Hummingbirds will NOT use a bird house, but they may build a nest nearby if you provide nesting materials (as well as other needs such as food sources and water). Providing Nesting Materials for Hummingbirds is a great way to help the hummingbirds when they begin the nesting season. Also, it increases the likelihood that you might be able to observe a nest up close (very carefully) as well as increase the hummingbird population in your neighborhood.

What kind of material is good for hummingbirds to make their nests? In the past it was believed that dryer lint (without fabric softener) and cotton were good materials to provide for hummingbirds as well as other birds. However, it is now believed that those types of products will get extremely soggy and compromise the structural integrity of the nest, should the nest get wet as when it rains.

Natural materials such as cat and dog hair, or perhaps even any type of animal hair that you can provide will be appreciated by the hummingbirds. If you are able to accumulate this type of nesting material, simply put it in an empty suet feeder and hang in a nearby tree. Placing it underneath a red paper plate or a Hummer Helmet will help to attract the hummingbird’s attention. If wind is a problem, then hand next to a large tree trunk or other surface that would prevent the suet feeder from swinging.

On a few occasions, people have been able to photography the progress of building a nest to eggs being laid to fledglings leaving the nest. Check out these pictures that were taken of a nest in 2003 as well as a nest in 2005.

Don’t be surprised if other birds will take advantage of the nesting material that you provide. A commercially available product, Hummer Helper Nesting Material, has proven to be very much appreciated by Hummingbirds and other birds for building their nests.