Bluebirds are beautiful birds that are symbols of joy and hope. They are also cavity nesters and loss of habitat has affected their populations in a negative way.
This article will share with you the WHY and HOW of attracting bluebirds to your yard. In addition, we have some guidance for you to purchase or make bluebird housing and where to place it.
The Importance of Bluebirds
Beauty
Insect Control
Gardener’s Friend
Bluebirds are some of the most beautiful and beloved birds in North America. They are known for their bright blue feathers and sweet warbling songs.
Bluebirds also play an important role in our ecosystem by eating insects and other small invertebrates that can damage crops and gardens. Bluebirds are primarily insectivores. They are fabulous to have around gardens and will eat many garden pests.
Read my article on Getting Rid of Squash Bugs Organically
Unfortunately, the Eastern Bluebird population declined dramatically in the mid-20th century due to habitat loss and competition from invasive species. However, in recent years, dedicated conservation efforts have helped to increase their numbers. Creating a bluebird habitat is a great way to continue this progress.
Bluebird Species
Bluebirds are a type of Thrush, a large family of birds that feed predominantly on insects. There are three species of Bluebirds in the Americas. Eastern, Mountain, and Western, and their names tell us where they live!
The eastern bluebird is slightly smaller in size, measuring about 6 to 7 inches in length, while the western bluebird is a bit larger, usually reaching lengths of 6.5 to 7.5 inches. They are found throughout the US and southern Canada and into central America east of the Rocky Mountains.
The western bluebird, Sialia mexicana, has more subdued tones of blue on its wings and tail, with a blue-gray back, chest, and belly that are lighter in color.
The mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is found in open spaces at higher elevations, such as meadows, fields, and alpine areas, the mountain bluebird is a resilient species that can withstand harsh climates.
As typical with many bird species the males have brighter plumage than the females. Pics below are males.
Photos: Eastern Bluebird in North Carolina by William H. Majoros and Western Bluebird in Sonoma, California by Sarah Stierch
Educational Opportunities for All Ages
Building a bluebird nesting box offers an engaging DIY project for families, schools, and individuals of all ages. Get together with your loved ones and embark on a hands-on educational experience as you assemble the nesting boxes.
Alongside fostering a love and appreciation for nature, you'll also gain valuable knowledge about bluebird behavior and the importance of responsible environmental stewardship.
Conservation of Native Bird Species
By installing bluebird nesting boxes, you promote the conservation of native bird species. These boxes provide a safe and cozy habitat for these beautiful creatures to build their nests, hatch their eggs, and raise their young.
Put bluebird houses up in fall and winter because they will start scouting in February.
If you want to build your own nest boxes the North American Bluebird Society has some great downloadable plans.
You can also purchase bluebird nesting boxes and Amazon has some great ones.
In particular, I have used the Kingsyard Wooden Bluebird House. It’s just the right size and very attractive for yards.
When building keep these size requirements in mind.
The entry hole should be 1 1/2 inches for eastern and western bluebirds or 1 9/16 inches for mountain bluebirds.
The floor should be between 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 inches square and 5 to 8 inches below the entry hole.
No perch
Overhanging, slanted roof
Ventilation
Can be opened for cleaning at end of season
When researching this article, I was going on Bluebird sites and found there is some friendly debate about the best models. The Sialis Bluebird site recommends trying a couple of different ones.
Where to Locate Your Bluebird Nest Box
So bluebirds can be a tad picky! But whose to blame them? They have babies to feed and protect!
Bluebirds like to nest out in the open near wooded areas. So meadows, yards, and pastures are perfect.
I place two on the edge of my garden area - free bug control! However, you need to have plenty of room as bluebirds are territorial. Place nest boxes 250 - 300 feet apart from one another.
While you can use a tall fence post it’s much better to use a metal pole or a zinc-plated electrical conduit pipe. Fence posts are easy for predators such as raccoons to climb up.
Mount the house 5-6 feet above the ground.
Use a baffle to help protect your bluebirds. Bluebirds get preyed upon by predators such as squirrels, snakes, and hawks - not to mention domestic cats.
A baffle helps protect the nest by stopping predators from climbing the pole.
Check out my YouTube channel for videos on wildlife and organic gardening.
Raising a Family
It’s a privilege to be able to watch your bluebird neighbors raise a family.
Bluebirds typically lay 4 pale blue eggs. The female sets on them for two weeks. Both parents work hard to keep the hungry babies fed!
The babies will stay in the nest for about three weeks before they fledge.
Interested in attracting butterflies? Read my article on creating a monarch butterfly garden - comes with downloadable garden plans.
Benefits of Bluebird Habitat
Creating bluebird habitats not only helps to support these lovely birds, but it also offers a variety of other benefits. When properly planned and maintained, bluebird habitat can:
1. Promote biodiversity
2. Enhance the beauty of your yard or community
3. Reduce the need for harmful pesticides and chemicals
4. Provide an opportunity for education and engagement with nature
We can attract them to our yards by providing food, water, and shelter. A birdbath is great for providing water for drinking and bathing.
In cold weather bluebirds enjoy eating berries. Planting native bushes in your yard like serviceberries can encourage bluebirds. Other native plants that provide berries are Sumac and beauty bush.
In winter they will often stop at bird feeders. They prefer a tray feeder as they don't normally like small perches like on tube feeders. They appreciate mealworms, raisins, and dried cherries.
Read my article about Feeding Wild Birds
Bluebirds will also eat suet especially if you are in an area that sees migrating bluebirds. It's great for an energy boost. Purchase or make suet with nuts and berries.
Some areas see bluebirds year-round. A heated water bath is appreciated in winter.
Female blubird building a nest. Of course the bird people, Audubon, make great bird houses!
Ame Vanorio is an author and director of Fox Run Environmental Education.
There are many things you can do to create a friendly frog and toad yard. In this article, I will give you step-by-step directions to create amphibian-friendly places, explain the “why”, and provide images of frog garden designs.