How to Build a Hummingbird House
Nature's smallest bird, the hummingbird, can be an entertaining and friendly neighbor, as long they have the right type of house. Hummingbirds don't actually live in houses, but instead favor nests as prime real estate. Accommodating our fast-paced, feathered friends is a matter of building a nesting platform on which the female hummingbird can build her home. Providing an ideal nesting location involves three key factors: platform, attractiveness, and conditions.
Platform
Hummingbirds prefer Y-shaped branches as a natural nesting platform. Use the branches of a tree already in the yard, or mount a simple wooden platform of your own—this could consist of two small pieces of wood attached to form an X- or Y-shape. Never use wood treated with chemicals as this might repel or harm hummingbirds and their babies.
Attractiveness
Hummingbirds have a penchant for nectar—visiting an average of 1,000 flowers per day in search of it. Hanging a nectar feeder near the nesting platform is a must for increasing the property value. Use a red feeder, as they are drawn to this color. Hummingbirds also love to play in water, and providing a simple bird fountain gives them a place to bathe. Planting some of their favorite flowers nearby makes for a more inviting location. Try using bee balm, butterfly weed, columbine, foxglove, hollyhocks, and delphinium.
Conditions
Make sure there are nesting materials nearby for the female hummingbird to build her nest. Typical resources include downy plant fibers, cotton balls, twigs and leaves. Hummingbirds use spider silk for glue. Mothers prefer locations that are protected from high temperatures and strong wind. Try to find or construct a location that offers good shade during the hottest time of day. If other trees or branches don't provide a natural wind barrier, construct or place a simple structure to block the weather from dislodging the nest.
