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Bird Feature: Tree Swallow

April 16, 2022

Identifying Tree Swallows:

These small, streamlined songbirds have a short slightly notched tail and long pointed wings. Measuring between 4.7 and 5.9 inches in length with a wingspan ranging from 11.8 to 13.8 inches, these iridescent passerine are known for their aerial displays while foraging insects midair. Adult males have white undersides cloaked with shimmering blue-green feathers on their head and back with blackish wings and tail and a thin black eye mask. Females appearance varies only in the intensity of blue, with their feathers being somewhat duller at times with more brown feathers in their upperparts.

Tree swallows typically reside in fields, shorelines, wooded swamps, or marshes. They prefer to live near bodies of water that can produce a larger number of the flying insects that are the birds' diet. These birds will often be spotted in open spaces displaying their aerial acrobatic prowess as they chase insect prey in the air and will sometimes converge in larger numbers in an insect swarm. If you have ever been mowing the lawn and seen a group of birds appear continuously swooping down around there is a high probability this was a group of tree swallows gorging on the insects the mower was kicking up!

Attracting Tree Swallows:

The tree swallow's diet consists mainly of aerial insects such as damselflies, mayflies, months, beetles, and flies. Although they may eat some plant foods during inclement weather if prey is scarce, tree swallows are not birds that will be found at a feeder. To attract tree swallows to your yard, avoid spraying pesticides as these will deplete the birds' natural food source. Birders located in the typical breeding range (the northern half of the continental US, almost all of Alaska, and the southern two-thirds of Canada) can have success attracting tree swallows to their yard by erecting nest boxes. More information on selecting a location and mounting a nest box, see our blog.

Above: A pair of tree swallows bringing insects to their young in a Nature's Way Bluebird Box House w/ Viewing Window (Model# CWH4)

Nesting:

These birds are highly social and pairs will often nest close together if nest boxes are numerous. Tree swallows are cavity nesters, meaning they will nest in the natural cavities in dead trees and also nest boxes. The female constructs majority of the nest, taking roughly two weeks to complete the build. Nests are comprised almost entirely of grasses, but may also include pine needles, animal hair, or aquatic plants. Tree swallow nests are distinguishable from the nest of bluebirds who will also use these houses by the tidy lining of the nest cup with feathers.

Tree swallow eggs are roughly 0.7 inches in length and 0.5 inches in width, are a very pale pink the first few days after being laid, and turn pure white by day 4. A typical clutch size ranges from 4 to 7 eggs depending on the location, time of year, and brood. Eggs will be incubated for 11 to 20 days and the hatchlings will spend another 15 to 25 days before fledging the nest. There may be up to two broods in a nesting season.

Leave a comment to share with us your Tree Swallow stories!

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All about the spring nesting cycle

April 10, 2022

Arguably the most exciting time for backyard birding begins in early spring, when migratory birds return from their winter recess and nesting season begins. What is nesting season? It's the time of year when birds find a mate, build a nest, lay eggs, and raise their young. You, too, can experience the joys of nesting season in your own backyard by learning all about the spring nesting cycle!

Bluebird hatchlings in Bluebird Box House (Model# WWCH3).

When is bird nesting season?

Bird nesting season usually occurs from mid-March to mid-June and may fluctuate between geographic regions. Beginning in the spring, food sources are typically becoming more plentiful with the rise in temperature and increase in rainwater.

How do birds find a mate?

The first stage in the nesting cycle is courtship, or creating a pair bond between a male and female bird. You might be surprised to find that many of the ways birds attract a mate are similar in humans. Wild birds show off their talents by singing intricate songs and dancing with daring moves to prove their intelligence and maturity. Some choose to showcase their nurturing abilities, like nest-building and feeding, to demonstrate their ability to provide suitable shelter and foraging for their future young. Or simpler yet, they flaunt their finest features in displays that show off their bright plumage, health, and strength. This courtship generally lasts 1-2 weeks as the birds search for the perfect mate to nest with.

Where do birds make nests?

Depending on their species, the most common backyard birds will choose a variety of suitable nesting sites from tall grasses to birdhouses. Often building their nests at a fork in the branches of tall trees are hummingbirds, cardinals, and jays. Some birds, like juncos, make their nests in tall grasses, at the base of a tree or in exposed roots. Cardinals like to nest in dense shrubs or bushes, while finches will nest in a range of the previously mentioned locations. Woodpeckers prefer to nest in the cavities of live or dead trees but will not use nest boxes.

Bluebirds, tree swallows, titmice, wrens, chickadees, and nuthatches all prefer to nest in a cavity, whether it be a tree cavity or a birdhouse. If you'd like to try attracting a pair of nesting birds to your backyard, put up a Bluebird house or wren house ahead of the springtime and watch to see if your house becomes host to a growing family! Not sure where to put one? Check out our mounting and care instructions for Bluebird houses and wren houses.

A pair of Bluebirds using Bluebird Box House (Model# CWH3) .

Bluebird Houses:

Wren Houses:

How long does it take for a bird to build a nest?

A bird's nest can take anywhere from two days to two weeks to complete. There are many factors that can affect how long it takes for a bird to build a full nest. Material availability or quality, weather, and the bird's experience level can all influence the number of days needed to construct a suitable nest.

Do birds reuse nests?

In most cases, birds do not reuse their old nests. Some birds, like woodpeckers and hummingbirds, may build on top of their old nests out of convenience or if it's in their preferred location, but typically birds will move on to build a new nest in a new location as part of the nesting process.

