Will Hummingbirds Nest in a Birdhouse? Why the Answer Is No — and What Works Instead

Hummingbirds are among the most enchanting backyard visitors. Their speed, beauty, and shimmering colors make them a favorite of bird enthusiasts. So, naturally, many people wonder: will hummingbirds nest in a birdhouse?

The short answer: No, not in a traditional birdhouse.

Hummingbirds have very specific nesting preferences, and a standard enclosed birdhouse just doesn’t meet their needs. But that doesn’t mean you can’t encourage them to nest nearby. In this guide, we’ll explain why hummingbirds avoid birdhouses, what kind of nesting habitat they do use, and how you can make your backyard more hummingbird-friendly.

Do Hummingbirds Use Birdhouses?

No. Hummingbirds do not use enclosed birdhouses like bluebirds or chickadees. Instead, they build small, open-cup nests on branches, typically in shrubs or trees, often near a water source and sheltered from direct wind and sun.

Here’s why birdhouses don’t appeal to hummingbirds:

They are not cavity nesters (birds that nest in enclosed spaces)
They prefer open air, lightly protected branches
They need visibility for safety and defense

Instead of trying to coax a hummingbird into a birdhouse, it’s better to focus on providing an environment they find ideal for nesting.

Where Do Hummingbirds Nest?

Hummingbirds build their nests with great care and specific materials:

Typical Nest Location:

Horizontal tree or shrub branches
5 to 20 feet off the ground
Near open areas, for quick takeoff and landing
Partially shaded, to protect from sun and rain
Often near water or flowering plants

Nesting Materials:

Spider silk (used as glue and elasticity)
Moss and lichen (for camouflage)
Plant down (soft lining)
Twigs and leaves (for structure)

The nests are tiny — about the size of a golf ball — and often hard to spot.

What Species of Hummingbirds Nest in the U.S.?

Here are some common nesting hummingbirds in North America:

Ruby-throated Hummingbird (eastern U.S. and Canada)
Black-chinned Hummingbird (western U.S.)
Anna’s Hummingbird (Pacific coast)
Rufous Hummingbird (Pacific Northwest to Alaska)

Each species has slightly different preferences, but none nest in birdhouses.

Can You Make a Hummingbird Nesting Box?

Some people try offering hummingbird nesting platforms or shelves. These are open ledges (like half birdhouses with no front or roof). Results are mixed:

Hummingbirds rarely use them
They may investigate but seldom commit
Success depends on location and nearby natural materials

If you try a nesting platform:

Mount it 6–12 feet high near dense foliage
Avoid open, exposed areas
Keep it near spider webs, moss, or plant down

However, planting shrubs and small trees is far more effective than offering a human-made platform.

How to Attract Nesting Hummingbirds

Here are practical steps to make your yard hummingbird nest-friendly:

1. Plant Native Flowering Shrubs and Trees

Good choices include:

Serviceberry
Red buckeye
Viburnum
Elderberry
Hawthorn
Honeysuckle
Witch hazel

These provide both nesting sites and natural food sources.

2. Offer Nesting Materials

You can leave out:

Cotton fluff (natural, untreated)
Feathery plant fibers
Pet hair (unscented, chemical-free)

Avoid synthetic materials or dryer lint, which can hold moisture and harm chicks.

3. Leave Spider Webs Alone

Spider silk is essential to hummingbird nests. Let web-building spiders thrive in your yard.

4. Create a Quiet, Low-Traffic Area

Hummingbirds don’t like nesting near constant activity. Provide a calm space with shelter from wind.

5. Provide a Misting Water Source

Hummingbirds love bathing in fine mist. A drip fountain, misting hose, or small bubbler attracts them and may keep them nearby.

Best Flowers for Attracting Hummingbirds

They need nectar-rich blooms for feeding and will stay close to food sources during nesting.

Great choices:

Bee balm
Salvia
Trumpet vine
Coral honeysuckle
Columbine
Penstemon
Cardinal flower
Red hot poker
Zinnia

Stick to native plants whenever possible.

