ground and well camouflaged.

The nest is large and cup-shaped, often with a white material lining the structure’s exterior.

These birds are diligent homeowners and consistently work to keep their nest clean, sturdy, and well-maintained. They fervently defend their nesting location and clutch of eggs against predators, parasitic birds such as cowbirds, and other blue jays attempting to move in and steal the nest.

However, they will abandon their nest if absolutely necessary. This often only happens in cases where they need to prioritize their own survival over that of the clutch of eggs. This may be due to a natural disaster, human interference, or severe predation.

Egg Laying and Hatching

Blue jays lay a small clutch of three to seven blue-green eggs.

The incubation process lasts about eighteen days. The female is the sole incubator to start, but the male sometimes steps in and lays on the clutch to allow the female time to stretch out her feathers and get a bath near the end of the eighteen days.

After hatching, fledglings remain in the nest, fed by both mom and dad for seventeen to twenty-one days. They then leave the nest with Mom and Dad to learn how to hunt and scavenge for their own food.

Jay Fledgling Being Fed By Mom — Image by Vladimir Naumoff via Flickr.

Interesting Facts About Blue Jays

Blue jays are fascinating birds and there is endless information to learn about them. Below, we share what we find to be some of the most interesting blue jay facts.

Blue jays are monogamous and often mate for life.
Blue jays are one of the only bird species in which the male and female have no significant features that distinguish one from the other.
Birds of this species can mimic the call of the red-shouldered hawk. They use this both as a warning to other blue jays in the area that a predator is nearby and a deterrent to smaller predators who may be a hawk’s natural prey.
It has been discovered that these birds often utilize tools to simplify tasks.
Blue jays are playful, especially juveniles. They can often be seen playing with shiny or colorful items, often picking it up and carrying the item with them for some time, like a toddler with a new stuffed animal.
Birds of this species have strong family bonds. In addition to being monogamous, the parents stick with the fledglings while they learn to hunt and defend their territories. The family sticks together until it is time for the juveniles to find a mate.
Blue jays have a diverse diet, including nuts, seeds, grains, berries, small fruits, insects, eggs, small rodents, baby birds, frogs, carrion, and more. They are especially fond of acorns and even hide them in tree trunks and underneath dirt for later.
Blue jays are part of the Corvid family (which consists of ravens, crows, and other large birds of prey). This serves as an explanation for their high intelligence.

Jay Feeding On Nuts — Image by Larry Reis via Flickr.

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Bird Behaviors Nesting Notes

Nesting Behaviors of the American Goldfinch

Post author By Jack Emery
Post date July 22, 2024
2 Comments on Nesting Behaviors of the American Goldfinch

Despite its unassuming size, the American goldfinch is unique. There are two other species of goldfinch, the Lesser goldfinch and the Lawrence’s goldfinch, but the American goldfinch has distinctive traits that make it stand out from the others.

In the summer months, these small songbirds acrobatically dart through meadows in flashes of black and yellow, gathering an array of nesting materials.

These nesting materials – most notably the down from milkweed – are used to construct a watertight nest. The only known waterproof nest known to ornithologists.

But the uniqueness doesn’t stop there.

The American goldfinch is one of the only known bird species to exclusively use its feet to feed their chicks.

Read on to discover more about the nesting behaviors of the American goldfinch.

What are American Goldfinches?

Before we delve into the world of American goldfinch nesting, first we need to understand what exactly an American goldfinch is.

What is it like? Where does it live? What does it eat?

The American goldfinch is a small, sparrow-sized songbird belonging to the passerine family. It can be found across much of North America – from Alberta, Canada, to Southern US states.

During the summer months, breeding males sport a striking yellow body with a distinguishable black cap. Their black wings and tail feathers are streaked with white plumage.

Goldfinch Perched on a Purple Coneflower — Image by Matthew Studebaker via Flickr.

To have the best chance at spotting this finch, head to meadows and weedy fields, where they congregate in small groups to feed on the abundance of seeds.

American Goldfinch Courtship Displays

Brief description, tick.

Next up, courtship.

Before nesting can take place, a male goldfinch has to snatch the attention of the female.

