Oklahoma's Summer Jewels

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds

Nesting and Breeding

After arriving in Oklahoma, ruby-throats quickly mate and construct a nest, usually in mid-April. Their cup-shaped nests are not much larger than a walnut half and are made of spider webs, plant down and lichens. Nests are built 10-20 feet above ground, often in a fork of a downward-sloping branch.

The female lays two white eggs about the size of navy beans, usually one day apart. The young hatch in 14-16 days and are ready to leave the nest about 21 days later. Sometimes two or even three broods are produced in a season.

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