How big exactly are Hummingbird eggs? Well. As you might expect, everything about this bird is tiny, including its egg.
So when doing any garden work, you better watch out and look closely at the bushes and trees, or you might break a tiny hummingbird egg. These little vertebrate animals build their nests on hidden tree branches and other random places.
The eggs of hummingbirds are incredibly tiny and light, weighing barely about 0.4 g. These little eggs show and prove that big things can come in small packages. These small vessels of new life are often compared to peas in relatable size comparison.
Hummingbird Egg Size – How Big are they?
The size of hummingbird eggs varies according to the species. However, most are often 1.2-1.4 cm long and about 0.8-0.9 cm in width.
The Bee hummingbird, which is extremely tiny and found mostly in regions like Cuba, lays eggs the size of a cocoa bean. Their eggs are 0.9 cm in length and weigh less than a gram.
Hatching Duration of Hummingbird Eggs
A hummingbird egg can take 14 to 21 days to incubate or hatch, depending primarily on climate and a few other factors. The eggs can weigh between 0.4 g to 1.4 g at the most. The female counterpart of this vertebrate animal lays her initial pea-sized egg and keeps it until the next day before laying another egg or eggs, as the case may be.
Once all eggs are laid, the Hummingbird then begins incubation. The main purpose of this process is to ensure that all eggs hatch together. All eggs must be kept equally warm by the Hummingbird, so they stay in their nests 80% of the time during Incubation.
Hummingbirds maintain a temperature of about 96-98°F to avoid too much heating.
Mother hummingbirds turn their eggs several times daily with their beaks and paws to distribute heat evenly every hour. The female sits on the egg for about 50 minutes and leaves the nest for about 10 minutes to feed. If you have a hummingbird nesting in your garden, then you should know that they need a lot of nectar.
If you can, provide a steady source of hummingbird food close to the nesting position so the mother hummingbird doesn’t have to move far away from the nest.
When the internal conditions are constant at 96 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and the egg is ready to hatch, the smaller chicks pierce their shells with the small sharp hooks at the end of their new beaks. At this point, the mother hummingbird throws out the shells to make room for her young chicks.
Where Hummingbirds Lay Their Eggs
Like most birds, hummingbirds lay their eggs in their nest. This relatively small, well-hidden webbed structure is only a few inches in diameter, making it one of the tiniest bird nests in the world. It is worth noting that migratory hummingbirds may hatch once annually, as they often return to their favorite nesting sites each year, but they don’t always nest in the same place.
An example is the Rubinous Hummingbird, which migrates annually and usually gives birth only once a year. Their nests are used only once, so females must build new nests every year.
These birds are usually found in different trees and bushes around the same place. A hummingbird’s ability to accurately recreate such a long journey is no small feat, especially considering its brain is the size of a grain of rice.
Conclusion
Hummingbirds are beautiful vertebrate animals with unique features and characteristics, teaching us that size doesn’t really matter regarding beauty, strength, and nobility. Despite this beautiful creature’s small nature, it is a unique species.
Most Hummingbirds live between 3-5 years, so they breed up to three times per year. This behavior is normal for most birds with shorter lifespans, as they lay more often and grow to maturity faster.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hummingbird Eggs
What Does Hummingbird Egg Look Like?
Hummingbird eggs are white and usually the size of a pea.
How Many Eggs Do Hummingbirds Lay?
Hummingbirds lay 1-3 eggs per clutch, with two eggs being the most common occurrence. Incubation typically takes 15-18 days. Their eggs are one of the smallest compared to other vertebrates, but given their relatively small adult size, they could be considered quite large.
In rare cases, a mother hummingbird may lay only a single egg.
Can a hummingbird lay four eggs?
No. Hummingbirds cannot lay up to four eggs per hatching season.
A scientist conducted a research on 77 Ruby-throated hummingbirds. From the research, 66 birds laid two eggs during the breeding season, ten birds had only one egg, and only one had three eggs. Thus, most hummingbirds lay one to two eggs. However, in rare cases, these birds can lay three eggs.
