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[Phyl]

Until fairly recently, Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) were uncommon in many areas, mainly due to loss of habitat open space/snags), and competition for nesting sites from introduced species (starlings and house [English] sparrows). However, bluebirds are coming back.  They are fascinating, beautiful birds.  You can help increase their numbers.

The keys are:
Learn to recognize nests and eggs. See nesting timetables: typical Eastern | Mountain | Western
Put up nestboxes (think location, location, location.)
Control predators and House Sparrows.
Supplement food and water.
LEARN TO RECOGNIZE NESTS AND EGGS (MORE PHOTOS) – ALSO SEE CHART ON RELATIVE SIZES OF EGGS.
Bluebird nest. Photo by Bet ZimmermanxTree swallow nest. Photo from http://www.wbu.com/chipperwoods/photos/treeswallow.htmChickadee nest. Photo by B ZimmermanTufted titmouse nest. Photo by Bet Zimmerman

 

[Phyl]

Bluebird: Neat, cup shaped, woven nest of 100% fine grass or pine needles. Occasionally bits of fur or a few feathers and rootlets. Fairly deep nest cup. Eggs are powder blue, sometimes white. NOTE: Western Bluebirds will routinely add ribbons, cellophane, feathers, thin bark and leaves to their nest. Note: Rare open-cup nests were found in surface-mined lands in KY and on oak limbs in SC.



House Sparrow: Jumble of odds and ends, including coarse grass with seedheads, cloth, white feathers, twigs and sometimes litter. Tall nest, may have tunnel-like entrance. Eggs are cream, white, gray or greenish, with irregular brown speckles.


Tree Swallow: Nest of grass lined with feathers. May be messy. Flatter cup than bluebirds. Eggs are pure white. 


Black-capped Chickadee: Downy nest of moss, fur, and soft plant fibers. Female may cover eggs with moss when leaving the box.  White eggs with brown speckles.

[Phyl]

Tufted Titmouse: Downy nest of moss, fur, and soft plant fibers. May have many earwigs living in it. White eggs with rose/mauve speckles.


House Wren: Messy nest of twigs, occasionally lined with fine fibers or feathers. Males may build unlined eggless “dummy nests” in nearby boxes to reduce competition. Tiny glossy white eggs, sometimes tinted with pink/buff, with lots of fine pinkish brown/reddish brown/brown specks that sometimes form a ring on the larger end of the egg.

[Phyl]

