Photo ©
Tara Lemezis
By Robyn Bailey, NestWatch Project Leader
Hummingbirds are among the most beloved species in the Americas, whether you live in a region where they are migratory or one where they can be found year-round. There are many things you can do to attract hummingbirds to an area, such as put up a hummingbird feeder and add native flowering plants to your garden. But we’ve recently seen a rise in the number of people asking about hummingbird “houses,” which are typically marketed as very small birdhouses and are sold by an increasing number of retailers.
A Tiny Nest
Hummingbirds generally place their tiny cup-shaped nests on top of branches or even on human-made supports like windchimes, faucets, and string lights. This Broad-tailed Hummingbird nest is typical for the species.
Let’s start with the basics of why nest boxes exist. Nest boxes or “birdhouses” were invented because some birds need to nest in a hollowed-out tree cavity or other natural hole, and they cannot make one for themselves like a woodpecker does. However, the majority of birds do not nest in cavities, and therefore a nest box isn’t going to attract them. Hummingbirds are not cavity nesters; they build their tiny nests on trees, shrubs, and occasionally buildings. They choose a spot that supports the nest from below while offering some concealment. Common nest materials include spider silk (for stretchiness) and lichens on the outside (to help camouflage the nest).
Save Your Money
Tiny nest boxes being sold as "hummingbird houses" are decorative at best. Many styles exist, but the truth is that hummingbirds do not nest in enclosed spaces like this. (Regular-sized nest box for scale.)
What about a nest platform?
We have not seen any documented cases of hummingbirds nesting in cavities, but they are known to occasionally nest on human-made structures like porches or patios particularly in the western United States. If you’d like to increase your chances of a hummingbird nesting on your porch or patio, you can get creative and fashion a small nesting support resembling a tree branch. However, we suggest having low expectations and using repurposed materials. Purchasing a hummingbird “house” is not necessary and is unlikely to attract the notice of these small, territorial birds. For more information on attracting hummingbirds, check out this guide from our friends at Project FeederWatch.
This was very interesting info. Living in Alberta Canada we have Hummers come to our feeder but so hany trees around for them to nest and hide in
Great article i’m in central Florida and love helping the hummers to thrive.
No one told me
I’ve documented over 50 Allen’s and Anna’s hummingbird nests in my yard over the years. The best way to attract hummingbirds to nest is by providing a variety of native shrubs and trees, available moving water with shallow depth, a variety of flowering plants, and tolerance of small flying insects. Females crave insects when nesting and insects are important food for nestlings. We also provide organic cotton fiber for nest building and are tolerant of spiders. We place single feeders in several areas around the yard. Moms establish a territory near a feeder with access to nesting locations. We don’t see high numbers of hummingbirds, but we typically have 3 to 4 nesting females every year.
I get a pair nesting every year near our lake side cottage. We put up a feeder but also plant lots of flowers that they love. This year they had a young one as well and were very busy in the front lakeside area
I feed humming birds every plus alot more birds I love watching them and feeding them they bring joy to my life ; D Deb
Send me any information that can help me with birding ; D Deb
Hi Debra, We suggest the free Merlin app! Merlin is a great Bird ID tool that can help you identify birds through sound, photographs, or by answering a few quick questions. Download it from your device’s app store.
To gradually increase the number of nesting Hummingbirds in your yard, make sure they always have food.
> Keep 2-3+ feeders in various parts of your yard.
> Replace nectar in their feeders when they run low.
* Don’t let the feeders go empty
* Plant Hummingbird friendly plants in your yard.
They will return year after year.
And keep your feeders squeaky clean at all times! Bacteria and mold are fatal to hummungbirds. Scrub with hot water and brush and dry before putting out fresh sugar water. Keep the sugar water/feeders in a cool shady location out of the sun (spoilage occurs quickly in heat). In warm weather, change out the feeders every 1-3 days depending on the temperature, irregardless if they’ve drank all the sugar water or not. To reduce waste, monitor how much they drink in that period of time and only put out the amount they will drink. However It’s much better to waste a little sugar than to make them sick or die from our neglect.
Having cared for hummingbirds for 12 years and having 13 feeders up year round (I’m in the pacific nw and the anna hummingbirds stay here year round), I can attest to the work involved to support these beauties but it is well worth it. I do recommend to people interested in feeding them that if they aren’t prepared or dont have time to care for them as above, including keeping them from freezing in winter, please don’t start. 🥰
Thanks for all the info! There are so few bugs in my area in Northern Delaware, I’m surprised any birds survive!
Last year, there was a ruby-throated hummingbird that made a nest in the opening of a bluebird box. If it works, it works! Lasted all season, no issues. The mother was frequently seen at the surrounding native flowers, particularly the scarlet beebalm.
Hi Mel, this sounds like a really interesting nest! Did you submit any photos/data on it to NestWatch? We don’t always see every photo, so let us know if we missed this one. Thanks for sharing this comment!
I live on the Cape and while hummers are found Cape-wide, I finally, finally, have hummers coming to my yard. They have found me. Over the years I’ve been increasing the bird/pollinator friendly plants and I think I must have reached critical mass. It’s been very exciting to have them show up. They seem to love my echinaceas.