Hummingbirds build nests using spider silk, lichen, and moss. They often choose sheltered spots like tree branches or ledges to protect their tiny eggs.
Female hummingbirds construct the nest alone, weaving it into a cup shape using soft materials. The nests are camouflaged with materials from their surroundings.
Hummingbird eggs are the size of jellybeans and usually laid two at a time. The incubation period lasts about 2 weeks before the eggs hatch into tiny chicks.
Once hatched, mother hummingbirds tirelessly feed their chicks a diet of nectar and insects to help them grow quickly. The chicks fledge in about 3 weeks.
After fledging, young hummingbirds stay close to the nest for a few more days, learning to fly and feed themselves. They eventually venture out on their own.
Witnessing hummingbirds build nests and raise their young is a remarkable sight. Their intricate nesting habits showcase their resilience and adaptability in the wild.