Nesting Materials to Avoid: Protecting Hummingbirds in Your Backyard

Hummingbirds are among the most enchanting visitors to any yard, known for their dazzling plumage and acrobatic flight. If you're lucky, you might spot their tiny nests nestled in dense foliage or on hanging structures. While many garden enthusiasts aim to support hummingbirds by providing food and nesting materials, not all materials are safe for these delicate birds. Here’s how you can help hummingbirds build safe, comfortable nests while avoiding potentially harmful items.

Why Hummingbird Nests Need Special Attention

Hummingbird nests are marvels of engineering—tiny, pliable, and designed to grow as chicks develop. Female hummingbirds spend up to seven days meticulously gathering materials like plant fibers, spider silk, and moss to create their nests. These nests must be soft, flexible, and durable, which is why the choice of nesting materials is critical.

However, not all well-intentioned offerings are suitable. Materials like dryer lint, human hair, and artificial fibers can pose serious risks to hummingbirds and their chicks.

Materials to Avoid for Hummingbird Nests

1. Treated Pet Fur

While pet fur is often recommended for nesting birds, fur treated with flea and tick medications contains chemicals that can harm hummingbirds and their chicks. Even shampoos with lingering chemical residues can be toxic.

2. Human Hair

Though soft and lightweight, human hair can easily tangle around a hummingbird’s delicate feet or beak, leading to injuries or even death. It’s best to avoid offering it altogether.

3. Dryer Lint

Dryer lint might seem like the perfect plush material, but it becomes sticky and compacted when wet. Additionally, lint often contains harmful residues from fabric softeners, detergents, or synthetic fibers that can endanger chicks.

4. String and Ribbon

Strings and ribbons, particularly those made from synthetic materials, are not pliable enough for nest construction. Worse, they can entangle hummingbirds, making it difficult for them to move or escape predators.

5. Bright or Dark-Colored Materials

Vivid colors may attract predators to a hummingbird's nest, while darker materials can overheat under direct sunlight. Stick to neutral, light-colored options to ensure the birds’ safety.

Safe Nesting Materials for Hummingbirds

You can support hummingbirds by offering natural, chemical-free materials that mimic their preferred nesting resources. Here are some safe options:

1. Natural Pet Fur

If your pet hasn’t been treated with chemicals, its fur can be an excellent addition to a hummingbird’s nest. Brush your pet and leave the fur outside in a clean, dry area.

2. Natural Fibers

Short strands (less than ½ inch) of untreated cotton, wool, or natural yarn are ideal. Avoid dyed materials, as they can contain harmful substances.

3. Grass Clippings

Fresh or dried grass that hasn’t been treated with herbicides or pesticides is perfect for nest-building. Its softness and flexibility make it easy for hummingbirds to work with.

4. Moss and Lichen

These natural elements are favorites for hummingbirds. They’re pliable, lightweight, and blend well with the natural environment, providing camouflage for nests.

5. Pine Needles and Twigs

Tiny, untreated twigs and needles can serve as a sturdy base for a hummingbird’s nest. Shredded leaves are also a great addition.

6. Spider Silk

While not something you can easily provide, spider silk is essential for binding nests together. Encourage a balanced garden ecosystem that allows spiders to thrive naturally.

How to Offer Nesting Materials

To make materials easily accessible to hummingbirds:

• Use a Mesh Bag or Suet Cage: Fill it with safe nesting supplies like grass clippings, cotton fibers, or pet fur, and hang it near a hummingbird feeder or in a shaded area.

• Place Materials in Prominent Spots: Scatter them in visible locations where hummingbirds are likely to forage, such as near trees or flowering plants.

Legal Considerations: The Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, it is illegal to touch or move the nest of a migratory bird, including hummingbirds. If you find a nest in a hazardous location, contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for guidance on how to proceed without violating the law. This ensures that hummingbirds are protected throughout their nesting season.

Attracting Hummingbirds to Your Yard

In addition to offering safe nesting materials, you can make your yard more inviting to hummingbirds by:

1. Planting Native, Nectar-Rich Flowers
   Hummingbirds are drawn to tubular flowers like bee balm, trumpet vine, and salvia.

2. Providing Fresh Water
   A shallow birdbath or a gentle water fountain can attract hummingbirds looking for a drink or a quick bath.

3. Maintaining Clean Feeders
   Offer a simple sugar-water solution (4 parts water to 1 part sugar) and clean feeders regularly to prevent mold or bacterial growth.

Conclusion

Helping hummingbirds build safe nests is a rewarding way to connect with these remarkable birds. By avoiding harmful materials like treated fur, human hair, and dryer lint, and offering eco-friendly alternatives, you can support hummingbirds while fostering a healthier backyard ecosystem. With thoughtful preparation, your yard can become a sanctuary for these tiny pollinators and their future generations.