North Carolina’s tiny hummingbirds face surprising dangers when building their walnut-sized nests. The materials these miniature marvels collect can either support their families or put them at serious risk.
Knowing which nesting materials to avoid helps protect these beloved birds that bring so much joy to our gardens and backyards.
1. Dryer Lint: The Dangerous Impostor
Many well-meaning bird lovers leave dryer lint out for nest-building, but this seemingly soft material becomes a deadly trap when wet. Dryer lint collapses and hardens as it dries, potentially entangling tiny hummingbird feet and nestlings.
Rain-soaked lint can also transfer harmful detergent chemicals directly to hummingbird eggs. Instead of lint, provide natural cotton fibers or plant down that maintain their structure in North Carolina’s sometimes humid climate.
2. Synthetic Fibers That Never Break Down
Yarn scraps, fishing line, and plastic strings might seem like convenient offerings, but they’re a nightmare for hummingbirds. These tough materials don’t decompose and easily tangle around delicate hummingbird legs and necks.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds, North Carolina’s most common species, have been found strangled by synthetic fibers wound too tightly during nest construction. Natural alternatives like short pieces of cotton thread or plant fibers provide the binding strength without the deadly risks.
3. Human Hair: The Silent Strangler
Long strands of human hair create perfect nooses for tiny hummingbird feet. Unlike natural animal fur, human hair doesn’t break easily when a small bird struggles to free itself.
North Carolina wildlife rehabilitators regularly treat hummingbirds with toes or entire feet amputated by hair wrapped around them. If you want to provide nesting material, offer short snippets of natural wool or cotton fibers instead of hair from your brush.
4. Pesticide-Laden Plant Materials
Garden trimmings from plants treated with pesticides bring invisible poison right into hummingbird nests. Even trace amounts can harm developing embryos inside those tiny eggs – each barely the size of a coffee bean!
Female hummingbirds often gather spider silk and plant fibers from garden plants in North Carolina. Always mark pesticide-treated areas to prevent them from collecting toxic materials. Better yet, maintain a pesticide-free yard to create a true hummingbird haven.
5. Moldy Or Rotting Plant Matter
Wet leaves and decomposing plant material might seem natural, but they harbor dangerous mold spores that cause respiratory infections in nestlings. Young hummingbirds have undeveloped immune systems, making them especially vulnerable to fungal diseases.
North Carolina’s humid summers accelerate mold growth in nests. Remove piles of damp yard waste near feeders and nesting areas. Fresh, dry plant materials like milkweed fluff or thistle down make excellent alternatives that stay clean and dry.
6. Chemically-Treated Cotton
Cotton balls from medicine bottles seem perfect for tiny nests, but they’re often treated with bleach and other chemicals that irritate sensitive hummingbird skin. The chemical residue can cause feather loss and skin irritation in both adults and nestlings.
Ruby-throated hummingbirds need truly natural materials. Look for untreated, organic cotton if you want to provide nesting material. Even better, plant native North Carolina species like milkweed that naturally produce soft, safe fibers perfect for hummingbird nests.
7. Colorful Craft Feathers
Bright craft feathers from hobby stores might catch your eye, but they’re dangerous additions to the nesting box. Many are treated with preservatives and dyes containing zinc, lead, and other toxins harmful to hummingbirds.
Additionally, these eye-catching colors can attract predators to normally camouflaged nests. North Carolina has several nest predators like blue jays and squirrels that easily spot bright objects. Keep artificial feathers for your crafts and away from your bird-friendly spaces.
8. Pet Fur Treated With Flea Medications
Dog and cat fur seems like a cozy addition to any nest, but not when it’s from pets treated with topical flea medications. These powerful insecticides remain in fur for weeks and can poison hummingbird nestlings through skin contact.
Even trace amounts can harm birds weighing just 3-4 grams! If you collect pet fur for birds, ensure it comes from untreated animals. North Carolina’s warm climate means many pets receive year-round flea treatments, so always check before offering fur.
9. Heavily Scented Materials
Potpourri, scented dryer sheets, and fragrant garden trimmings like eucalyptus might smell pleasant to us but can overwhelm a hummingbird’s sensitive respiratory system. Strong scents can also mask the natural smell of predators approaching the nest.
North Carolina’s native hummingbirds evolved using local, unscented materials. Keep artificial fragrances away from nesting areas and bird feeders. Instead, plant native, unscented plants like dogwood or serviceberry that provide natural nesting materials without harmful oils or fragrances.