May 25, 2025

Why Hummingbirds Don’t Use Birdhouses

Why Hummingbirds Don’t Use Birdhouses: Nesting Habits & Safety

Hummingbirds are like little gems fluttering around your yard, with their colorful feathers and important role in pollinating flowers. They’ll happily visit your feeders and may even decide to nest nearby! But, if you're hoping they’ll move into a birdhouse, you might be out of luck. Let’s dive into why that is and what you can do to create a cozy space for them.

Do Hummingbirds Use Birdhouses?

Birdhouses are great for variety of backyard birds, but not hummingbirds. As much as we’d love for them to take up residence in a cute little house, hummingbirds just don’t do that. No matter how small or charming your birdhouse is, it won’t catch their attention. Even the larger species of hummingbirds aren’t interested.

That said, don’t skip out on putting up birdhouses entirely! Many other birds—like bluebirds, chickadees, and house wrens—love them. Just be sure the entrance hole is smaller than 1.5 inches to keep out European starlings, which can be a nuisance.

Why Don’t Hummingbirds Like Birdhouses?

Hummingbirds have specific nesting needs that birdhouses just don’t meet. Unlike woodpeckers or bluebirds that like to nest in tree cavities, hummingbirds are more comfortable in open spaces. They need a place where they can easily fly to and from their nest, which is hard to do in an enclosed birdhouse.

These little creatures also need to keep an eye out for predators. They’re experts at spotting danger from a distance, so a birdhouse would limit their view and make it harder for them to escape quickly if needed. Plus, hummingbirds are tiny, and regular birdhouses are designed for larger birds. A hummingbird would find itself with too much space and likely be evicted by bigger residents!

Where Do Hummingbirds Nest?

While litter creature don't use birdhouses, hummingbirds are pretty resourceful and will make use of a variety of structures to build their nests. They’re known to nest on small ledges, metal hooks, clothesline connections, and even on power lines! Their nests are usually high up in trees or shrubs, hidden among leaves for extra protection. Some species, like the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, prefer a shaded spot on a thin branch, while others might choose a branch above a stream to keep cool and safe from predators.

Hummingbirds aren’t scared of people, but they do need to feel safe. A backyard with cats or other predators might not be appealing, so they’ll choose a higher, more secure spot for their nest if needed.

How to Create a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

Even though birdhouses are off the table, there are plenty of ways to create a welcoming space for hummingbirds. Start by thinking like a hummingbird: they need a constant food source, a safe space to nest, and a place to rest.

Here’s how to make your yard more inviting to hummingbirds:

Food: Make sure your hummingbird feeder is always full and clean. You can also plant nectar-rich flowers like Salvia, Cardinal Flowers, and Penstemon. They love tubular flowers, especially those in red, yellow, or purple hues.
Nesting spots: Hummingbirds like to build their nests in trees or shrubs, preferably ones that have plenty of leaves for cover. Provide these natural spaces in your yard by planting native trees and bushes.
Insects: While they mainly eat nectar, hummingbirds also snack on tiny insects and spiders. A garden full of native plants (without pesticides) is the perfect spot for them to find a protein-packed meal.

FAQs About Hummingbirds and Birdhouses

Which birds usually use nest boxes?

Birds like bluebirds, chickadees, and wood ducks are the ones that typically use nest boxes. These bird species are cavity-nesters and appreciate a little shelter from the elements.

Do nest boxes make birds feel safe?

Yes! Birds that use nest boxes find them to be a safe haven, offering protection from predators and harsh weather.

Where do hummingbirds usually build their nests?

Hummingbirds love building their nests on thin branches in trees or shrubs, where they’re shaded and protected by foliage. They’ll also use small open structures like hooks or ledges.

What predators threaten hummingbird nests?

Hummingbird nests can fall prey to a few predators, including snakes, crows, squirrels, and other small mammals. These animals will try to access the nests, especially if they’re low or not well hidden.