Don’t Rely on Feeders Alone

Feeders bring hummingbirds to your yard, but they don’t encourage nesting unless there’s appropriate habitat. Also:

Keep feeders clean (change nectar every 2-3 days in hot weather)
Use a 4:1 water-to-sugar ratio (no red dye)
Place feeders near shrubs or tree cover for safety

Hummingbird Nesting Season: When to Prepare

Timing matters. Most hummingbirds nest between March and July, depending on species and location.

Southern U.S.: Nesting can start in late February
Northern U.S./Canada: More likely in May-June

Prepare your yard in late winter or early spring so it’s ready when scouts arrive.

How to Spot a Hummingbird Nest

They are incredibly well-camouflaged. But if you know what to look for:

Small, round cup (about 1 inch wide)
Often on slightly downward sloped branches
Covered in lichens or moss
Look for frequent traffic by a single female (males don’t help nest)

Don’t touch or disturb the nest. Hummingbirds are delicate and may abandon a threatened site.

What NOT to Do When Attracting Nesting Hummingbirds

Avoid these common mistakes:

Putting up a traditional birdhouse
Trimming all trees or shrubs during spring
Using pesticides (kills insects and spiders they rely on)
Using red-dye nectar (potentially harmful)
Handling a nest or eggs
Installing feeders only (needs full habitat)

Why Won’t Hummingbirds Nest in My Yard?

Here are common reasons:

Too open or exposed
No shrubs or trees with horizontal branches
Lack of insects or spiders (pesticide use)
Constant human or pet activity
Missing native nectar plants

The Role of Males in Nesting

Male hummingbirds don’t participate in nesting. After mating, they leave. The female does all the nest building, egg-laying, and chick feeding.

This means:

You may see a male often, but only the female chooses the nesting spot
Attracting her requires the right environment, not flashy feeders

Hummingbird Nesting Timeline

Nest site selection: Female scouts for branches or forks
Nest building: 5-7 days
Egg laying: Usually 2 eggs
Incubation: 14-18 days
Chick rearing: 18-22 days in the nest
Fledging: Young leave the nest and start feeding on their own

In warmer areas, females may raise 2-3 broods per season.

Can I Buy a Hummingbird Nest Kit?

Some stores sell “hummingbird nesting kits” or platforms. Results vary.

Only purchase if:

The design is open and well-ventilated
It includes natural nesting materials
You can mount it in a quiet, sheltered spot

But again, planting the right shrubs is more effective than artificial solutions.

Final Thoughts: Focus on Habitat, Not Houses

To summarize:

Hummingbirds do not use traditional birdhouses
They nest on branches with proper shelter and cover
You can attract them by planting native shrubs and flowers
Avoid pesticides, keep a quiet space, and offer nesting materials

If your backyard mimics the conditions of a good nesting area — shaded branches, abundant insects, spider silk, and nearby nectar plants — you just might see a hummingbird mama raising her young near your home.

Don’t waste time building birdhouses for hummingbirds. Instead, build an ecosystem that supports their natural behavior.

FAQ

Q: Can I modify a birdhouse for hummingbirds?
A: No. They need open branches, not enclosed spaces.

Q: What trees do hummingbirds like for nesting?
A: Small deciduous trees or tall shrubs with forked or horizontal branches: serviceberry, hawthorn, oak, birch, redbud.

Q: Do hummingbirds return to the same nesting spot?
A: Sometimes. They may return to the same yard or even same tree if nesting was successful.

Q: How can I tell if a hummingbird nest is active?
A: Look for a female repeatedly visiting a spot. Never touch or get too close.

Q: Will hummingbirds use a nesting shelf?
A: Rarely. They prefer natural branches but might use a shelf if placed extremely well.

Want to see hummingbird babies in your yard? Start preparing in early spring by planting the right shrubs, avoiding chemicals, and creating a quiet, safe zone. That’s how you truly invite hummingbirds to nest nearby.