The Tireless Love of a Mother Hummingbird

We often say "a mother's work is never done," and few creatures embody this truth better than the hummingbird. These tiny avian mothers demonstrate incredible dedication in raising their young. Let’s explore their remarkable journey from egg to flight.

A Delicate Beginning

When ready to lay her eggs, a mother hummingbird performs a brief, wiggling motion to release them. Typically, she produces two eggs—each no larger than a jellybean—but they are laid a day apart rather than simultaneously.

She then begins the careful process of incubation, maintaining a constant temperature of 96°F (35.5°C) for 11 to 18 days. Though the eggs were laid at different times, they hatch together because the mother delays full incubation until the second egg is in place. 

Fragile New Life

Newly hatched hummingbirds are astonishingly small—weighing just 0.62 grams (lighter than a dime) and measuring barely an inch long. Their nests, often no wider than a penny, cradle these delicate chicks, which are born featherless, blind, and completely dependent.

Since hatchlings cannot regulate their body heat, the mother spends nearly all her time on the nest, keeping them warm. Meanwhile, the male hummingbird plays no role in parenting. In fact, his bright plumage attracts predators, so the mother aggressively drives him away to protect her young.

Nourishment and Growth 

To feed her chicks, the mother forages for nectar and insects, then returns to regurgitate the nutrient-rich mixture directly into their tiny beaks. This demanding routine continues for weeks until the chicks develop feathers and strength.

By three weeks old, the young hummingbirds are ready to test their wings. After practicing short flights near the nest, they eventually take off to begin their independent lives.

A Mother’s Legacy

This Mother’s Day, take a moment to appreciate the hummingbird’s tireless devotion—a reminder of the quiet, relentless love that mothers of all species give. Whether in the wild or at home, their care shapes the future, one tiny heartbeat at a time.

(Note: If you'd like to support hummingbirds, consider setting up a nectar feeder—just ensure it’s cleaned regularly to keep them healthy!)