If you have a birdhouse, it's recommended that you clean it out after every brood has fledged. At minimum, once a year prior to nesting season. You can safely clean your birdhouse to reduce potential parasite problems and increase occupancy throughout the year.

How many eggs do birds lay in a season?

A clutch of eggs is the total number of eggs laid in one nesting attempt. A female bird doesn't lay the same number of eggs in every clutch. The total number of eggs per clutch can vary widely depending on the species, or even the brood. Below is a list of the most common backyard birds, their potential number of broods, the size of each clutch, and a description of the egg to help you identify the nest.

Bird Species	Number of Broods	Typical Clutch Size	Egg Description	Nest Description
Northern Cardinal	1-2 broods	2-5 eggs	Grayish white, buffy white, or greenish white speckled with pale gray to brown.	Open cup made of twigs, weeds, grass, bark strips, leaves, rootlets, lined with fine grass or hair.
Blue Jay	1 brood	2-7 eggs	Bluish or light brown with brownish spots.	Bulky open cup made of twigs, grass, weeds, bark strips, moss, sometimes held together with mud. Lined with rootlets and other fine materials, often decorated with paper, rags, string, or other debris.
Black-capped Chickadee	1 brood	1-13 eggs	White with fine reddish-brown dots or spots.	Foundation of moss or other matter, lining of softer material such as animal hair.
American Goldfinch	1-2 broods	2-7 eggs	Pale bluish white, sometimes with small faint brown spots around large end.	Solid, compact cup of plant fibers, spiderwebs, plant down (especially from thistles); nest is so well-made that it may even hold water.
House Finch	1-6 broods	2-6 eggs	Pale blue to white, speckled with fine black and pale purple.	Open cup of grass, weeds, fine twigs, leaves, rootlets, sometimes with feathers, string, or other debris added.
Eastern Bluebird	1-3 broods	2-7 eggs	Pale blue or, rarely, white.	Loosely constructed cup of weeds, twigs, and dry grass, lined with finer grass, sometimes with animal hair or feathers.
Tree Swallow	1-2 broods	4-7 eggs	Pale pink, turning to pure white within 4 days.	Cup of grass, weeds, rootlets, moss, pine needles, other plant materials. Usually lined with many feathers (from other kinds of birds), mostly added after first eggs are laid.
White-breasted Nuthatch	1 brood	5-9 eggs	Creamy white to pinkish-white, speckled with reddish brown, gray, or purple.	Simple cup of bark fibers, grasses, twigs, hair. Sometimes adds mud to rim of nest entrance.
House Wren	1-2 broods	3-10 eggs	White, pink-white, or grayish, speckled or blotched with reddish brown.	Foundation of twigs, topped with softer cup of plant fibers, grass, weeds, animal hair, feathers.
American Robin	1-3 broods	3-5 eggs	Sky blue or blue-green and unmarked.	Cup of grasses, twigs, debris, worked into solid foundation of mud, lined with fine grasses and plant fibers.
Tufted Titmouse	1 brood	3-9 eggs	White to creamy white, spotted with chestnut-red, brown, purple, or lilac.	Foundation of grass, moss, leaves, bark strips, lined with soft materials, especially animal hair.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird	1-2 broods	1-3 eggs	Tiny, white, weighing about half a gram.	Compact cup of grasses, plant fibers, spider webs, lined with plant down. The outside is camouflaged with lichens and dead leaves.
Downy Woodpecker	1 brood	3-8 eggs	Completely white.	Cavity entrance is often surrounded by fungus or lichen, helping to camouflage site.

A clutch of five Tree Swallow eggs inside the Bluebird Box House w/Viewing Window (Model# CWH4) .

How long does it take for a baby bird to mature? How does a baby bird learn to fly?

From the birth of the hatchling (a newly hatched bird that can't walk or fly with few or no feathers and closed eyes) until the time they are a fledgling learning to fly varies between bird species but is generally between 10 days and 3 weeks. For fledglings, learning to fly takes a little bit of practice and lot of instinct. Fledglings usually begin attempting to fly when they are around 2 weeks old, after a period of stumbling and falling around the nest. Practicing flight usually involves flying or falling from the nest and finding their way back to it. After a few attempts, they'll learn how to spread their wings and begin flapping to avoid falling to the ground.

What do you do if you find a baby bird on the ground?

If you find a baby bird on the ground, first identify whether the bird is a hatchling (a newly hatched bird that can't walk or fly with few or no feathers and closed eyes) or a fledgling (mostly covered in feathers of a dull color with stubby wings and tail). A fledgling who is learning how to fly can make its way back to the nest without any help. If the bird is a hatchling, don't be afraid to place the bird back in the nest if you can locate it. Birds don't have a strong sense of smell and they will not abandon their young if you touch them.

If the bird is injured, do not touch it. Contact your city or county extension office to reach your local wildlife management department. Or, if you have a local park district, there may be a rehabilitation center who will accept injured birds or wildlife.

Which birds are you hoping will nest in your backyard this season? Share your nesting season stories with us!

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Meet our Contributors!

March 28, 2022

Over the years, we've been impressed by the passion and talent behind backyard bird photographers across the USA and Canada. That's why we've brought together a terrific group of birders from beginners to aficionados to showcase their photos and videos along with our products. Meet the group, visit their pages and follow along on their journeys as they continue to share the rewarding experience of backyard birding. You may see their photos and videos featured on our website and social media pages!

