WBU Educational Resources
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The Great
Backyard
Bird Count
Major sponsorship provided by
Wild Birds Unlimited. |
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here for more topics about
backyard birdfeeding and the
wild birds visiting your yard!
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 Bluebirds
Bluebird Houses
Because bluebirds lack a strong bill to excavate a cavity
for nesting, they depend on finding the used cavities of other birds or
man-made houses. Bluebird populations had declined steadily over the years
due to habitat loss. But, thanks to man-made houses, they are making a
comeback. Our Wild Birds Unlimited bluebird boxes are designed with the
birds in mind.
They are designed for easy monitoring of the nest. The top can be lifted for viewing without disturbing the nestling and for easy
photography. (It is not recommended to open
the box day 13 or after as this may cause fledglings to leave the nest too early.) The
side is easily opened at the end of the nest season for cleaning. It important to clean
out old nesting material that may harbor parasites. See more
details on WBU Nesting Boxes.
Mounting Bluebird Boxes
Bluebird boxes need to be kept away from shrubs and tree lines (100 ft or
more). Face the box away from prevailing winds (facing south) and mount boxes
approximately 5 feet high.
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Download Our
Brochure
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Attract Nesting
Bluebirds
List of Educational
Brochures
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Frequently Asked
Questions |
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Q: I saw a bluebird in my yard. Do you think it would come to
my feeder?
 Bluebirds are
typically insect and fruit eaters. You can try feeding mealworms
or Bluebird Choice to the bluebirds. Place a small amount of
mealworms on the ledge of the bluebird feeder until the birds get
used to finding the mealworms. The bluebirds will learn to go into
the feeder for mealworms. It is really fun to watch the young
bluebirds ‘beg’ for the worms!
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Have boxes up by February (southern areas) and by March in northern areas.
Bluebirds have been known to roost during colder months in nesting boxes and can be attracted to roosting
boxes.
If swallows compete for the nest site, place another box near the first
(15 to 25 feet from the original house). Swallows will help keep other swallows away from
both boxes. In areas where there are violet green swallows and tree swallows along with
bluebirds, place three houses, one for each species. They seem to tolerate overlapping
territories of other species, but not their own.
One important item to mention to customers is that sparrows and wrens may
try to take over a bluebird nesting box. They may make it to the bluebird box first or
they may try to force the bluebirds out. English House Sparrows are notorious for breaking
bluebird eggs and even killing the hatchlings. If customers are warned that this could be
a possibility, they may not be as disappointed if it does happen. The only way to help
reduce this possibility is to make sure the house is mounted away from the edge of trees
or away from human dwellings and to clean out sparrow nests regularly (sparrow nests are
sloppy and frequently fill the box).
Bluebird Feeders
Bluebirds primarily eat insects when available and supplement this main
diet of insects with various fruits and berries. Raisins, nut meats, sunflower chips and
prepared food such as WBU Suet Snacks and meal worms are all readily eaten by
bluebirds.
Bluebirds can be attracted to feeders. Providing an easy source of food
allows bluebirds to spend their energy on nest building and caring for their young instead
of foraging for food.
Bluebirds need to "learn" to eat from a bluebird feeder. Feeders
should have a platform underneath the entrance hole so that food can be placed on the
platform while the bluebird is learning to go inside the feeder to eat. Bluebird feeders
were designed to make it harder for other species of birds to reach the food. Any bird
that is the size or smaller than a bluebird could potentially fit into the feeder.
Sometimes it takes putting food on a tray close to the bluebird feeder before the
bluebirds catch on.
Bluebird Facts
It takes two to five days for female to complete nest.
Females build the nest alone. Males will carry nesting material during
courtship.
Nests are light and airy, consisting of fine grass or pine needles, hair
and maybe a few feathers, with a small cup shape in the center.
Possible parasites are blowfly larvae which can seriously weaken
nestlings.
Pesticides; (pyrethrins or rotenone or any others), are not recommended
as bluebirds are thin skinned and sensitive to toxins. Diatomaceous Earth can be placed
under the nest. This will cause the larvae to sustain cuts which help to dehydrate their
bodies.
Old material may be partially removed by bluebirds. It is best to clean
out old nests for the birds.
Bluebirds may come and go during several weeks before completing one
nest.
Studies are finding that the male from the first brood will come back to
help feed the young (usually female) of the second brood.
Swallows have been known to help bluebirds raise their young and then
use the nest box once the bluebirds have fledged.
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