Do Bluebird Boxes Attract Bluebirds?
Facts on Bluebirds
Bluebirds are extraordinary birds and are a natural pesticide for our environment. They mostly feed upon a variety of insects- 60-80% of their diet. They do not eat seeds like other birds. However, when insects are scarce they will eat berries. In our forest we do not lack insects, so they are really helpful for us to keep the insect population in check.
Whenever you buy a birdhouse, you need to think what type of bird you wish to attract in your yard. Certain birds only will avoid birdhouses that do not meet their needs - like protection from predators. A bluebird bird house needs to be specific for the bluebird. In our yard, we have the eastern bluebird. The hole for the eastern bluebird birdhouse needs to be no bigger than 1 ½ inches round in diameter. Western and Mountain bluebirds holes are slightly bigger - 1 9/16 inches round in diameter. We bought our birdhouse for $9.99 at Wal Mart. You can go online for specific designs if you wish to make it yourself. However, for the convenience, this was well worth it for this pre-made natural wooden birdhouse.
So, was our bluebird birdhouse successful? Yes! Within a month or so, we had a male and female nesting. It's amazing to watch how the male sits outside during the day near the birdhouse, protecting it from any squirrels or other birds that come close to it. You will see him diving down if one gets slightly near it. Later, you would see him giving his mate some relief whiles she goes out and feeds for herself. He will go in and sit on the eggs until she gets back. There's no chauvinism there!
Facts on Bluebirds
- They are about 7 inches long.
- Males have a brighter blue color than the females.
- Mating season is typically from March to April.
- Incubation of the eggs are about two weeks.
- They live about 2 years. However, some can live up to 5 years.
- There is no migration pattern for bluebirds. They will migrate wherever the food is.
- They are related to the American Robin bird.
Bluebirds are beneficial to the environment because they will eat grasshoppers, cutworms, and other crop damaging insects - So, if you are fortunate to have bluebirds in your area, put up a birdhouse for these beautiful creatures and you might find yourself not needing pesticides.
Published by Sea Shepherd
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- They live about 2 years. However, some can live up to 5 years.
- They are related to the American Robin bird.
- Bluebirds are beneficial to the environment.
28 Comments
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Very inspiring article! I'd really like to attract some bluebirds to our house especially after seeing the photos. Bluebirds are just beautiful. Thanks, Irene. :-)
Nice, I have lots of birdfeeders but I'll have to try this one for bluebirds:)
.... Zip-a-dee-doo-dah.... I haven't got a bluebird on my shoulder, but now I at least know what one looks like! Thanks a bunch, Irene! :o)
Oh, and we have lots of bluebirds, so...
Another excellent article. I've had a new bluebird house up since last fall and haven't seen anything yet. But, our winter was terrible, and it's still cold and maybe even snowy yet this weekend.
That must have been a very nice experience........................thanks for the facts on Bluebirds................
I love bluebirds! I did not know there were specific houses for them. I'm going to get one or two! I think we've got a couple of pairs living around the house.
Bluebirds are my favorite but the ones that fly in my yard are lighter blue than the one in your photo. Mine aren't blue jays but solid light blue. They usually fly in pairs with a couple of redbirds. Wonder at the color difference since they are related. You did a great job with the photos. Hey, there was the largest woodpecker I have ever since outside my house today. I grabbed the camera & ...dead batteries. Arg!
what a great thingt o do for children too