How to Locate a Hummingbird Nest

The female hummingbird builds the nest and is responsible for the feeding while the male hummingbird has no part in it. The female searches for items that will work best to build the nest such as spider webs, soft parts of plants, moss, and lichens. They choose places to build the nest that are well hidden from predators and camouflaged. The nest is no bigger than a walnut shell which is about one and a half inches in diameter. Locating a hummingbird nest may be challenging.

Instructions

    • 1

      Look in a tall tree where the branches meet. Hummingbirds will choose a place in the tree where the branches make a shape of a Y to help stabilize them. They will also be located in the tree where there are plenty of leaves above to protect them from rain and sun. Hummingbirds may also build their nests in tall bushes. Their nest would be near the top of the bush.

    • 2

      Determine if there is water nearby such as a river or lake. The female hummingbird tends to build nests close to water where temperatures are not so hot. Temperatures hotter than 96 degrees can destroy the hummingbird eggs.

    • 3

      Notice if the nest is made of moss and lichens. The female hummingbird chooses to use soft sticky items that will hold a nest together and protect the eggs. They also use parts of spider webs, plant fibers, and willows.

    • 4

      Find an old hummingbird nest. You will find others nearby since the female chooses to stay in an area that has worked for her once before. Some hummingbirds will choose to build a nest on top of the old one, close to the old one, or may even re-use the old nest.

    • 5

      Look around a building or house. A female hummingbird may also choose to build her nest on a wedge of a building or house in an area that is protected by wind and high enough from predators.