DO…
Build or purchase a nestbox designed specifically for bluebirds. These boxes are made of unpainted, untreated 3/4″ – 1″ wood or PVC, have an overhanging slanted roof (2-5″, with a shallow saw kerf (groove) to keep rain from entering the box), no perch, a round 1.5″ diameter hole (or 1.375″ x 2.250″ oval hole. Mountain Bluebirds need a 1 9/16″ hole), ventilation, drainage holes, are deep enough so predators can’t reach in and get to the eggs, and have a door that opens for cleaning and monitoring (if rough wood is not used, add kerfs to inside of door to enable fledglings to climb out). Birds may roost in the boxes in cold weather, and the ground may be frozen in February/March when they start house hunting, so put boxes up in late fall or winter. See plans.
Put up nestboxes in semi-open grassland habitat, such as mowed meadows, large lawns, cemeteries, orchards, roadsides, and areas with scattered trees and short ground cover. Areas with fence lines, some medium size trees, or telephone lines provide perches for hunting and nest-guarding. If no native birds use the box for two years, try a different spot. (Note: Western Bluebirds do not favor large, open meadows.)
Mount boxes on 8 ft., 3/4″ diameter galvanized pipe, with the entrance hole 5 ft. off the ground. If away from prevailing winds, face E/N or NE.
Keep boxes a minimum of 125-150 yards apart. If nesting bluebirds are harassed by Tree Swallows, or more than 50% of bluebird trail boxes are occupied by swallows, set up a second, “paired” box 5-20 ft. from the first. Boxes that Tree Swallows nest in should have “kerfs” or grooves (saw marks about 3/4″ apart) or 1.5-2″ wide x 6″ long plastic screen (gutter guard) stapled tightly inside below the entrance hole to enable fledglings to exit.
 Install predator guards to keep snakes, raccoons and other predators from raiding nests (e.g., a 2-4 ft. long, 8″ diameter stovepipe or PVC pipe sleeve on the pole, mounted (so it wobbles) just under the box), even if you don’t have problems the first year of nesting. Losses without predator protection may run 25-33%.
If squirrels chew the entrance hole to widen it, screw a metal hole guard (available from birding stores) or a 1.5″ thick block of hardwood with a 1.5″ entrance hole over the damaged hole, or replace the front part of the box.
Try attaching strands of 10 lb. fishing line to boxes and feeders to scare House Sparrows. Sparrow spookers made of mylar are VERY effective – put them up AFTER the first egg is laid and remove after fledgling.
Plant native trees, shrubs, and vines that provide fall and winter food for bluebirds. Consider offering mealworms.
Provide water.
Monitor boxes at least once a week to check on progress and control House Sparrows, paperwasps, blow flies, etc.
 You can remove eggs that have not hatched 5 days after last egg hatched.
Bluebirds like a clean box. Remove bluebird nests as soon as the young fledge, or if nesting fails, to encourage another brood. Put nests in the trash to avoid attracting predators. If mice nest in the boxes over the winter, clean them out in February. See instructions.
Replace or repair any split, rotten, or broken pieces on boxes that could let rain in and chill nestlings.
Be patient! See more tips. And be prepared to become possessed by these captivating birds.

[Phyl]

DON’T install nestboxes in brushy and heavily wooded areas, too close to trees or shrubbery. This invites House Wren attack.
Or within 200 yards of barnyards where animals are fed, or where House Sparrows are abundant unless you are willing to actively manage House Sparrow populations. DON’T mount boxes on trees or fence lines–they provide easy access for predators. More info..

DON’T install boxes near where pesticides or herbicides are used. Don’t use pesticides inside boxes unless they are approved for caged birds.
DON’T hesitate to destroy House Sparrow nests and eggs. House Sparrows are non-native invasive pests, and are not protected by law. You might think they’re cute (some bluebirders refer to them as “rats with wings”), but they will attack and kill adult bluebirds (sometimes trapping them in the nestbox), and destroy eggs and young.  House Sparrow nests, eggs, young, and adults may be legally removed or humanely destroyed under U.S. federal law. It is better to have no box at all than to allow House Sparrows to reproduce in one.

DON’T remove active nests of any native bird, including Tree Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, or chickadee nests. It is illegal to disturb an active nest of any bird except House Sparrows, starlings and pigeons, which are not protected. Empty House Wren nests can be removed.
DON’T feed corn, bread, milo, or millet in bird feeders, as this attracts House Sparrows.  Stick with black sunflower seed, thistle (nyjer/niger/nyger) and fruit. Or try a Magic Halo.
DON’T worry that monitoring will make the parents desert the nest. Bluebirds tolerate human presence. Touching the nest will not make the birds leave–your mother just told you that to keep you from harassing them. Most birds don’t have a good sense of smell.

DON’T monitor more often than 2x/week, or in early morning (as eggs are usually laid 1-2 hours after sunrise)/evening/during bad weather.
DON’T touch eggs while monitoring. Some, especially chickadee eggs, are very fragile. Also oil from hands could inhibit hatching.
DON’T open the boxes once the birds are 12-14 days old. (Their eyes are fully open when they are 8-11 days old. Parents may just dip their heads into the box hole to feed the young at this age). It can cause young to fall or hop out of the nestbox before they are capable of flying, reducing their chances for survival.
DON’T paint boxes a dark color. (Light colors on the EXTERIOR only are acceptable.) If desired to preserve wood, coat exterior only with linseed oil or a product like SUPERDECK (Coastal Gray), and allow to dry thoroughly before box will be used.
DON’T assume the nest is abandoned.  During egg laying, adults may spend very little time in the box.  On hot days, the female may leave the nest for long periods of time. The only sure way to know the nest is abandoned is if neither parent has visited the nest for four full hours after the young have hatched. If it has been abandoned, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, the Audubon Society or the North American Bluebird Society.