Brian Webster |@brianwebsterphotography

I am an amateur photographer and nature lover! I got into backyard birding because of my mother. I remember we always had bird feeders when I was a kid. My mum was a photographer too, so naturally we went on a lot of nature hikes looking for birds.

1. Your most proud birding moment in the last year was ____? I finally got a decent picture of Wild Turkeys. I had seen them many times but either did not have my camera or there was no place to stop.
2. What bird are you most hoping to see in 2022? I am most hoping to see owls in 2022, I really love owls!
3. If you could only have one type of bird at your feeders for the rest of your life, which would it be and why? Blue Jays because they are so beautiful.
4. What are your hobbies outside of birding? Photography, fishing, hiking and guitars.
5. What's one fun fact we might not know about you? I have been riding motorcycles since I was about 11.

Gina George |@bouquet.of.hummingbirds

I am a nature and photography lover. I got into backyard birding fairly recently when my husband and I moved to Texas. The previous owners of our house left behind a hummingbird feeder, so I decided to clean it up, make some nectar and give something new a chance. I'm so glad I did! I find such a large amount of joy in those tiny wings. Sharing my photos is truly so fulfilling to me, and I love looking at other photographers' work as well.

1. Your most proud birding moment in the last year was ____? Capturing the colorful kaleidoscope that lies within the hummingbirds' wings. It is truly so beautiful!
2. What bird are you most hoping to see in 2022? More varieties of hummingbirds.
3. If you could only have one type of bird at your feeders for the rest of your life, which would it be and why? Hummingbirds, of course! They've always been one of the most fascinating birds to me. They're the perfect example of great things come in small packages.
4. What are your hobbies outside of birding? I love collecting memories through my camera lens as well as hiking, crafting, and reading.
5. What's one fun fact we might not know about you? I am homebody! But, if you see me out and about, come say hi. I always love meeting new friendly faces.

Taylar Van Zandt |@my.backyard.birds

I'm from a small rural town in the Midwest. I'm a hairstylist, salon owner and avid birdwatcher. My mother introduced me to birdwatching 5 years ago. Over the years, my hobby has evolved from sitting and watching to now where I enjoy capturing them with my Canon Rebel T7i. There's nothing quite like waking up early in the mornings with just you and the birds enjoying god's creation before the rest of the busy city wakes. Birdwatching has taught me to slow down and enjoy all the little things life has to offer.

1. Your most proud birding moment in the last year was ____? My mother and I spotted a group of Cedar Waxwings eating red berries. We couldn't believe our eyes and I could barely hold my camera still enough to capture a picture! I've waited 3 years to see them and it was well worth the wait.
2. What bird are you most hoping to see in 2022? We recently moved to a new area that has an amazing conservation area and lake filled with hundreds birds of all species (the Honey Hole, as my mom and I call it). This year I'm looking forward to documenting and photographing all the spring migrators the big body of water will attract!
3. If you could only have one type of bird at your feeders for the rest of your life, which would it be and why? I would choose to have hummingbirds at our feeders all year long because they're extremely entertaining to watch. Their antics never get old.
4. What are your hobbies outside of birding? I enjoy spending time with my family. I love to be outside gardening and tending to my flowers.
5. What's one fun fact we might not know about you? I'm a hairstylist and a salon owner.

Kristen Teutonico |@wildbirbs

My name is Kristen and I'm a graphic designer and photographer from New Jersey. I got into backyard birding after setting up a single feeder in my yard years ago and saw a small group of House Finches enjoying it by the next day. I wasn't expecting to get any birds at all, but I was so surprised how easily they found it and knew I had to expand my feeder options and menu! 😅

1. Your most proud birding moment in the last year was ____? My husband and I bought our first home last year, and setting up the feeders for the first time I was unsure which types of birds would show up. To my surprise, a pair of Baltimore Orioles came within a few weeks! I didn't even have any Oriole feeders out, so I was very happy that they stopped by to enjoy what we set up!
2. What bird are you most hoping to see in 2022? Hoping to see more Orioles again! And also would love some Bluebirds.
3. If you could only have one type of bird at your feeders for the rest of your life, which would it be and why? Probably a White-Breasted Nuthatch -- the way they flip and climb around the feeders is always entertaining to watch! They have such fun energy and impressive skills.
4. What are your hobbies outside of birding? I love photographing birds and wildlife, as well as hiking and biking.
5. What's one fun fact we might not know about you? Besides caring for the birds and wildlife in our yard, I also have a lovely Calico cat named Molly! She enjoys bird watching as well, but exclusively from inside the house and through the window lol.

Karissa Reynolds |@karissalooksatbirds

I live in Connecticut with my husband and two dogs. My interest in birds happened recently and unexpectedly. I picked up my first camera in 2019 with the idea of taking landscape and family photos as a hobby. I played around with a zoom lens at the beach and realized there was a whole world of birds that I had no idea existed! My interest started at that point. My husband bought me my first bird feeder for Christmas in 2019 which ended up being a perfect gift, considering how the world changed just a few months later. Being home so much allowed me to have more time observing. I quickly became obsessed & immersed myself in learning by buying books, taking online classes, watching videos & joining online groups.

