Instructions
Do research to know what hummingbird eggs and nests look like. Impregnated females migrate north to the U.S. and Canada from Mexico and South America in the spring to build their nests. They do so because of the less humid, more suitable climates. Hummingbird eggs are pearl white and less than a 1/2-inch long -- about the size of a jellybean or navy bean.
Carefully inspect the egg, keeping it as still as possible. If the shell is cracked or has a red ring on the outer edges of the egg, the fetus has probably died or was never fertilized. If the egg is cold to the touch, or if it is a cooler day when you find the egg, it is probably dead. Likewise, if temperatures are above 96 degrees F, hummingbird eggs will cook. If you believe the bird might be alive, hold the egg under a light -- if you can see any spider-like veins through the shell, there is a chance the bird is still alive.
While making your determination, put the egg in a warm place. Hummingbirds incubate their eggs at about 96 F, so wrap the egg in a warm towel or place it under a heated lamp to keep it warm.
Locate the nest, if possible, and without touching the nest in any way, observe it for signs of life. Hummingbird nests are made of varying layers of spiderwebs and moss, and they are camouflaged on the outside with items such as seeds and twigs. Nests are no more than 1 ½ inches in diameter and often resemble small cups. Hummingbirds usually build their nests in the fork of a tree branch. Adult female hummingbirds sit on their eggs for 60 to 80 per cent of the day and the eggs incubate for about three weeks. If the nest has been uninhabited for longer than a day, it's probably a safe bet the embryo inside the egg wasn't kept warm enough and is no longer viable.
If you still cannot make a determination whether there is life in the egg -- call a vet trained in hummingbird care for advice. If you believe there is a chance the egg carries a live embryo, take the egg to the nearest wildlife expert. Keep in mind that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 makes it illegal to possess a hummingbird or a hummingbird egg without a permit, and you could face fines between $15,000 and $200,000.
How to Know If a Hummingbird Egg Is Dead?
For birding enthusiasts, the hummingbird is one of the more fascinating birds to watch and enjoy, with its rapid wing movement and ability to hover among your trees and flowers. The smallest of birds -- and the smallest animal with a backbone -- there are 16 different hummingbird species that breed in the United States. To discover such an agile creature in your garden or in a tree beside your home is a special treat. But what should you do if you spot a nest of hummingbird eggs or an egg on the ground, but no sign of an adult parent?