ELIZABETH STOAKES

Birding Enthusiast

and her nest to escape the notice of predators.

The miniscule Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a dynamic example of “girl power”. Following a strenuous spring migration from her winter home in Central America, she establishes and defends her own nesting territory, separate from the male. After mating, the male pursues other partners, leaving her alone to build her walnutsized nest. Ingeniously disguised with lichen and other plant material, and reinforced with spider silk, the nest expands as the chicks grow. (She sometimes reduces her workload by reusing and refurbishing a previous season’s nest.) She incubates her two tiny eggs for 11 to 16 days, then feeds the young on insects (especially spiders) and nectar for approximately 3 weeks until they’re ready to fly. While investing tremendous energy in her offspring, she must also find time to forage and feed herself. She may raise TWO broods per year under ideal conditions—an amazing accomplishment!

This summer and fall, when newly fledged hummers and cardinals gorge themselves at your feeders and speckled young robins forage for worms on your lawn, I hope you’ll stop and marvel at the durable and determined female birds who raised them “behind the scenes”!