1. Your most proud birding moment in the last year was ____? As a newbie, I guess would say I'm pretty proud of getting better at identifying birds by sound.
2. What bird are you most hoping to see in 2022? Outside of my neighborhood, I'd love to see an American Woodcock. Their behavior is so interesting. At a feeder, I'd love to see an Oriole.
3. If you could only have one type of bird at your feeders for the rest of your life, which would it be and why? I love White-Breasted Nuthatches. They are adorable and fun to watch running up, down and around the trees.
4. What are your hobbies outside of birding? I love long summer beach walks with my husband and playing with & cuddling my dogs!
5. What's one fun fact we might not know about you? I can say the alphabet backwards really fast! 😂

Are you interested in becoming a Nature's Way contributor? Send us an email at info@natureswaybirds.com with examples of your photography and links to any websites or social media pages where you share your birding photography, and we may consider you for a future program!

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How to attract hummingbirds

March 28, 2022

With their brilliantly colored feathers and captivating flight patterns, hummingbirds are arguably the most coveted wild bird in North America. Even the briefest hummingbird visits bring joy and delight to backyard birders everywhere! So how can you turn your backyard into a hummingbird haven? With just a few supplies and our simple tips and tricks, you'll be ready to host a horde of hummingbirds this season!

Put up a hummingbird feeder

One of the simplest ways to attract hummingbirds to your yard is to put up a hummingbird feeder filled with fresh homemade nectar. Surprisingly, hummingbirds aren't too picky when it comes to the type of feeder you use, as long as there is sufficient distance for their tongues to reach the sweet nectar reward inside. You'll often see information encouraging you to fill your yard with red feeders, red flowers, or even red nectar, but researchers have proven that hummingbirds are attracted to a wide spectrum of colors even beyond human perception! It turns out they care less about the color of the feeder and more about what's inside. So, choose a beautiful feeder that's easy for you to fill, clean, and one that brings you joy.

You don't need to have a backyard to hang a hummingbird feeder. If you live in a building without a yard or balcony, try out a window hummingbird feeder! Hummingbirds have been known to visit feeders at elevation even without plants nearby.

If you're having trouble with pests like bees or ants at your hummingbird feeder, take a look at our helpful guide that breaks down common hummingbird feeder challenges and solutions.

Make your own homemade hummingbird nectar

The tried-and-true formula for hummingbird food is simple: about one part white granulated sugar to four parts water. This 20% sugar concentration best mirrors the sugar concentration naturally found in flowers preferred by hummingbirds. Also, the natural sugars found in flower nectar are primarily sucrose, like that of white granulated sugar.

Boil the water for approximately two minutes, add the sugar, and stir to dissolve thoroughly. Cover and allow to cool before using or pouring into a clean storage bottle. A large batch of nectar can be made and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This makes refilling the feeder easy, so you won't mind doing it every few days.

Additional suggestions:

• We do NOT recommend adding red food dye or any artificial coloring to the nectar.
• Make sure to thoroughly clean your feeders before the first use of the season and before each subsequent refill.
• We only recommend using regular white granulated sugar in nectar preparation.
• Do NOT use honey. Honey is comprised primarily of fructose and glucose and therefore hummingbirds digest this much less efficiently. Also, fermentation and mold growth occurs much more rapidly in nectar solutions using honey than those from granulated sugar.
• Do NOT use artificial sweeteners! Remember, these sweeteners contain no calories, which means they provide no energy to the hummingbirds.

Place your feeder in the right location

The location of your bird feeder should make the hummingbirds feel safe and at home. Hummingbirds are likely to feed more comfortably when near natural cover like trees, shrubs, or other vegetation. This provides shelter for them to view their feeding area so they can see any predators while waiting for their turn to feed. To help prevent fatal window collisions, feeders should be hung or mounted closer than 3 feet or farther than 15 feet from a window.

Placing feeders near flower beds or planters may help attract more hummingbirds to your feeder. If you want to try planting specific flowers to attract more hummingbirds to your yard, make sure you choose plants that are native to your area. Consider creating a blooming schedule to make sure your garden has blooming flowers all spring and summer long.

Set up a hummingbird fountain

Being one of the smallest wild birds in North America, hummingbirds will look for shallow, moving water to fly through, bathe, or splash around in. The typical bird bath is often too deep for hummingbirds to comfortably bathe in. Try setting up a shallow bird bath or add a bubbler, dripper, or mister to an existing bird bath to give the hummingbirds the movement and cascading water they prefer.

When do hummingbirds come to feeders?

Most hummingbirds are migratory birds, meaning they leave and return from a specific area seasonally. As they return from migration and end up in their ultimate destination, they will remember the source of their first meals - oftentimes coming back to the same feeders repeatedly. For the best chance of hummingbirds coming to your feeders, it is recommended to have them up and ready about two weeks before they return from their winter migration. Be aware that if you set up a feeder too late in the season, it may cause some hummingbirds to overlook it, but if hummingbirds are already in your area, don't be afraid to set out a feeder for them to try. Be sure to research the migratory pattern of hummingbirds in your area to determine the right time to have your hummingbird feeder ready.

Like other wild birds, hummingbirds are most likely to come out and visit a feeder around dawn and dusk, or early in the morning and late in the afternoon before sunset. Since hummingbirds have one of the highest metabolic rates of all backyard birds, they need to eat almost constantly to keep their energy up. That means hummingbirds can be seen feeding at various times throughout the day!

How to identify hummingbirds

The type of hummingbirds that will come to your backyard depends solely on your location. Learn more about how to identify, the migratory range, and nesting habits of each of the five most common types of hummingbirds in North America:

1. Ruby-throated Hummingbird

2. Rufous Hummingbird

3. Allen's Hummingbird

4. Black-chinned Hummingbird

5. Anna's Hummingbird

Try these hummingbird feeders

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Bird Feature: Allen's Hummingbird

March 27, 2022

Identifying Allen's Hummingbirds:

Allen's hummingbirds are rust orange and green all over. Adult males have a rust colored tail, eye patch and belly with a deep red-orange throat. Immature males and females have similar coloring with only small spots of iridescent bronze on their throats.

