The world of hummingbirds is fascinating, and their offspring are particularly intriguing due to their incredibly small size. I was lucky enough to spot a hummingbird nest–with mama hummingbird and babies–near our house a few years ago. They were just about ready to leave the nest but they were still tiny! Let’s look at just how diminutive these creatures are, especially when they first enter the world.
The Size at Birth
Baby hummingbirds, often referred to as chicks, are remarkably tiny at birth. Typically, a hummingbird chick is about the size of a jelly bean, measuring only about half an inch (1.27 cm) in length.
To put this into perspective, they’re roughly the same size as a penny or a single coffee bean!
Growth and Development
These hummingbirds were just about grown and ready to leave the nest when we spotted them.
Despite their initial small size, hummingbird chicks grow rapidly. This growth is largely due to the high-protein diet of insects and nectar they receive from their mother.
Within just a few weeks, they can grow to several times their birth size. However, even at their largest before fledging or leaving the nest, baby hummingbirds remain small and delicate creatures.
Nest Size Reflects Chick Size
I spotted this hummingbird sitting on eggs; her nest was built in a tree close to our creek.
The nest of a hummingbird is also an indicator of the tiny size of its occupants.
Often built by the female using materials like plant down, spider silk, and lichen, a hummingbird nest is only about the size of a half-dollar coin.
This empty hummingbird nest fell into our yard in a windstorm.
It’s designed to stretch and expand as the chicks grow, but even so, it remains a compact and snug environment.
Comparisons to Other Birds
When compared to other bird species, the size difference is stark. For example, a newly hatched chicken or duckling is significantly larger than a hummingbird chick.
This size difference underscores the unique biological adaptations of hummingbirds, including their diminutive size, rapid wing beats, and high metabolism.
The tiny size of baby hummingbirds is a marvel of nature. From their jelly bean-sized beginnings to their rapid growth in a snug nest, these chicks embody the delicate yet resilient nature of these beautiful birds.
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