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?

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

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.

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.

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!