Left: male. Right: female.

Similar Species:

Both Allen's hummingbirds and Rufous hummingbirds share many of the same physical characteristics and can beextremelyhard to distinguish in the field, even by experienced birders. The only true way to decipher between these species is by subtle differences in the shape of their tail feathers. In the Allen's hummingbirds, all tail feathers are narrower than their Rufous counterpart. The Rufous hummingbird has a subtle but distinct notch at the top of the R2 feather (second from center).

Where Allen's Hummingbirds Live:

When the earliest signs of spring begin to show, as early as January, Allen's hummingbirds make their appearance in their breeding grounds along the western coast of California and Oregon. Males can be found in open areas of coastal scrub where they can be seen perched conspicuously keeping a close watch on their territory. The females visit these areas to find a mate but will retreat into the forest or thickets to build her nest and raise the young. There are two subspecies of Allen's hummingbirds; one which stays in California year-round and a second which migrates to Mexico during the winter months. These two subspecies are not distinguishable in the field.

What Hummingbirds Eat:

Allen's hummingbirds feed on nectar from tubular flowers and insects which they catch during flight or may even pull from spider webs or plants. Hummingbirds will also readily consume artificial nectar from hummingbird feeders. Nectar can be made using a ratio of 1 cup white sugar to 4 cups water. The use of dye or food coloring in artificial nectar is not necessary for attracting hummingbirds to a feeder and is not recommended due to the sensitive nature of these tiny birds.

How to Attract Allen's Hummingbirds to Your Feeder:

Placing feeders near flower beds or planters may help attract more
hummingbirds to your feeder. For the best chance of hummingbirds discovering your feeder, it is recommended to have it up and ready before they return from their winter migration. Be sure to research the migratory pattern of hummingbirds in your area to make sure you haven't put your feeder out too late, since this can cause them to overlook it later in the season.Feeders with built in perches can help these tiny birds conserve energy and feel more comfortable feeding, prolonging feeding times and increasing hummingbird viewing.

Nesting:

Constructed from plant down from willows and plants in the sunflower family and held together using spiderweb strands, female Allen's hummingbirds build their nests anywhere from 2 to 50 feet off the ground. Nests are usually located on a branch near shady streams. Small strands of grass are woven together to form an outer layer which is camouflaged with pieces of lichen and moss.

A clutch size is typically 2-3 eggs that are roughly 0.3 inches wide and 0.5 inches in length. The tiny eggs are white and weigh less than half a gram. Eggs hatch in 17 to 22 days and will fledge the nest after an additional 22 to 25 days. There can be 1 to 3 broods per year depending on weather and location.

Related Articles:

Are you ready for hummingbird season?

Common hummingbird feeders and solutions

Homemade hummingbird nectar recipe

Read more →

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Bird Feature: Black-chinned Hummingbird

March 26, 2022

Identifying Black-chinned Hummingbirds:

These quick little birds are a dull metallic green on the back of the head down to the tail. While both male and female have a grey-white underside, only the males have a very distinct black patch on their throat. The shape and size of the patch can vary from bird to bird, with a thin iridescent purple strip at the base, sometimes unnoticeable until catching the light.

Left: male . Right: female. [Photo credits to:Joan Gellatly | Flickr & © Marky Mutchler | Macaulay Library]

Where Black-chinned Hummingbirds Live:

These hummingbirds inhabit the Western United States during breeding season. They can be found in Texas, New Mexico, parts of Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana and West to the Pacific Coast. They have even been found to travel as far North as the southern part of British Columbia. After the breeding season, some adults will first move to higher altitude mountain habitats where flowers are still abundant because making the long migration south to winter in western Mexico.

What Hummingbirds Eat:

Black-chinned hummingbirds feed on nectar from tubular flowers and insects which they catch during flight or may even pull from spider webs or plants. Hummingbirds will also readily consume artificial nectar from hummingbird feeders. Nectar can be made using a ratio of 1 cup white sugar to 4 cups water. The use of dye or food coloring in artificial nectar is not necessary for attracting hummingbirds to a feeder and is not recommended due to the sensitive nature of these tiny birds.

How to Attract Black-chinned Hummingbirds to Your Feeder:

Placing feeders near flower beds or planters may help attract more
hummingbirds to your feeder. For the best chance of hummingbirds discovering your feeder, it is recommended to have it up and ready before they return from their winter migration. Be sure to research the migratory pattern of hummingbirds in your area to make sure you haven't put your feeder out too late, since this can cause them to overlook it later in the season.Feeders with built in perches can help these tiny birds conserve energy and feel more comfortable feeding, prolonging feeding times and increasing hummingbird viewing.

Product shown: Mason Jar Hummingbird Feeder (Model# MJF1)

Nesting:

Most nests are typically located between 6 to 12 feet above the ground on an exposed horizontal branch well below the canopy. Roughly the size of a large thimble (1 inch deep and 2 inches wide), the female builds the nest out of soft down held together with strands of spider silk and cocoon fibers. Nests in cooler areas will typically have thicker walls than those found in warmer climates.

