Bluebirds are a bit persnickity about where their house is located; wrong place and they don't use it.
About Bluebird Living Arrangements
In the wild bluebirds raise their young in nests. The eastern bluebird nests in April to June in the north and mid country and April to May in the south. They normally build their nests in hollow trees, woodpecker holes or holes in fence posts. The nesting material is dried grasses, stems, dried pine needles and feathers. There are four to six eggs per clutch and they will have two to three broods per year. The incubation period is 12 days. This is another good reason not to take away dead trees unless they are a hazard or are unsightly.
Bluebird Houses
All bluebirds will make use of a birdhouse but they are a bit picky and have certain design requirements. The opening should be pretty close to 1 1/2 inches and best if it is six inches from the floor of the house. Bluebirds do not care if the opening is six inches from the floor, but this distance protects them from predators. Starlings are serious predators of bluebirds and they will attack and eat both the eggs and the young. The survival rate of the young may be based on whether or not starlings can reach the nest, so try for six inches. Bluebirds prefer the house is not painted especially on the inside. Bluebird houses are available commercially having all the correct dimensions and design considerations included. We particularly like the versions with a viewing glass so children can see the babies without disturbing them too much.
HOUSE WITH MOVEABLE SIDE PANEL FOR CLEANING
- The finest bluebird house available!
- Predator guard keeps undesirables out
- Made of wood
- Dimensions: (12-1/2"h x 6"w x 8-1/2"d)
The finest bluebird house on the market! Predator guard is standard to keep starlings, squirrels and other undesirables out, while small floor discourages sparrow nests. Range: Breeds east of the Rockies from southeastern Canada to Gulf of Mexico. Winters in southern part of breeding Range and Mexico. Habitat: Enjoys open woodlands, fields and farmlands with scattered trees. Dimensions: (12-1/2"H x 6"W x 8-1/2"D).
SPARROW RESISTENT MODEL
- Kentucky style bluebird house
- Specially designed to thwart sparrows
- RANGE: Breeds east of the Rockies from southeastern Canada to Gulf of Mexico
- HABITAT: Enjoys open woodlands, fields and farmlands with scattered trees
- Dimensions: 10"h x 6"w x 8-1/2"d
This Kentucky style, slot entrance bluebird house is designed to thwart sparrows. According to research at the University of Kentucky, bluebirds prefer a slot entrance to the standard circular hole -- sparrows prefer the opposite. In addition, sparrows don't like a shallow box and bluebirds don't seem to mind. This box is only 5 inches deep but if sparrows still continue to be a problem, a wooden insert is included to reduce the depth even more. Sparrows rarely use the 3-1/2 inches depth, but bluebirds will still occupy it. Range: Breeds east of the Rockies from southeastern Canada to Gulf of Mexico. Winters in southern part of breeding Range and Mexico. Habitat: Enjoys open woodlands, fields and farmlands with scattered trees. Dimensions: 10"H x 6"W x 8-1/2"D.
NOTICE HOLE PROTECTOR ON THIS MODEL
- Bluebird house approved by the National Audubon Society
- Features 1-9/16" hole fitted with predator guard
- Made of natural cedar
- Easy to clean
- Handcrafted in the USA
This hand-crafted cedar bluebird house is field tested and approved by the National Audubon Society and features a Coppertop roof. Built to Audubon specifications, it features a 1-9/16" hole and is fitted with a predator guard. Each house has an education label and insert sheet to assist you in attracting bluebirds and other desired nesting birds to your backyard. Made of natural cedar. Easy to clean. Handcrafted in the USA.
FOR BLUEBIRDS WANTING TO LOOK CLASSY
- Appropriate for wren, black-capped chickadee, tufted titmouse, white breasted nuthatch, violet green swallow, bluebirds, tree swallows
- Hand sanded and assembled with stainless steel and dichromate plated screws
- Dimensions: 14-3/4-inch by 6-3/4-inch by 9-inch
- All cedar construction
- Hand crafted in Michigan
Stovall Ultimate Bluebird box with viewing window and copper in 1-1/2-inch universal entrance guard for squirrel chewing protection. Appropriate for wren, black-capped chickadee, tufted titmouse, white breasted nuthatch, violet green swallow, bluebirds, tree swallows. Grooves in wood below entrance for young to use to exit. Easy clean out/good ventilation to use as functional garden accents. Both vertical sides open like doors. The right side has a clear plastic window inside the wood door, so you can peak into see the nest without disturbing the inhabitants. The left door easily opens for seasonal cleaning, a single pin can be twisted to unlock and swing the door open. To lock, simple twist the pin. Providing a nestbox in your backyard will bring you seasons of enjoyment as you watch these beautiful birds raise their young. 14-3/4-inch by 6-3/4-inch by 9-inch. Stovall products feature all cedar construction, stainless steel and dichromate plated screws, washers, hooks and chains, hand sanded, assembled with screws, many products coated with wood protector which accents the wood grain and the natural warmth of cedar. Environmentally green practices – hand sorted down graded lumber. The Shop is heated with scrap wood, cooled with natural shade and insulation, nestled in a glen among 25+ acres of beech/maple/oak forest. Rumored staffing of woodland gnomes with a payroll of nuts and berries is still not factual.
HOW ABOUT A HORIZONTAL MODEL?
Coveside Horizontal Bluebird Bird House - 6-1/4"h x 6"w x 19-3/4"d Designed by Frank Zuern to be a safer nesting place for Eastern Bluebirds, this horizontal box simulates a hollow tree branch. Over 90% nest near the back of the box, behind a vertical baffle, out of the reach of predators. RANGE: Breeds east of the Rockies from southeastern Canada to Gulf of Mexico. Winters in southern part of breeding range and Mexico. HABITAT: Prefers open woodlands and farmlands with scattered trees. Dimensions 6"h x 6"w x 19" ~ Brand: Coveside ~ Availability: Usually Ships Within 3 Business Days
THEN THERE IS THE SLOT VERSION
- Slot entrance discourages sparrows
- 5" X 7" X 10"
- The slot style bluebird house discourages sparrows, so more bluebirds will nest. Has all of the proper ventilation and drainage holes. Made from quality cedar to last for years to come.
WANT TO BUILD IT YOURSELF?
Bluebird House Kit. Great Kid's Project-Easy to build! Made in America from long-lasting cedar. Comes with easy to follow instructions. 3.25 inches tall x 4.50 inches long x 12.50 inches wide