To do this, he will court her through a series of flight displays and perky songs.

The healthier the male, the brighter his yellow plumage will be. This signals to the female that he would be an excellent partner in raising her chicks.

Once a female accepts a mate, the pair will fly in wide circles, with the male warbling and the female flying in a zigzag manner.

After, a territory is established by the male where the female can start constructing the nest.

American Goldfinch Nest Construction

Female American goldfinches almost always exclusively construct the nests.

A male may help bring materials for the female to use, but he will play no role in the construction. She has very high standards, and everything has to be perfect.

Goldfinch Collecting Nesting Material — Image by Scott Wedell via Flickr.

The nest of an American goldfinch consists of various layers.

The outer layer, or shell, is formed by weaving together the fibers from dead trees, weeds, vines, catkins as well as grasses.

The rim of the nest is secured using bark, glued together via the sticky and strong silk of spiders and caterpillars.

The inner nest, where the eggs are laid, is lined with the soft down of plants such as thistles, milkweed and cattails.

To look at, the nest of the American goldfinch resembles a larger version of a cup nest made by a hummingbird. They’re approximately 3 inches in width.

But what makes the nests so unique is their incredible waterproofing properties. The females ensure the plant fibers are woven so securely, it creates a watertight space. So much so, the nests are liable to flooding in times of heavy rainfall, and the chicks may perish.

To date, the nest of the American goldfinch is the only known bird nest that has been found to retain water.

Nesting Behaviors of the American Goldfinch

Mating and nest construction begins at the end of summer, peaking in late August – a time when most other bird species have already raised multiple broods and have started their migration.

Their breeding window is short, and most American goldfinches only produce one clutch of eggs per season.

But why does the American goldfinch mate so late in the season?

Pair of American Goldfinch — Image by Mike Nolen via Flickr.

Scientists speculate there are two main reasons why American goldfinches mate late in the season:

1. Resource Availability

The first hypothesis is resource availability – both in terms of nesting materials and food.

Nesting in late summer coincides with the abundance of seed heads from the post-flowering of plants such as milk thistle and milkweed, which can be used as the soft down for nesting substrate.

The timing also aligns with the abundance of their primary food source, seeds, during the late summer months. Although thistles are preferred, the goldfinch will consume a wide variety of seeds from weeds, flowers, trees, and grasses, along with buds, sap, and berries.

The American goldfinch has several adaptations for its seed-eating diet, including a strong, conical bill that efficiently gathers and splits seeds, and feet with high dexterity, enabling them to climb plant stems and hang from seed heads while feeding, opening a new niche inaccessible to other bird species.

2. Molting

The American Goldfinch is unique among certain finch species.

Unlike most finches, which experience a change in appearance as their feathers wear down over time, the American Goldfinch undergoes a prolonged molting process to obtain their breeding plumage.

Scientists believe this extended molt, uncommon for temperate zone birds, may be necessary for a bird that relies on a protein-poor seed diet to meet the energy demands of breeding.

Therefore, while the greater abundance of seeds in late summer compared to May or June provides more food for the young, it is, arguably, the completion of the molt, rather than food availability, that likely dictates the timing of the American Goldfinch’s breeding season.

American Goldfinch Chicks

Like all songbirds, the chicks of an American goldfinch are born blind and helpless. In the vastly complicated world of scientific terminology, this is referred to as altricial.

Altricial young require significant parental help, and the goldfinch parents work tirelessly for the next couple of weeks, ensuring enough food is brought from the surrounding meadows to allow the chick to develop in time for the encroaching winter.

Goldfinch Nestlings — Image by Daniel Cadieux via Facebook & Flickr.

At first, it is predominantly the female that feeds the young. As she hangs on various shrubs, she extracts seeds using her feet. She will eat these seeds, later regurgitating them back to her young.

Regurgitation is common in birds, however, very few birds are fed exclusively seeds from such an early life. Even species that lead a vegetarian lifestyle as adults still typically start off life on insects, as insects provide more protein that is crucial for growth and development.

After a few days, the male begins to feed the chicks. A little after two weeks, the fledgling goldfinches depart the nest for good.