A clutch size is typically 2 eggs that are roughly 0.3 inches wide and 0.5 inches in length. The tiny eggs are white and weigh less than half a gram. Eggs hatch in 12 to 16 days and will fledge the nest after an additional 21 days. Black-chinned hummingbirds can have between 1 to 3 broods per season depending on the weather and breeding location.

Related Articles:

Are you ready for hummingbird season?

Common hummingbird feeders and solutions

Homemade hummingbird nectar recipe

Read more →

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Bird Feature: Anna's Hummingbird

March 24, 2022

Identifying Anna's Hummingbirds:

At just under 4 inches in length, Anna's hummingbirds are small in comparison to other birds but in the hummingbird realm they are medium-sized and somewhat stocky. Mostly pale gray on the underside with an iridescent emerald green back, tail, and wings (sometimes also extended around the abdomen), the Anna's hummingbird is distinguishable from the Rufous hummingbird because it lacks any orange or rust-colored markings. While sometimes appearing a dull brown without direct sunlight, the male's face and throat are covered with brilliantly colored fuchsia feathers.

Left: male. Right: females.

Where Anna's Hummingbirds Live:

These dazzling jewels can be found year-round along the western coast of the US and into Arizona. Occasionally Anna's hummingbirds can be seen in parts of New Mexico in winter months and in rare occasions they can be sighted north along the very coastal western strip of Canada.

What Hummingbirds Eat:

Anna's hummingbirds feed on nectar from tubular flowers, insects which they catch during flight or may even pull from spider webs, and sometimes tree sap. Hummingbirds will also readily consume artificial nectar from hummingbird feeders. Nectar can be made using a ratio of 1 cup white sugar to 4 cups water. The use of dye or food coloring in artificial nectar is not necessary for attracting hummingbirds to a feeder and is not recommended due to the sensitive nature of these tiny birds.

How to Attract Anna's Hummingbirds to Your Feeder:

Placing feeders near flower beds or planters may help attract more
hummingbirds to your feeder. For the best chance of hummingbirds discovering your feeder, it is recommended to have it up and ready before they return from their winter migration. Be sure to research the migratory pattern of hummingbirds in your area to make sure you haven't put your feeder out too late, since this can cause them to overlook it later in the season.Feeders with built in perches can help these tiny birds conserve energy and feel more comfortable feeding, prolonging feeding times and increasing hummingbird viewing.

Product shown: Vintage Blossom Decorative Glass Hummingbird Feeder (Model# DGHF3)

Nesting:

Nests are typically built on a horizontal branch of a tree or shrub between 6-20 feet off the ground close to a nectar source. Roughly the size of a large thimble (1 inch deep and 1.5 inches wide), the female constructs the nest over the course of roughly a week using plant down held together with strands of spider silk and camouflages the exterior of the nest with lichen or moss.

A typical clutch contains 2 eggs that are roughly 0.3 inches wide and 0.5 inches in length. The tiny eggs are white and weigh less than half a gram. Eggs hatch in about 16 days and will fledge the nest after an additional 20 days. Anna's hummingbirds will typically have 2-3 broods per year.

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Bird Feature: Rufous Hummingbird

March 22, 2022

Identifying Rufous Hummingbirds:

These small hummingbirds are roughly 2.8-3.5 inches in length and have fairly straight bills and short wings that don't reach the end of the tapered tail when perched. Male Rufous hummingbirds are fiery orange in good light with a bright iridescent red throat. Females are green on their backs with rust colored feathers on their flanks, tail, and often a small patch of orange on the throat as well. Both male and female Rufous hummingbirds are aggressive and can typically be found performing aerial launches to chase off any other hummingbirds that appear, even in areas where they're spending only a short amount of time passing through for migration.

Left: male. Right: female.

Similar Species:

Both Allen's hummingbirds and Rufous hummingbirds share many of the same physical characteristics and can beextremelyhard to distinguish in the field, even by experienced birders. The only true way to decipher between these species is by subtle differences in the shape of their tail feathers. In the Allen's hummingbirds, all tail feathers are narrower than their Rufous counterpart. The Rufous hummingbird has a subtle but distinct notch at the top of the R2 feather (second from center).

Where Rufous Hummingbirds Live:

During summer breeding season this particular species of hummingbird resides mainly in the Pacific Northwest into the Southwestern strip of Canada inopen or shrubby areas of forest openings, yards, and parks, and can also sometimes be found in thickets, swamps, and meadows ranging from sea level to about 6,000 feet. When in their wintering grounds in Mexico, these hummingbirds are found between 7,500 to 10,000 feet elevation in shrubby areas and thorn forests. These birds can also often be found in the Southwestern portion of the United States on their migratory path to Mexico although only for a short period of time while passing through.

What Hummingbirds Eat:

Rufous hummingbirds feed on nectar from tubular flowers and insects which they catch during flight or may even pull from spider webs or plants. Hummingbirds will also readily consume artificial nectar from hummingbird feeders. Nectar can be made using a ratio of 1 cup white sugar to 4 cups water. The use of dye or food coloring in artificial nectar is not necessary for attracting hummingbirds to a feeder and is not recommended due to the sensitive nature of these tiny birds.

How to Attract Rufous  Hummingbirds to Your Feeder:

Placing feeders near flower beds or planters may help attract more
hummingbirds to your feeder. For the best chance of hummingbirds discovering your feeder, it is recommended to have it up and ready before they return from their winter migration. Be sure to research the migratory pattern of hummingbirds in your area to make sure you haven't put your feeder out too late, since this can cause them to overlook it later in the season.Feeders with built in perches can help these tiny birds conserve energy and feel more comfortable feeding, prolonging feeding times and increasing hummingbird viewing.

