Hummingbird Nest and Egg Riddles Solved

Have you noticed a hummingbird nest in your hanging garden, left unattended for nearly two weeks, and now everything on it is black? What could this mean? Could it be that the eggs have rotted? Or perhaps the hummingbird is still incubating them?

Possible Reasons for the Black Appearance

When you observe a hummingbird nest and see only blackness, several scenarios could explain the situation. Here are some possibilities:

Eggs have rotted: If the nest has been left unattended and the contents appear black, it is possible that the eggs have rotted. Hummingbird eggs are typically small and white. If they turn black, it could indicate mold or decay, especially if the eggs were abandoned and the nest conditions were unsuitable, such as being wet. In-progress nest preparation: It's possible that the hummingbird is getting her nest ready but hasn't laid the eggs yet. You may see blackness due to the nest material or environmental factors. No eggs present: Sometimes, the eggs might be there but not immediately visible due to the nest material or orientation.

What to Do If Concerned

The key takeaway is to leave the nest alone. Here are some guidelines:

Observe from a distance: If you can safely observe from a distance without disturbing the hummingbird, keep an eye on the situation. Check if she continues to leave the nest for extended periods and if there are any signs of activity or new hatchlings after a couple more weeks. If not, the eggs might not be viable. Contact professionals: If you're still concerned, consider contacting a local wildlife rehabilitator or ornithologist for specific guidance tailored to your situation.

Wildlife Intervention Guidelines

The rule of thumb for dealing with wildlife situations is to leave things as you found them if you're not 100% certain of what to do. Human interference can often cause more harm than good.

Do not intervene unless absolutely necessary: Intervening in wildlife situations runs the risk of causing more harm than good. Many animals are better off left undisturbed as long as the environment is safe for them. Leave the nest alone: The nest should be left alone until you have a clear understanding of the situation or professional guidance.

My Perspective on Nest Management

Karen J Gray mentioned that the hummingbird will likely abandon the eggs eventually. However, given the hummingbird's inability to remove eggs from the nest, you might consider removing the eggs now in hopes that the pair will lay more in the same nest.

No need to worry about your odor: If you choose not to remove the eggs, be prepared that you might not see the hummingbirds again. They might insist on building a new nest. Rest assured, birds have a very poor sense of smell, so your presence or lack of presence at the nest won't be detected by the hummingbirds. Enjoy the hummingbirds for a few more days: If you do remove the eggs, you will likely enjoy the hummingbirds' presence for a few more days.

Understanding and respecting the natural behaviors of hummingbirds and other wildlife can help us coexist peacefully. If you're unsure about what to do, always err on the side of leaving things alone and seek professional advice as needed.