Re: [MDOsprey] Hummingbird Nest

Les Eastman (les_eastman@netfox.net)
Sat, 17 Jul 1999 12:47:00 -0400


> Dave Powell wrote:
> 
> Ospreyers,
> 
> My best find for July, a Ruby-throated Hummingbird nest thirty feet
> from my house. The nest is approximately twenty feet off the ground in
> a Red Maple. I have seen the female sitting on the nest several times.
> I look through several field guides, but could not find relevant
> information on nesting. Anyone with knowledge about gestation times or
> other nesting information on Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds, I would
> appreciate a reply. Thanks in advance.
> 
> Dave Powell
> Harford Bird Club
> dpowell@netfox.net
> 

Dave,

A good source for this type of information is "The Birder's Handbook" by
Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye.  It says that incubation takes 11 - 14 days
and the young fledge in 14 -28 days. (Seems quite a range to me.)  I
think in general for most small birds you can figure 2 weeks incubation
and another 2 weeks to fledging.  And humans think their kids grow up
fast. :)

Les

======================
Les Eastman
les_eastman@netfox.net
Havre de Grace, MD
Visit the Harford Bird Club Web Page at http://birdclub.harfordhasit.com