Parasite-proof Nesting

In the natural world, parasites are a real problem.

Parasites are organisms that depend on a host to survive and spread. They can cause harm, often death, to the host.

But why am I talking about parasitism in the nesting behaviors of goldfinches?

Aren’t parasites small and nasty? The stuff of nightmares? Fleas, tapeworms and the likes?

I mean, sure, you get the standard endo and ectoparasites. But in the world of bird nesting, there’s a whole other world of parasitism: brood-parasitism.

Brood parasites are often birds that lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species. This behavior spares the parasite the energetically costly process of rearing young, yet ensuring their offspring are well cared for.

Now, this is where the American goldfinch comes in.

The Brown-headed Cowbird, native to North America, is a brood parasite. The female specializes in laying her eggs in the nests of other passerine species. Typically, the cowbird is larger than many of their songbird hosts, and their offspring grow quickly, deriving resources away from the host’s own offspring.

Essentially, cowbirds thrive.

However, the American Goldfinch is adapted for this eventuality.

Unlike other songbirds, that often resort to an insectivorous diet when raising chicks, the American goldfinch is a strict granivore, or seed-eater.

Whilst the goldfinch offspring seemingly gain enough protein from seeds alone, this niche diet cannot support the development of the young cowbird. As such, cowbirds that hatch in the nest of an American goldfinch often do not survive.

Final Thoughts on the American Goldfinch

So there we have it. Who would have thought that the small and common American goldfinch has so many unique nesting characteristics?

Their late mating and nesting, unusual for birds, ensures an abundance of resource availability, not only for building nests, but also to allow their chicks to feed and develop in a relatively short time frame.

Their highly dexterous legs and feet allow the finch to extract otherwise hard to reach seeds in which they feed their young.

The nest of the American goldfinch itself is also unique. So intricately designed, it is the only known bird nest to be watertight.

American Goldfinch Female — Image by Larry Reis via Flickr.

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Bird Behaviors Feathered Facts

Do Cardinal Birds Mate For Life?

Post author By Rhianna Quanstrom
Post date July 19, 2024
No Comments on Do Cardinal Birds Mate For Life?

The Northern Cardinal is perhaps the most well-known and well-loved bird in the central and eastern United States. With their bright red plumage, male Northern Cardinals are easy to spot and admire. Because of their commonality and beauty, they may even be a “gateway bird” into the birding world.

While the female lacks the bright red feathers of the male, she is lovely with her striking red beak and soft tan plumage. As soon as you spot either the male or female red cardinal, you’ll soon see the other nearby.

No matter the season, red cardinal pairs stick together. This is yet another quality that makes cardinal birds so endearing. But are they truly as bonded as they seem? Do cardinal birds mate for life?

Read on to learn whether or not these beloved birds are as loyal and steadfast as they appear. And, if you’ve ever seen red cardinals “kissing,” continue reading to learn about their fascinating courtship and nesting behaviors.

So, Do Cardinal Birds Mate For Life?

Image by B & B Nature Photography via Flickr.

Yes and no – some cardinal birds mate for life while others do not. According to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology, about 20% of cardinal pairs split by the following breeding season.

There are various reasons why some cardinal birds mate for life and others don’t. Some reasons are known while some are unknown. For instance, if nesting was unsuccessful, for whatever reason, cardinal pairs may split to find other mates.

Cardinals will also find new mates if the other one dies, and they don’t hesitate to pair up with another mate quickly.

‘Cheating’ Cardinals

While most cardinal breeding pairs are loyal, a research study found that some will discreetly “cheat” on their mate. Because of how inconspicuous female red cardinals are, the biologists couldn’t visually confirm what they call extra-pair copulations (EPCs). However, they found that about 13% of fledglings in their field study had biological traits that did not match the male cardinal in a breeding pair.

EPCs are not uncommon, even in socially monogamous birds such as red cardinals. Birds will have extra-pair copulations to improve overall fledgling success, especially when predation or nest failure is high.

That said, EPCs are relatively low in cardinals compared to other bird species. This is perhaps due to the male Northern Cardinal aggressively defending his territory and mate.

