Welcome to the world of birdhouses for bluebirds! If you’re looking for a way to bring some color and life into your garden, then you’ve come to the right place. Not only are bluebirds beautiful, but they also provide many benefits, like pest control and an increase in diversity. With so much to gain from these feathered friends, it’s no wonder why people are investing in birdhouses specifically designed for bluebirds. Get ready to learn all about the best homes for our beloved bluebirds.
Will Bluebirds Live In A Birdhouse?
Bluebirds are a species of true thrush. The three North American bluebird species are the eastern bluebird, western bluebird, and mountain bluebird.
These beautiful songbirds range in size from about 6 to 7 inches long and have stout bodies with relatively short tails. Their wingspans measure 9 to 10 inches wide, on average. Adult males sport brilliant plumage that is sky-blue above and rusty-red on their throats and breasts; females tend to be more subdued in coloration, typically grayish-blue above with pale brown underparts streaked heavily with gray or black. Both sexes have bluish wings with white wing bars; however, young birds lack these distinctive markings until they molt into their first adult plumage at approximately 4 months old.
The most popular nesting site for all three North American bluebird species is an enclosed nest box placed either low to the ground or high up on a post—and both heights seem equally attractive to these homebody birds! Bluebirds will readily use manmade birdhouses as well as natural cavities excavated by woodpeckers or other cavity nesters; if given the chance, though, they generally prefer larger nests located closer to the ground rather than smaller ones situated higher off the ground
What Kind Of Birdhouse Do Bluebirds Like?
All three species of bluebirds will nest in cavities and will readily use birdhouses, also called nesting boxes. Bluebirds generally prefer an open cup design for their nests with no perch attached to the entrance hole. The size of the opening should be 1-1/2 inches in diameter for eastern and western bluebirds, while mountain bluebirds may use slightly larger entrances up to 2 inches wide. Boxes placed too close together or without adequate perching sites nearby will likely not be used by these cavity nesters.
Do Bluebirds Use Nesting Boxes?
Yes, bluebirds do use nesting boxes. Here are some reasons why:
- Bluebirds are cavity nesters, which means they nest in holes or cavities in trees. This can be a problem because there are not always enough natural cavities for all the bluebird pairs that want to nest.
- Nesting boxes provide more places for them to build their nests and raise their young.
- Boxes also offer protection from predators and bad weather conditions like heavy rain or strong winds.
How Do You Attract And Befriend Bluebirds?
The best way to attract bluebirds is by providing them with a nest box and placing it in an open area away from trees. You can also put out mealworms or other types of insects for them to eat. Once you have a few regular visitors, you can try hand-feeding them.
Benefits Of Bluebirds In Your Yard
- Bluebirds are beautiful and can add color and life to your yard.
- They are good for the environment since they help control insect populations naturally.
- Bluebird nesting boxes provide homes for them and also give you a front-row seat to watch their parenting behaviors which can be fascinating, as well as educational for children who may be observing.
Do Bluebirds Eat From Bird Feeders?
Bluebirds typically eat insects and other small invertebrates, but they will also visit bird feeders for an easy meal. While bluebirds generally prefer to eat from natural sources, they will consume seed or suet from a feeder if necessary. If you’re hoping to attract bluebirds to your yard, consider offering them a variety of foods including live insects, dried fruits, nuts, and commercially available bluebird food mixes.
Best Birdhouses For Bluebirds
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best birdhouse for bluebirds. First, bluebirds prefer a smaller entrance hole (1-1/2 inches in diameter) than most other birds. Second, the house should be made of cedar or another rot-resistant wood and have a metal roof to protect against predators. Third, the house should be mounted on a pole or post at least 5 feet off the ground. Fourth, it is important to provide adequate drainage at the bottom of the birdhouse so that nesting material does not become soggy. Finally, make sure there is plenty of open space around the birdhouse so that adult birds can easily fly in and out while tending to their nestlings.
What Should You Put Out For Bluebirds?
There are a few things you can do to attract bluebirds to your yard:
- Install a bluebird house. Make sure it is the right size and has an entrance hole that is 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Place the house 4-6 feet off the ground in an open area away from trees or bushes.
- Provide nesting material such as short strips of bark, pine needles, excelsior, grasses, and feathers.
- Put up multiple houses because bluebirds are territorial – they will chase other birds away from their nest site.
- Offer them food! Mealworms (live or frozen), ants, crickets, berries, and fruits are all excellent choices.
Birdhouses For Bluebirds Conclusion
The best thing about birdhouses for bluebirds is that they provide a safe and cozy home for these beautiful birds. With their bright colors, these houses are sure to bring joy to your backyard. Whether you’re looking for a cheerful addition to your garden or an interesting conversation piece, these birdhouses will surely make your outdoor space the talk of the town!
There are a few things to keep in mind when putting up birdhouses for bluebirds. First, the house should be put up before the nesting season begins so that the birds have time to get used to it. Second, make sure that the house is placed in an open area away from trees or shrubs so that predators cannot reach it. Third, provide perches near the entrance of the birdhouse so that bluebirds can easily enter and exit. Finally, check on the birdhouse periodically during nesting season to make sure everything is going well.
