Do hummingbirds reuse a nest?

Question

A hummingbird raised her family in a nest in my yard. Will she, or another mom, use that nest again? If not, I would like to take it for my kindergarden class to see and learn about bird nests.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Most ornithologists hold that hummingbirds do not reuse their nests. Other birdwatchers contend that some hummers will reuse them during the same nesting cycle, almost as soon as other nestlings fly off. However, on a year to year cycle, most nests become too damaged from the elements to reuse, so hens will often rebuild a new nest right on top of an old one.

If you can determine that the nest has been vacant for quite a while, it is probably safe to take it into your students.