Interestingly, in two of the three cardinal nests with confirmed EPCs, the male was more absent from the female than in other breeding pairs. So, it’s likely that the closer the red cardinal stays to the female, the less likely it is for EPCs to occur.

Due to their elusive nature, the study couldn’t confirm female Northern Cardinal responsiveness to EPCs from trespassing males. The research biologists believe females are likely to avoid it in most cases because of how much they depend on their mate to help raise the young.

Despite the 20% chance of pair separation and EPCs, it’s generally believed that cardinal birds form lasting bonds with their mate and will stick together until death do them part. Northern Cardinals will even stay close to their mate during the winter, whether or not they join with a mixed winter flock.

Courtship

In early spring, red cardinals perform courtship displays to form new breeding pairs or deepen current bonds. Their courtship is sweet, gentle, and straight out of a bird romance novel. The male and female sing softly to each other with heads held high while swaying back and forth.

Image by Daniel Cadieux via Facebook & Flickr.

The male red cardinal will feed the female to show his ability to care for her and the fledglings. I’ve witnessed this firsthand at my birdfeeder.

The female waited on a nearby branch while the male gathered seed in his beak. He flew back to the female and ever so gently fed her the seed. They appeared to be “kissing.” It was perhaps the sweetest bonding moment I’ve witnessed between two birds (yes, I’m humanizing their romance because why not?).

Besides active courtship displays between the sexes, the male will sing to establish his territory. Both male and female Northern Cardinals will aggressively defend their nesting territory by dive-bombing intruders.

Nesting

The male and female cardinal will search out nesting sites, though the female tends to lead the search. They will carry nesting materials in their beak and communicate back and forth while assessing potential nest sites.

The female red cardinal chooses the nest site and builds the cup nest. The male will help by bringing her nesting material. The nests are usually in dense foliage or shrubs, hidden out of view. Northern Cardinal nests consist of an outer twig layer followed by a few inner layers of leaves, grapevine bark, rootlets, stems, pine needles, and grass.

Once the nest is built after about 3-9 days, she will lay 2-5 eggs. Eggs are white to grayish-white or greenish-white with light grey or brown speckles. The eggs hatch after an incubation period of 11-13 days.

During incubation, the male red cardinal will bring food to the female who does most, if not all, of the incubation. While sitting on her nest, the female will sing.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology says the female may do this to, “give the male information about when to bring food to the nest.” This is a rare and interesting fact about female cardinals, as many North American female songbirds don’t sing, much less while sitting on the nest.

The eggs hatch after an incubation period of 11-13 days. Both male and female Northern Cardinals feed young.

At this point, the male will mostly feed the fledglings while the female starts building the nest for the second brood. Cardinals usually have two or three broods but will not use the same nest twice.

Fledglings leave the nest after about 9-11 days.

Final Thoughts: Do Cardinal Birds Mate For Life?

So, do cardinal birds mate for life? While the answer isn’t as straightforward as it seems, there’s no doubt that most Northern Cardinals form special, long-term bonds. Coupled with their adorable (and fierce) courtship behavior, the red cardinal should be the romance icon of the birding world.

Red cardinals display both tenderness and protectiveness towards each other. They look out for each other and share parental duties. As such, cardinals may just be an exemplary example of partnership (besides the EPCs of course, but we all have relationship challenges from time to time).

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Bird Behaviors Nesting Notes

The Hummingbird Nest: Nature’s Tiny Wonder

Post author By India Thomas
Post date July 18, 2024
10 Comments on The Hummingbird Nest: Nature’s Tiny Wonder

What is tiny, incredibly intricate, and often overlooked?

You might think of snowflakes, microscopic plankton or spider webs.

Actually, the answer here lies in the nest of a hummingbird. These avian architects construct some of the most sophisticated and complex nests of the animal kingdom, and even more impressive is the tiny scale of these structures.

Most of us have never seen a hummingbird nest. These miniature masterpieces are not only small but also carefully camouflaged, making them nearly invisible to the untrained eye. So let’s delve into the mysteries of the hummingbird nest and reveal a wonder that usually goes unnoticed.

What Makes a Hummingbird Nest So Special?