Nesting:

Wasting no time, female Rufous hummingbirds begin constructing their nests within 3 days of arriving at the breeding grounds. Nests are typically located in large deciduous or coniferous trees roughly 30 feet in the air. Roughly the size of a large thimble (1 inch deep and 2 inches wide), the female builds the nest out of soft down held together with strands of spider silk and sometimes pine resin and camouflages the exterior of the nest with lichen or moss.

A typical clutch size is typically 2-3 eggs that are roughly 0.3 inches wide and 0.5 inches in length. The tiny eggs are white and weigh less than half a gram. Eggs hatch in 15 to 17 days and will fledge the nest after an additional 15 to 19 days.

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7 Basics for Backyard Birding

March 21, 2022

With millions of backyard birders throughout the United States and Canada, there's no doubt that birding is one of the most popular pastimes. It's easy to get into this relaxing hobby – all you need are a few basic items and you're ready to get birding! With these seven birding essentials, you'll be on your way to a welcoming backyard full of nature and winged wildlife.

1.    Bird feeder

When selecting a bird feeder, it's important to consider the types of birds you're looking to attract. Platform, tube, and hopper bird feeders can accommodate several different seed types and will attract a wide variety of birds, while specialty feeders like nectar, Oriole and Bluebird are made to attract more specific bird types. Be sure to choose a feeder with features that will make it easy for you to keep clean and is safe, comfortable, and healthy for the birds.

Browse bird feeders:

Platform | Tube | Hopper

Nectar | Oriole | Bluebird

Suet | Squirrel-Proof | Window

For more help finding the right bird feeder for your yard, take a look at our bird feeder guide.

2.    Hanging location or structure

Wherever you decide to hang your bird feeder, it's important to choose a hanging method that is durable and sturdy. There are many different decorative and simple yard poles and hooks available, from a traditional shepherd's hook to a completely customizable and adjustable hook and display system like the AdjustaPole Yard Kit. Some bird feeder types can mount directly to the window with included suction cups, meaning no additional hanging method is needed!

The location of your bird feeder should make the birds feel safe and at home. Birds are likely to feed more comfortably when near natural cover like trees, shrubs, or other vegetation. This provides shelter for birds to view their feeding area so they can see any predators while waiting for their turn to feed. Remember to keep the feeders roughly 10-12 feet from any tree or obstacle to deter unwanted pests from reaching the seed. To help prevent fatal window collisions, feeders should be hung or mounted closer than 3 feet or farther than 15 feet from a window.

Note: We do not recommend hanging bird feeders from tree branches as this can give squirrels and other pests easy access to the feeder content.

3.    Feed

Ultimately, the size, shape, and type of bird feeder will determine the type of feed you need and the birds that will visit a particular feeder. While birds sometimes surprise us with their choices, the seed listed here typically attracts these birds:

• Black oil sunflower: Finch, Cardinal, Chickadee, Dove, Grosbeak, Jay, Junco, Nuthatch, Siskin, Sparrow, Titmouse, Woodpecker
• Striped sunflower: Cardinal, Chickadee, Grosbeak, Jay, Nuthatch, Titmouse
• Safflower: Cardinal, Chickadee, Dove, Grosbeak, Nuthatch
• Thistle (Nyjer): Finch, Bunting, Chickadee, Dove, Junco, Siskin, Sparrow, Titmouse
• Cracked corn: Cardinal, Dove, Grosbeak, Jay, Junco, Siskin, Sparrow, Titmouse
• Peanuts: Cardinal, Chickadee, Grosbeak, Jay, Junco, Nuthatch, Woodpecker
• Millet: Finch, Bunting, Cardinal, Dove, Jay, Junco, Siskin, Sparrow
• Suet: Finch, Bunting, Chickadee, Nuthatch, Siskin, Sparrow, Titmouse, Woodpecker
• Nectar: Hummingbirds, Orioles
• Grape jelly/Orange halves: Orioles
• Mealworms:  Bluebirds, Wrens, Chickadees
• Chopped apples/Dried fruit:  Woodpeckers, Mockingbirds, Catbirds, Robins

For more help choosing the right feed for your bird feeder, take a look at our bird seed guide.

4.    Bird House

There are few experiences more rewarding than having a pair of birds choose your backyard to nest and raise their young. To attract nesting birds to your yard, you'll need to choose and install a bird house. There are two main styles of bird houses: Bluebird houses will attract Bluebirds and Tree Swallows while wren houses will attract wrens and chickadees.

It's important to select a bird house with features that benefit the birds while making it quick and easy for you to clean and maintain - an added bonus if it's a beautiful style! Look for features for maximum bird comfort, like air ventilation, correct hole size to deter predator birds (1 1/2" for Bluebird and 1 1/8" for wren), and fledgling kerfs for extra grip for fledglings to climb out. Also make sure that the bird house components will stand up to nature with rust-free hardware and insect and rot-resistant wood.

Once you've selected the right bird house, check out our tips to mount and care for Bluebird houses and wren houses.

5.    Water source

The secret ingredient to attracting and keeping birds coming back to your yard is a fresh source of water. All birds drink water and need to bathe regularly to keep their feathers clean. Providing a consistent source of clean and fresh water from a bird bath or a shallow pond will keep your backyard birds happy, so they return regularly. Plus, even birds who don't typically eat from bird feeders do need a water source which will increase the variety of birds who visit your backyard. It's important to keep your water source clean and change the water often to prevent bacteria from forming and spreading amongst the birds.

