Can hummingbirds nest in birdhouses?

No. Hummingbirds don't use cavities or birdhouses of any kind. They build exposed cup nests on branches. "Hummingbird houses" sold commercially are decorative items — no hummingbird will use them.

What happens if I find a nest on the ground?

A nest on the ground was likely knocked down by wind or a predator. If the eggs or chicks are present and appear unharmed, you can attempt to secure the nest in a nearby tree at approximately the same height. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator ([[ahnow.org]{.underline}](http://ahnow.org)) immediately for guidance — don't wait and hope.

Do both parents build the nest?

No. The female builds the nest entirely alone. Males provide no assistance with nest construction, incubation, or chick-rearing.

How do I know if the nest is currently active?

Watch for the female returning to it. An active nest will have a female arriving and departing every 20--40 minutes during incubation. After hatching, feeding visits become more frequent. A nest with no activity for several hours on a warm day is likely abandoned.

Will planting native plants near my feeder encourage nesting?

Yes. Native flowering plants provide both nectar and nesting material (plant fibers). Nearby spider habitat — natural garden areas with web-building spiders — provides the silk the female needs. A yard with native plantings, reliable nectar, and spider habitat is a highly attractive nesting location. **The Nest You've Been Walking Past** Somewhere in or near your yard, in the crook of a branch you've passed a hundred times, there may be a nest no bigger than a golf ball holding two eggs no bigger than jelly beans. The female who built it worked alone for days, weaving spider silk and plant down into a structure that will stretch and hold as her chicks grow. It's one of the most extraordinary things in nature. And it might be fifteen feet above your head right now. Keep your feeder full of fresh NectarBloom nectar — she's counting on it to fuel every feeding run back to that nest. **Discover the full wonder of hummingbirds. Keep NectarBloom in your feeder — pure cane sugar nectar, dye-free, trusted by hummingbird enthusiasts across North America.**

How to Find a Hummingbird Nest in Your Yard | NectarBloom™