Clever Hummingbird Builds a Nest Complete With a Giant Leaf Roof

Hummingbird Nest With Roof

When conservationist Bianca Caroline Soares was on a walk near her home in Paraguay, she spotted a hummingbird nest unlike any other she had seen before. The tiny construction looked like a conventional nest, but it had one ingenious addition—a leaf roof. Positioned on the side of the home, the leaf provided ample shade as the creature nestled in her creation.

Soares is a photography enthusiast who has been observing the nests of hummingbirds since 2018. It wasn’t until September 2019, however, that she happened upon the unique nest and snapped some pictures. She continued to observe it in the weeks and months following her first sighting. The hummingbird went on to have two chicks, and Soares was able to capture the trio under one roof—literally. The flexible nest expanded to fit the new additions and the leaf was able to cover them all.

By discovering, photographing, and sharing this special hummingbird nest, Soares hopes that it inspires others to respect and care for nature while doing what we can to help mitigate the disastrous effects of climate change.

Conservationist Bianca Caroline Soares spotted a hummingbird nest with a leaf roof while she was on a walk.

Hummingbird Nest With Roof

Hummingbird Nest With Roof

The flexible nest turned out to be the perfect place for the bird, who went on to have two chicks.

Hummingbird Nest With Roof

Here's the hummingbird at rest, and it gives you an idea of how big the leaf is.

 

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A post shared by Bianca Caroline Soares (@hijadelbosquepy) on

Bianca Caroline Soares: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Bianca Caroline Soares.

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Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met and Manager of My Modern Met Store. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned her BFA in Illustration and MFA in Illustration Practice. Sara is also an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, a studio where she stitches pet portraits and other beloved creatures. She chronicles the creativity of others through her website Brown Paper Bag and newsletter, Orts. Her latest book is Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread, published in 2014. Sara’s work has been recognized in Be Creative With Workbox, Embroidery Magazine, American Illustration, on Iron and Wine’s album Beast Epic, among others. When she’s not stitching or writing, Sara enjoys planning things that bring together the craft community. She is the co-founder of Camp Craftaway, a day camp for crafty adults with hands-on workshops in the Seattle area.
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