Hummingbirds captivate us with their fast and flashy nature, but there’s more to these tiny creatures than meets the eye. Their eggs, weighing less than one-fiftieth of an ounce, are often overlooked but deserve our attention. Let’s explore some frequently asked questions about hummingbird eggs and the reproductive cycles of these extraordinary birds. And don’t forget to stick around for important tips on how you can help protect them.
How Small are Hummingbird Eggs?
Tiny would be an understatement! Hummingbird eggs are often compared to small jelly beans in size. However, with over 350 different species of hummingbirds in the Western Hemisphere, their eggs can vary in size. The smallest hummingbird, the Bee Hummingbird, lays eggs the size of coffee beans, while the largest, the nine-inch-long Giant Hummingbird, lays eggs the length of a penny. Despite their small size, hummingbird eggs don’t weigh much either. For example, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird eggs weigh just half a gram, about one-fifth of a penny’s weight.
How Often Do Hummingbirds Lay Eggs?
The frequency of egg-laying depends on the species. Most hummingbirds lay eggs one to three times each year. For instance, Anna’s Hummingbirds in Pacific Coast states usually have two to three broods annually. Some non-migratory hummingbirds in the tropics can breed several times each year. On the other hand, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, which migrate each year, typically have only one brood. However, if a nest is destroyed early in the breeding season, the female Ruby-throats may build another nest and lay more eggs.
How Many Eggs Do Hummingbirds Lay?
Hummingbirds lay small clutches of eggs, ranging from one to three, with two being the typical size. While these eggs may seem minuscule compared to those of other birds, they are proportionally large considering the tiny size of adult hummingbirds. For example, an American Robin egg weighs just 3.6 percent as much as the adult that laid it. In contrast, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird’s egg is nearly 17 percent the weight of a mature Ruby-throat.
When Do Hummingbirds Lay Eggs?
The timing of egg-laying varies based on the location of the hummingbirds. Ruby-throated hummingbirds, the sole breeding hummingbird in the eastern U.S., typically lay eggs between March and May. However, this can vary depending on factors like latitude. In the West, breeding and egg-laying dates also differ. For instance, Costa’s Hummingbirds in the Southwest lay eggs from February to June, while Rufous Hummingbirds in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska lay eggs between April and July.
Where Do Hummingbirds Lay Their Eggs?
Like many bird species, hummingbirds lay their eggs in nests. These nests, woven with spiderweb thread and camouflaged with lichen, are incredibly small, measuring just a few inches in diameter. In fact, they are the smallest bird nests in the world. To learn more about hummingbird nests, check out our post, “Hummingbird Nests 101: A Beginner’s Guide,” which provides answers to common nest-related questions with photos and videos.
How Long Does it Take for Hummingbird Eggs to Hatch?
Before hummingbird chicks can hatch, the eggs need a period of incubation to regulate temperature and ensure healthy development. This process typically lasts from two to three weeks, depending on the species. Since males don’t participate in incubation, female hummingbirds have the task of maintaining the eggs while also feeding themselves. For example, female Black-chinned Hummingbirds in California make frequent trips to gather food while nesting. In the tropics, where temperatures are milder, incubating females can leave their nests for longer periods.
What Color Are Hummingbird Eggs?
Hummingbird eggs are usually dull white. This is quite different from the incredible diversity of colors and patterns found on other bird eggs. The lack of pigmentation in hummingbird eggs might be due to the impact of sunlight on the embryos. Researchers believe that egg coloration represents a delicate balance between protecting the embryos from harmful UV rays and regulating the temperature. The white color of modern hummingbird eggs may have evolved to keep the eggs cool, despite potential UV dangers.
What Should You Do If You Find a Hummingbird Egg?
Consider yourself lucky if you stumble upon a hummingbird egg, as it’s a rare occurrence. However, it’s important to remember not to touch it. In the U.S., it’s illegal to touch, relocate, or remove active nests. Additionally, human presence can stress out female hummingbirds and attract predators to the nest’s location. So, it’s best to observe hummingbird nests from a distance with binoculars.
Do Hummingbirds Nest in the Same Place Every Year?
Migratory hummingbirds often return to favored nesting grounds annually, but they don’t build their nests in the exact same location. Since their nests are constructed for one-time use, females need to build new nests each year. These nests are usually in different trees or bushes but within the same general area. The fact that hummingbirds can faithfully repeat these long-distance journeys is truly remarkable, considering their brains are the size of rice grains. Researchers speculate that factors like the Earth’s magnetic field, the sun’s position, topographic clues, and even smell contribute to their navigational abilities.
What Happens After Hummingbird Eggs Hatch?
When hummingbird chicks hatch, they are nearly devoid of feathers and their eyes are closed. They are entirely dependent on their mother for food and warmth. In the weeks that follow, these chicks rapidly develop in preparation for their first flight. If you’re interested in learning more about hummingbird chicks, our post “From Tiny Egg to Fledgling: Amazing Facts About How Hummingbirds Grow” provides fascinating insights into their lives.
What Threats Do Hummingbirds Face?
Hummingbird eggs and chicks are vulnerable to predators, but once fledged, they face various human-caused threats. These threats include window collisions (as birds can’t see glass), outdoor cats, toxic pesticides, and habitat destruction, among others.
How Can You Help?
We can all contribute to the protection of hummingbirds. American Bird Conservancy and our Joint Venture partners have made significant strides in conserving 6.4 million acres of bird habitat over the past decade. Your support can make a difference, so consider making a gift today.
Influencing policies enacted by Congress and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is another way to have a significant impact. You can advocate for bird-friendly measures and prioritize birds and their habitats. To get involved, visit ABC’s Action Center.
Finally, don’t underestimate the impact you can have at home. If you have a garden, follow eight simple steps to help hummingbirds, such as adding native flowering plants and reducing pesticide use.
How ABC is Helping Hummingbirds
ABC is dedicated to protecting hummingbirds throughout their entire life cycle. In the U.S., we helped establish the Paton Center for Hummingbirds in Arizona, an educational space that celebrates these wonderful birds. In Latin America, we collaborate with partners and local communities to ensure habitat preservation for the rarest hummingbird species. Together with our partners, we maintain a vast reserve network across Latin America, protecting more than 1 million acres and 234 hummingbird species!
We also conduct field expeditions to monitor hummingbird populations and detect any changes or threats. These efforts allow us to better understand and protect these mesmerizing creatures and their habitats.
By going the extra mile for hummingbirds, we can ensure their survival and enjoy the beauty they bring to our lives.