Let’s start with size…

A hummingbird nest is about 1.5 inches in diameter, that’s less than the size of your thumb! You might be thinking, how do the eggs fit in a nest so small?

Hummingbird Nest With Hand For Scale — Image by Peter Baer via Flickr.

Well hummingbird eggs are also tiny, around the size of a jelly bean, and weighing less than 1 gram. They generally lay two eggs, giving just enough room for the two chicks that will emerge and grow.

Now onto their architectural genius…

Although a similar size to a half dollar coin, hummingbird nests are unbelievably sturdy and strong. The intricate nest is constructed in such a way that allows it to withstand harsh weather while remaining flexible enough to expand with the growing chicks.

How Hummingbirds Build Their Nests

The nest of a hummingbird is truly a magical wonder of the natural world. But how do they achieve such incredible architectural feats and at such a tiny scale?

Choosing the Ideal Spot

Hummingbirds typically build their nests in shrubs and trees, choosing spots high off the ground (between 10 to 90 feet). The nests can be built in between forked branches, in dense foliage, or even directly on top of a slender, horizontal branch. But, typically, they will all be located near a reliable food source with ample protection from predators and harsh weather.

Some people have found hummingbird nests in more unusual locations, including on a clothesline and in a basketball net. Although they sometimes nest on artificial structures, they avoid nesting in human-built nest boxes.

Laying the Foundations

Hummingbird Building Its Nest — Image by Warren Lynn via Flickr.

Once a suitable location is chosen, it’s time to lay the foundations. In hummingbird species, the female bird is solely responsible for both building the nest and raising the chicks.

She gathers soft plant materials such as grasses and leaves to form the nest’s base.

But, how does she get the materials to stick to the supporting structure?

The answer is pretty ingenious…

To bind the materials to the nest location and each other, she uses a special natural adhesive: spider web silk. The silk acts like a super-strong and sticky glue that she wraps around the materials, securing it onto the chosen spot.

Molding the Nest’s Cup

Once the base of the nest is firmly anchored and attached, the female can begin to build up the nest into its characteristic cup-shape.

She brings more plant material, adding it on top of the base and securing it with spider silk. Then, she uses her body to push into the center of the nest, squashing down the middle and sides and creating the perfect cup-shape.

Adding the Final Touches

After several days of hard work, the nest is nearly complete.

She collects soft, down-like cotton fibers and cattails to line the inside of the cup. This will provide a warm and soft surface for the eggs and the chicks once they hatch.

Hummingbird Collecting Nest Materials — Image by Greatblue1 via Flickr.

Camouflage is the final step – this is crucial as the female hummingbird, solely responsible for raising her offspring, must leave the nest to gather food once the chicks hatch. Camouflaging the nest is vital to protect it from predators.

Each hummingbird species adopts unique camouflage strategies; for instance, Anna’s hummingbirds often cover their nests with lichens, blending seamlessly into lichen-covered bark of a tree. Other species may use leaves, grasses, or wood chips depending on how best to disguise their nest home amongst the environment outside.

Spotting a Hummingbird Nest

We know that hummingbird nests are incredibly tiny and expertly camouflaged, so how could we possibly find one? If you are up for a challenge, finding a hummingbird nest is definitely a rewarding pursuit.

First, make sure you are looking at the right time. Like most other birds, hummingbirds nest in the spring and summer.

Next, find a good location to spot hummingbirds. Planting native flowers or setting up hummingbird feeders can attract hummingbirds to your garden.

Once you’ve spotted a hummingbird, watch from a distance to see what it is doing and where it goes. If you spot a female collecting plant material or spider webs, the nest will likely be very near.

To get a closer look, make sure to use binoculars or a camera. Hummingbirds are easily disturbed from their nest, so give lots of space to the momma bird and her nest.

Anna's Hummingbird Chicks — Image by John N Hoang via Flickr.

Final Thoughts

The natural world is an amazing and fascinating place. The nest of a hummingbird is a true wonder of nature. How amazing that such a tiny nest can be so expertly crafted and provide a safe and comfortable home for hummingbird chicks.

Spend some time in nature and see what other amazing natural structures you can spot, perhaps even a hummingbird nest if you are lucky!

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