1. Incubation: The average hummingbird egg is about the size of a pea, and it takes approximately 16 days of incubation for the eggs to hatch. During this period, the female hummingbird sits on the nest constantly to provide warmth and protection for the eggs.
2. Hatching: Once the eggs hatch, the baby hummingbirds, called hatchlings, are incredibly tiny and fragile. They are blind and featherless, and they rely entirely on their parents for food and care.
3. Nestling Stage: The nestling stage lasts for about 3 weeks, during which time the hatchlings grow rapidly. Their eyes open within a few days of hatching, and they start to develop feathers. The parents continue to feed the nestlings nectar and insects, and they also brood them to keep them warm.
4. Fledging: At around 3 weeks of age, the young hummingbirds are ready to fledge, which means they leave the nest and begin to fly. However, they are still not fully independent at this stage and continue to rely on their parents for food.
5. Juvenile Stage: The juvenile stage lasts for several weeks, during which time the young hummingbirds continue to grow and develop their flight skills. They start to explore their surroundings and learn how to forage for food on their own.
6. Adulthood: Hummingbirds reach adulthood at around 3 months of age. They are now fully grown and capable of surviving on their own. They will continue to grow and develop throughout their lives, but their basic physical characteristics will remain the same.
The growth rate of hummingbirds is truly remarkable, and it's a testament to the amazing resilience and adaptability of these tiny creatures.