Hummingbirds Nests

Hummingbirds Nests

All during spring season the Americans and Canadians are blessed enough to watch the magical little hummingbirds going northwards to rear their young ones.

They arrive from Mexican and South American coasts searching for cool and suitable climatic conditions to start a tiny family. Therefore choosing the perfect location for nesting is very essential for the survival of the newborn hummers. 

The right location for nesting purpose is a start, and then comes the lengthy procedure of building an actual constructive nest. And the very pregnant female finds it very tiresome to build one. There are two choices for the female, the right temperature and protection of her young ones against harmful elements.

The mother-to-be must choose a location where the temperature is stable primarily below 96-degree F. Otherwise the embryos may get roasted and die before actual birth.

Therefore the mother bird may choose higher altitudes for settling to nest. Water bodies like still lakes and ponds are popular nesting corners for hummers. Some hummers like ruby-throated ones are smart in their approach.

They usually build nests amongst large leafy trees, which are cooler than the surrounding atmosphere. Windy conditions are also prevented in such a sheltered nest. Irrespective of the climate, the mother hummer needs to protect her eggs against strong winds, or else the eggs may roll off and probably break into pieces.

Considering all these environmental factors, the mother bird starts to build her nest. 

A humming bird takes about a week to finish her nest. These tiny birds make more than hundred trips a day, working for 4 to 5 hours to build her nest. Spider webs are used to lay the foundation due to their glue-like stickiness. Upon that, a bed of soft leaves or moss is added. This layered bed is essential for shaping the nest.

After the mold is prepared more spidery webs are added, and several combinations of spider web and moss, other things like small twigs and branches are brought in. This works as a smokescreen or a camouflage. The creative ability of the humming bird is evident through her construction.

The walls are made thickly to ward off the wind, and the camouflage is also perfectly planned. 

The nests are a real beauty when they are ready and done. After the nest is completed the male bird is advised to stay away from the nest. His flashy and vibrant colors may attract some dangerous predators.

So it’s bye-bye daddy till the young ones are born. This unique intelligence and presence of mind, coupled with boldness in their character is a rare feature, which is inherent in these tiny flyers. It is truly beauty and brains in one small package.