Having birds in your garden can be a joy, from their early morning songs to watching them care for their young. If you’ve come across bird eggs in your yard, you might be wondering: How long does it take for them to hatch?
The incubation period varies by species, but generally, smaller birds take between 10 to 14 days for their eggs to hatch, while larger birds may take anywhere from three weeks to a month. Some exceptions exist, but these are the typical timeframes.
Once hatched, birds go through different developmental stages before they are ready to leave the nest.
The Fledgling Stage
After hatching, most birds enter the nestling stage, where they remain dependent on their parents for warmth and food. Once they develop feathers and start moving around the nest, they become fledglings, young birds that are learning to fly.
Most songbirds (passerines) take about the same amount of time to fledge as they do to incubate. For example, if incubation lasts 12 days, the young bird will likely fledge in another 12 days. Larger birds typically take longer.
Some birds, called altricial species, are born helpless and need parental care for survival. This includes most songbirds, raptors, and woodpeckers. In contrast, precocial birds, like ducks and shorebirds, hatch with their eyes open and can walk or swim almost immediately.
Birds With the Shortest and Longest Incubation Periods
Among birds with short incubation times, many small songbirds, such as the Yellow Warbler, hatch in about 11 days.
At the other extreme, the Wandering Albatross holds the record for the longest incubation period, lasting up to 80 days. These seabirds take their time developing, which is fitting given their long lifespan; some live over 50 years.
Here’s a general breakdown of incubation periods across different bird groups:
- Small songbirds (e.g., warblers, finches, sparrows): 10–14 days
- Woodpeckers and pigeons: 12–18 days
- Ducks and chickens: 21–28 days
- Raptors (e.g., eagles, hawks, owls): 30–50 days
- Large seabirds (e.g., albatrosses, penguins): 50–80 days
Do Birds Leave Their Eggs Unattended?
Yes, but usually only for short periods. Parent birds often leave the nest to find food or to avoid drawing attention to their eggs. However, they always return unless something happens to them.
Eggs can remain viable for up to two weeks before incubation begins, as many birds wait until all their eggs are laid before sitting on them to ensure synchronized hatching.
If a nest becomes infested with parasites like ants or flies, a parent bird might abandon it, recognizing that the hatchlings’ survival chances would be too low.
When Do Birds Hatch Their Eggs?
Birds lay eggs at different times of the year, depending on their species and environment. Some, like robins and bluebirds, nest in spring and early summer, while others, like owls, may lay eggs in winter.
Factors such as food availability, weather conditions, and competition for nesting sites all influence when a bird lays its eggs. Birds that nest early in the season often have a higher success rate as their young have more time to mature before winter.
How to Tell If a Bird Egg Is Alive
If you find a bird egg, gently touch it with the back of your hand. A warm egg is likely still viable. Also, inspect the shell—an intact, undamaged shell suggests the embryo may still be developing.
If you discover an abandoned egg, the best thing to do is leave it where it is. The parent bird is likely nearby and will return when it’s safe. Many birds are protected by law, so interfering with their nests could be illegal.
Final Thoughts
The journey from egg to fledgling is an incredible process, with incubation times varying widely depending on the species. Whether you’re watching songbirds hatch in your backyard or reading about albatrosses taking months to emerge, bird eggs are fascinating.
If you ever come across a nest or an egg, the best course of action is to observe from a distance and let nature take its course.