Can You Move a Hummingbird Nest?

While maintaining landscapes, active hummingbird nests are constantly at risk of becoming damaged when located in bushes, trees or climbing vines. When this predicament arises there is always hesitation on what to do and how to successfully relocate or remove a hummingbird nest.

In this article, I will discuss if it is safe or legal to move a hummingbird nest, when it is appropriate, how to identify an inconvenient nesting site during landscape maintenance, and who to contact.

Can you move a hummingbird nest?

Moving, relocating or removing any “active” hummingbird nest is against the law.
If you have a situation involving an active hummingbird nest, always contact your local wildlife professional for assistance.
Once the nesting cycle is complete and the nest has become inactive the law allows an unwanted hummingbird nest to be removed without a permit.

It is important to be mindful and knowledgeable of the laws that govern the handling of active nests.

According to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to relocate or disturb an active hummingbird nest without a permit.

An active nest is where a mother hummingbird is actively brooding (sitting on the nest) on unhatched eggs or caring for her young.

Call a trained professional to assist with relocating or removing an active nest only if the nest is in a location that is highly dangerous to the hummingbird or somehow a danger to your home or family.

Relocating or removing a nest that is no longer active or empty is not illegal. Hummingbirds will occasionally take material from an old nest when constructing a new nest. They are the ultimate recyclers.
If possible, the most favorable option is to simply leave the hummingbird nest alone even though it may be abandoned.

Landscape Maintenance And Hummingbird Nests

During regular landscape upkeep and maintenance, scan for any possible hummingbird nests before your landscaper or gardener is scheduled to arrive.

Inspect trees, shrubs, and hedges for small, camouflaged nests before trimming or pruning.
Hummingbird nests are often the size of a walnut and well-hidden.

Nests are built 10 to 90 feet off the ground in a hidden location shaded with leaves and soft foliage.
Female hummingbirds prefer the fork of a tree branch with strong bendable branches to comfortably nestle and to securely build their nest.

Popular nesting trees for hummingbirds include:

• Ficus – (Ficus benjamina)
• European White Birch – (Betula pendula)
• Persian Silk or Mimosa – (Albizia julibrissin)
• California White Alder – (Alnus rhombifolia)
• Weeping Bottlebrush – (Callistemon viminalis)
• Coast Live Oak – (Quercus agrifolia)

Popular vines that attract hummingbirds to nest include:

• Red Trumpet Vine – (Campsis radicans)
• Coral Honeysuckle – (Lonicera sempervirens)
• Orange Cape Honeysuckle – (Tecoma capensis)
• Morning Glory Vine – (Ipomoea alba)
• Cypress Vine – (Ipomoea quamoclit)

All of these vines are considered climbing vines and can be used on:

• An arched arbor (a smaller frame in the garden)
• Pergola (a larger outside extension of the house)
• Fenced deck post (displayed in full sun)
• Lattice (on a fence or wall post)
• Chain-link fence

It is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to relocate or disturb an active hummingbird nest without a permit.

If you find an “active” nest, postpone major work and avoid heavy maintenance during the nesting season between the spring and summer months.
It is recommended to delay the work until the young have fledged (usually within 4–6 weeks).

If trimming near a nest is unavoidable, work gently around “active” nests and maintain a safe buffer zone (several feet) to avoid stress or disturbance.

If a nest is disturbed or requires relocation due to safety concerns, contact a certified animal rescue organization or wildlife professional. They have the necessary permits and expertise to handle the situation legally and safely.

Identifying a Hummingbird Nest

Unlike other birds’ nests, a hummingbird nest has extremely small compactable nests which are their biggest identifier.

Most hummingbird nests are approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. You can compare these nests to the size of a walnut, ping-pong ball, or a golf ball.

Hummingbird nests are built entirely by the females. The male’s role is obsolete once his job is completed. He is not involved in nesting or raising the chicks. This means that you will not see both parents in a hummingbird nest at any time. Only the female raises the chicks.

These masterfully designed nests appear as a tightly woven or dense cup that is decorated with moss, lichen, or other camouflaging materials. These cup-like nests will curve inward slightly at the top to protect eggs during harsh weather.

Some common materials used for hummingbird nests include:

• Spider Silk
• Cotton Fiber
• Feather
• Bark or Leaf Bits
• Moss and Lichen
• Plant Down
• Fuzz, Fur, or Hair

In between the seasons of backyard maintenance, take the time and practice training your eyes at locating hummingbird nests. This skill will prepare and simplify your ability to quickly scan your area and notify your landscaper of any active nests.

Inconvenient Nesting Sites

Hummingbird nesting sites can sometimes be inconvenient for homeowners or gardeners due to their placement or proximity to areas that require regular maintenance.

Some common situations where hummingbird nests may be inconvenient:

• Near High Traffic Areas: Hummingbirds often build nests in trees or shrubs near human activity, such as front porches, patios, or gardens. The nests can get disturbed by people or pets.
• In the Way of Yard Maintenance: If the nest is located in a tree that needs pruning or trimming, it can be a problem. Cutting back branches during nesting season can disrupt the hummingbirds and even cause the loss of the nest.
• On Outdoor Fixtures: Sometimes, hummingbirds will nest on items such as light fixtures, hanging baskets, or other outdoor décor. These locations can be difficult to access for cleaning or maintenance without disturbing the birds.
• Close to Windows: If a hummingbird builds a nest near a window, the constant movement of people inside the house or the reflection in the glass can disturb the birds.
  Additionally, hummingbirds may fly into the window if they aren’t used to the reflective surfaces.
• Vulnerability to Predators: Nests placed in areas with high predator activity (near pets, other wildlife, or areas prone to strong winds) can be dangerous for the young birds. The location of the nest might make it more susceptible to these threats.
• Inaccessible Areas: Hummingbirds sometimes build nests in places that are hard for homeowners to monitor or assist, such as at the top of tall trees or in dense shrubbery, making it difficult to ensure their safety or assist with any potential problems.

