Ruby Throated Hummingbird Nest

A ruby throated hummingbird nest may be difficult to spot since they are usually well camouflaged. This species of hummingbirds, which is the most prevalent and widely distributed species in North America, is adept at building a nest that is difficult for predators to find.

Ruby Throated Hummingbird Nest Habits

A ruby throated hummingbird nest is typically about the size of a walnut, and thanks to the skillful camouflage work, the nests are easy to miss unless you are specifically keeping an eye out for them. Ruby throated hummingbirds like to nest in the curves of trees, particularly trees that hang over water. When possible, they build their nests in the part of the tree that is directly over water. They prefer evergreen and hardwood trees and tend to nest anywhere from three to 60 feet above the ground.

Despite their preference for trees, ruby throated hummingbirds have been known to build nests on manmade constructions, such as fences, light posts and stair railings. However, hummingbirds will not use nesting boxes, as they are not cavity nesting birds.

The female of the species takes the responsibility for building the nest, and sometimes several female hummingbirds share the task of building the nest and use it communally. Although the nests are extremely small, they can stretch to accommodate eggs. Females tend to lay two eggs at a time and then stay with the nest for an incubation period of about 16 days. The young then stay in the nest for another few weeks while the mother leaves periodically to gather food. After about three weeks, the young leave the nest for good.

Once ruby throated hummingbirds have found a good nesting location, they like to return to it over and over again. After migration, hummingbirds will return to the old nest to see if it is still there, and if it has survived the winter, they will use it again. If the nest did not survive, the hummingbird may rebuild a nest in the very same spot. Some ruby throated hummingbirds have built multiple nests on the same tree branch to allow them to maintain more than one group of chicks at a time.

Nesting Materials

The base materials for a hummingbird nest are bud spots and spider webs. The hummingbirds take collect several spider webs – often eating the spider – and use the spider silk to build up the frame of their nest. They weave lichen into their nest and attach it to the outside to create a hard covering. To make the inside of the nest soft, the hummingbirds gather thistle, dandelion or cattail down to line it. Most nests are built in spring, and during these months, you can often find female hummingbirds in locations where they are most likely to find their materials, particularly overhangs on houses and barn eaves where they are likely to find plenty of spider webs to use as their base material.

How to Find Hummingbird Nests

Ruby throated hummingbird nests can be a challenge to find. Once they have finished their construction with the lichen, the tiny nest looks like little more than the bump on a tree. If you have spotted a hummingbird, the easiest way to find its nest is to simply follow it back there from a feeding spot. Keep in mind, however, that hummingbirds may feed well over a mile from their nest and can travel very quickly. Remember also that only the females nest. You can tell a male and female apart by looking for a gorget – a colorful band around the chin. Only male hummingbirds have a gorget.

If you are not lucky enough to find a hummingbird feeding in close proximity to its nest, your next best bet is to look for trees that may make a good hummingbird home. Evergreen and hardwood trees near water are good starting points. Not sure exactly what you are looking for? Check Hummingbird Pictures Guide for a close-up look at nest.