Where to Hang a Hummingbird Nest (Practical Guide)

Learn the best places to hang a hummingbird nest and attract these colorful, energetic birds to your outdoor space.

One of the most delightful visitors to our backyards is the tiny yet mighty hummingbird.

Hummingbirds stand out not only for their unique characteristics but also for their distinctive nesting habits, which differ from those of many other birds that frequent our outdoor spaces.

In this article, I’ll share practical tips on where and how to set up a hummingbird house or nest, along with guidance on welcoming and supporting hummingbirds in your yard.

Read my guide on ways to attract hummingbirds to your yard if you love hummingbirds as much as I do.

As small as they are, hummingbirds bring beauty and energy to any garden or backyard. Their vibrant colors and lively movements make them a delight to watch.

One particularly fascinating species is the bee hummingbird, the smallest bird in existence. Measuring just 5 to 6 cm in length and weighing only 2 to 2.5 grams, it holds a special place among bird enthusiasts.

While the bee hummingbird is native to Cuba, there are many other small and colorful species that can be found in the United States, such as the ruby-throated hummingbird and the broad-tailed hummingbird.

The calliope hummingbird, the smallest bird species native to North America, primarily resides in the western states.

House or Nest?

Hummingbirds don’t use traditional birdhouses like the ones we often hang in our gardens. Instead, they build their own nests using unique materials suited to their needs. So, if you attach a standard birdhouse to a tree, don’t expect it to attract hummingbirds.

The materials they use for nest-building are fine, small, and lightweight, allowing their nests to be both functional and well-camouflaged, even if they don’t have the prettiest appearance.

Here are some examples of commonly used materials:

• Feathers
• Spider silk
• Cotton fibers
• Cattails
• Moss
• lichens
• Tree bark
• Leaves
• Grass

Interestingly, it’s almost entirely up to the female hummingbird to construct the nest. While the male’s role is limited to the mating ritual, the female takes care of the building process on her own.

Hummingbird nests are surprisingly small, often just 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. Despite their tiny size, female hummingbirds demonstrate exceptional engineering skills, creating nests that are soft, stretchy, and remarkably sturdy.

Best Place for a Hummingbird Nest

If you plan to purchase a ready-made hummingbird nest or house, where should you hang it? Choosing the right location is crucial for any birdhouse, and it’s particularly important for hummingbirds.

To find the ideal spot, it helps to mimic the natural instincts of hummingbirds. They typically build their nests at least 5 to 10 feet above the ground, often selecting even higher locations.

Hummingbirds favor thick shrubs or tree branches for nest-building because these spots provide both height and essential protection from predators.

Common locations for hummingbird nests include shrubs and small trees, but they can also be found in surprising places; anywhere that offers a sense of safety and shelter.

As noted earlier, hummingbirds are not attracted to traditional nesting boxes or classic birdhouses. They prefer open designs for their nests and will not build inside a man-made box.

A purpose-built hummingbird nest is best placed in trees or shrubs, but you can also consider options like hanging flower baskets, backyard statues, or fountains.

If you spot nesting hummingbirds in your outdoor space, it’s crucial to give them space and minimize any disturbances. Hummingbirds are highly sensitive to perceived threats and may abandon their nests at the slightest hint of danger.