6.    Birding accessories

There are a few accessories that can help deter pests at your bird feeder. If you'll be placing your bird feeder in an area with lots of squirrel activity, a baffle can be used to prevent squirrels or other pests from climbing up a pole or jumping down onto a feeder from above. Check out these squirrel-proofing tips for more ideas on how to keep the squirrels away from your feeders.

The same sweet nectar that attracts birds like hummingbirds, orioles and bluebirds can also attract ants. Many nectar feeders have built-in ant moats, which trap ants in a small cup of water before they have the opportunity to reach the feeder. If your feeder does not come with an ant moat, you may want to purchase and install one separately to prevent these feeder pests. To read up on more common hummingbird feeder challenges and solutions, check out our blog.

Carrying and pouring big heavy bags of bird seed without spilling can be challenging. A bag clip like the Handle-it bag clip can help you transport small and large bags of bird seed from the garage or shed to the feeder with ease. The seed can be stored right inside the bag with the secure latching system and screw cap so you don't have to worry about it spilling or spoiling.

7.    Cleaning supplies

No matter what type of feeder or seed you provide, routine cleaning of your bird feeders is an essential step to keep your backyard flocks healthy and avoid spreading diseases among birds. Some bird feeders and their parts are dishwasher safe and can be placed on the top rack after disassembling. Be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations before placing any feeder parts into your dishwasher. To wash by hand, typically all you need is unscented dish detergent, a scrubbing brush or sponge and warm water. Take a look at our bird feeder cleaning instructions for further information on why and how often to clean your bird feeder.

Bonus: Resources for bird identification

Since you'll be seeing some new bird faces around your backyard, get ready to identify them with these recommended resources:

• Merlin Bird ID app: Answer three simple questions about a bird you are trying to identify and Merlin will give you a list of possible matches. Merlin offers quick identification help for all levels of bird watchers to help you learn about the birds across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
• National Geographic Field Guide: This fully revised edition of the best-selling North American bird field guide is the most up-to-date guide on the market. Perfect for beginning to advanced birders, it is the only book organized to match the latest American Ornithological Society taxonomy.
• State-specific field guides: Author, naturalist and wildlife photographer Stan Tekielais the originator of the popular state-specific field guide series and many easy-to-use identification guides for the U.S.
• BirdCast migration alerts: You can follow the local bird migration alertsfrom BirdCast to find out whether birds will be passing overhead near your city tonight! BirdCast provides live and local bird migration alerts throughout the continental US by employing real-time analysis of bird migration traffic as detected by radar. You can also take a look at their bird migration forecast maps and live bird migration maps to see predicted and real-time intensities of actual nocturnal bird migration based on weather surveillance and historical bird movements.

Read more →

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Bird Feature: Ruby Throated Hummingbird

March 21, 2022

Identifying Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds:

Beating their wings on average 53 times per second, these quick little birds are a bright emerald green on the back of the head down to the tail. While both male and female have a grey-white underside, only the males have a very distinct ruby red patch on their throat. The shade of red and size of the patch can vary from bird to bird, with the feathers sometimes appearing very dark until catching the light.

Left: male. Right: female.

Where Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds Live:

This particular species of hummingbird lives in forest edges, meadows, grasslands, open woodlands, and in gardens, parks, and backyards. During the summer months of breeding season these birds can be found across the Eastern half of the United States and the southern portion of Canada. This is the only species of hummingbird found in the Eastern United States. Despite their small stature, most of these little birds make the amazing trek all the way to southern Mexico for winter months, while a small number may remain in the southern most tip of Florida.

What Hummingbirds Eat:

Ruby-throated hummingbirds feed on nectar from tubular flowers, insects which they catch during flight or may even pull from spider webs, and sometimes tree sap. Hummingbirds will also readily consume artificial nectar from hummingbird feeders. Nectar can be made using a ratio of 1 cup white sugar to 4 cups water. The use of dye or food coloring in artificial nectar is not necessary for attracting hummingbirds to a feeder and is not recommended due to the sensitive nature of these tiny birds.

How to Attract Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds to Your Feeder:

Placing feeders near flower beds or planters may help attract more
hummingbirds to your feeder. For the best chance of hummingbirds discovering your feeder, it is recommended to have it up and ready before they return from their winter migration. Be sure to research the migratory pattern of hummingbirds in your area to make sure you haven't put your feeder out too late, since this can cause them to overlook it later in the season.Feeders with built in perches can help these tiny birds conserve energy and feel more comfortable feeding, prolonging feeding times and increasing hummingbird viewing.

Nesting:

Nests are typically built on a slender branch between 10-40 feet off the ground but have also been found in more surprising locations such as wire, loops of chains, and extension cords. Roughly the size of a large thimble (1 inch deep and 2 inches wide), the female builds the nest out of thistle or dandelion down held together with strands of spider silk and sometimes pine resin and camouflages the exterior of the nest with lichen or moss.

A typical clutch size can range from 1-3 eggs that are roughly 0.3 inches wide and 0.5 inches in length. The tiny eggs are white and weigh less than half a gram. Eggs hatch in roughly two weeks and will fledge the nest after an additional 18-22 days.

Related Articles:

Are you ready for hummingbird season?

Common hummingbird feeders and solutions

Homemade hummingbird nectar recipe

Read more →

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Source: https://www.natureswaybirds.com/blogs/news?page=2

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