Bluebird Boxes

Female Eastern Bluebird | PC: Daniel Irons via MD Biodiversity

The Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) is one of the most well-known birds in the eastern United States. Though not typically found on one’s shoulder, it is once again a common site in open-land habitats. As recently as the mid-1960’s, bluebirds were in serious trouble. Removal of habitat and natural breeding cavities as well as competition from aggressive, non-native species like European starlings and house sparrows caused the numbers of this iconic species to plummet. Efforts by dedicated bluebird lovers throughout the eastern US have helped revive the species.

Eastern Bluebird Habitat | PC: Jared Parks

Bluebirds are cavity nesters. Typically, bluebird pairs will hunt for suitable cavities during the late winter in trees, fenceposts, or polls in relatively open areas. Hedgerows with older trees, forest edges on open fields, and streamside trees can all provide what they seek, a hole leading to a protected natural cavity large enough to build a nest. Key to their comeback was the introduction of artificial bluebird “boxes”. The typical design is an unpainted wooden box with an approximately 1.5-inch opening. Other designs include large hollow gourds, terra cotta vessels, and hollowed-out natural logs. Bluebird boxes can be mounted on fenceposts or poles, hung from trees, or attached to the trunk of a tree, but the boxes most likely to successfully fledge young bluebirds have predator guards and are protected from intrusion by the non-native species mentioned above. The direction the box faces is also of great importance. The hole should be facing in an easterly direction into the cooler morning sun and away from the dominant westerly winds and storms.

Bluebird Box Mounted on Pole with Baffle | PC: Jared Parks

These cheery, personable birds can be drawn to nearly any yard not in the deep forest, but they begin shopping for homes early in the season, so boxes should be up and cleaned out by mid-February. Where possible, multiple boxes can be placed on your property, but they should typically be spaced at least 100 yards apart. Other native species like tufted titmouse, Carolina chickadee, and tree swallow will also use bluebird boxes to raise their young.

For more information on everything bluebird, visit the North American Bluebird Society’s (NABS) website (https://www.nabluebirdsociety.org/) where you can find helpful tips to make your own bluebird experience rewarding. 

Baby bluebirds and eggs in nest | PC: Jared Parks

Love What You Read? Show Your Support With a Gift!