While hummingbird nests can be inconvenient, it’s important to remember that the birds are protected, and disturbing an active nest is illegal in many areas.

If you encounter a nest in an inconvenient or dangerous location, it is best to leave the birds undisturbed and contact your with local wildlife experts who are certified to obtain necessary permits for nest removal or relocation.

Recognizing An Abandoned Nesting Site

Recognizing an abandoned nesting site can be challenging since hummingbird nests camouflages well in their surrounds and are located in high places.

Signs and indicators that can help determine if a hummingbird nest has been abandoned:

• No frequent visits by the female
• Empty or damaged nest
• No sounds from the nest
• Visible old eggs or dead chicks
• No signs of activity for several days

One of the most telling signs of an abandoned nest is the absence of the adult mother hummingbird. If you no longer regularly observe the female visiting or hovering around the nest to feed her chicks or maintain the temperature of the eggs in the nest, it is a strong indication that the nest has been abandoned.

Female hummingbirds usually have two eggs inside their nests. The mother cares for the babies on her own and must leave the nest periodically to stretch and to search for food. Therefore, do not be confused with this act as the mother abandoning her chicks.

Patiently monitor the nest and catch a glimpse of the mother returning to feed or leaving to get more food to help confirm there is activity.

If the nest is empty, hummingbird chicks usually fledge (leave the nest) when they are about 3 weeks old. Fledging marks may include small bits of feathers or fluff left behind in the nest or many black excretion marks in the vicinity near but not in the nest.
Signs of physical damage or wear and tear of visible holes or the nest appears stiff, dry, or cracked from the elements and look less intact than when it was first built then the nest may be abandoned.

Hummingbird chicks are usually very quiet, however when they are hungry, they make faint, high-pitched chirps. If you no longer hear any sounds or activity coming from the nest, this could suggest that the chicks have fledged, died or been abandoned.

If you see eggs that are cracked or chicks that are not moving, or if they appear dried out, this is a sign that the nest has been abandoned.
If the nest is left vulnerable, other predators can potentially eat the eggs while the mother is out searching for food.

If you visually locate eggs inside of the nest, the ideal situation is to leave them alone and not to touch them. Once the nest becomes inactive and no longer in use, it can legally be removed.

If you’ve noticed no hummingbird activity around the nest for several days and there are no eggs or recent signs of feeding, this could indicate that the nest has been abandoned.

If the hummingbird nest is not in any danger, leave the nest alone and be patient and know that within 6 weeks (from egg to fledgling) the nest will have provided a home for laying and raising two baby hummingbirds.

Interfering with this cycle can lead to the abandonment of babies within the nest and ultimately lead to their death.

Encouraging and Discouraging Nest Building

Hummingbird nest building around your property depends on your goals and whether you want to provide a supportive environment or prevent them from nesting in certain areas.

To encourage hummingbird nest building:

• Provide a variety of food sources
• Create a safe and secluded nesting area
• Minimize Disturbance
• Provide Nesting Materials

Hummingbirds are interested in an abundance of food sources that include flower nectar, feeder nectar, and bugs for protein.

They are attracted to brightly colored, tubular flowers that provide a good source of nectar. Some popular plants for hummingbirds include Trumpet vines, Bee balm, Columbine, Fuchsia, and Lantana.
Plant a mix of seasonal flowers that bloom throughout the year to create a reliable food source.

Additionally, supply gnats for protein and homemade nectar in hummingbird feeders. Make sure the feeders are mold-free and clean and use compost or banana peels to attract protein-rich bugs.

Hummingbirds prefer to nest in sheltered areas with nearby shrubs, trees, or vines. Consider planting dense foliage such as Willows, Maples, and Evergreens, which offer both privacy and protection from predators.
Adding a birdbath or a small fountain will also attract hummingbirds.

Limit human activity around the nest. Hummingbirds are sensitive to disturbances and may abandon a nest if it is disturbed too often. If you know there is an active nest nearby, be mindful of your activities and avoid causing unnecessary noise or movement near it.

Provide soft nesting materials in your yard. Female hummingbirds gather materials such as spider silk, cotton, plant fibers, and down feathers to build their nests.
You can help by placing some natural materials like these in your yard, but avoid using synthetic fibers or chemicals that could harm the birds.

To discourage hummingbirds from building in the same location:

• Add fake plastic predators
• Hang wind chimes
• Dangle flashy objects in the sun

Hummingbirds will refrain from building a nest where potential natural predators can pose a threat.
Adding plastic owls, snakes, cats or praying mantis in your backyard will make the female hummingbird think twice about nesting.

Wind chimes make intense high pitched sounds that are displeasing to hummingbirds. Hanging wind chimes under the eave of a roof and near outside lighting will scare away any female who decides to settle down.

Dangling and tying shiny objects on a tree branch such as CDs, silverware, mirrors or pie plates made from aluminum that catch the sunlight will create an unpleasant atmosphere.

Conclusion

Moving an “active” hummingbird nest is against the law and is never encouraged. If you are fortunate enough to have an active nest on your property but in an inconvenient location, your best option is to wait.
Within two months of the nest appearing, hummingbird babies will be off on their own, and it will then be safe to remove the inactive nest.

For any other situations that may arise where nests are disturbed due to yard maintenance, contact your local professional animal rescue organization who is certified to obtain the necessary permits in order to remove or relocate an active hummingbird nest.

Happy Hummingbird Watching!