Please, do not  get discouraged if bluebirds don’t nest in your boxes the first year.

[Phyl]

BLUEBIRD TIMETABLE
These are typical time frames for EASTERN bluebirds. Also see photos of nestling development. Also see general bluebird nesting timetable and more information on bluebird biology for Eastern Bluebirds | Mountain Bluebirds | Western Bluebirds. Also see typical first egg dates by State.

Scouting: February to Mid-March: Bluebirds start checking out nesting sites. Late arrivals, or previously unpaired birds may nest as late as July or even August, and some pairs have multiple broods. It’s never too late to put up a nestbox, as they may be used for a subsequent nesting (see Number of Broods), for roosting, and are also often checked out in the fall by birds that may return the following spring.
Nest building: 2-6 days.
Egg laying: 5-7 days. Usually laying one per day (skipping a day in cold weather is possible but uncommon), for a total of 4-7 eggs. Often start egg laying a few days after nest is completed. Egg laying can be delayed (sometimes for a week or two – 3 weeks is not unheard of) in colld weather, for young parents, or in cases where food is scarce. In Connecticut, the first egg is generally laid in April. (Earliest reported in CT: First week of March. Latest reported in August – 3 broods that year.  One brood/year is more common in CT.) Later broods tend to have fewer eggs, and Bluebirds tend to lay more eggs per nest in the north vs. south, but southern birds have a longer nesting season.
Incubation: 12-14 days. While they may sit on eggs occasionally during the egg laying period, “full-time” regular incubation doesn’t start until all eggs are laid. They may wait about a week if weather is still cold. They may start incubating before the clutch is complete in warmer conditions. Hatching failure is highest during warmer conditions.
Hatching: May occur over 24-48 (rarely 72 hours)
Fledging: 16-21 days, typically 17-18. Occasionally a runt will fledge one or even two days later than the others. When they are first born, they look “a bit like hairy shrimp.” Insect availability may speed up or delay fledging. If the box is empty in this time frame, the nest is flattened, and there is some fecal material (white) on the walls, it usually means fledging was successful. Once they leave the nest, bluebirds do not return to it. When the babies are 28 days old, they can fly well. They can feed themselves by Day 30.
Broods: One to four broods per year.  One more likely in coldest northern regions. Fourth brood attempts may be made in southern climates. The number of broods probably depends on timing, temperatures, food availability, box availability and the experience or age of the parents. A subsequent brood may be started within days or weeks of fledging the previous brood. It may be in the same box or a different box.
If you keep track of dates, you will be able to avoid opening the box after the young are 13 days old, to prevent premature fledging.  At this age, bright blue feathers are evident on males. Also see www.texasbluebirdsociety.org “Eastern Bluebird Nestling Daily Growth Series” or Pam Ford’s photos to help determine age. Some studies have shown that 30% of bluebirds return to previous nesting sites the following season.  NABS also has an excellent color  day by day.

Four day old bluebirds.  Photo by Bet Zimmerman.FOOD
68% of a bluebirds’ diet is made up of insects: grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, spiders, and caterpillars. They also like fruit – e.g., flowering dogwood, holly, mulberry, wild grape, Virginia creeper, pokeweed, and Viburnum. (Although they will eat the fruit of multiflora rose and Japanese honeysuckle, these are invasive species, and should be eradicated.)  Bluebirds love mealworms. They may eat suet (see link for recipes). Bluebirds rarely eat birdseed (they will occasionally take shelled sunflower and peanut chips).

[Phyl]

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Bluebird Breeding Biology: Eastern | Mountain | Western
Bluebird Photos – nests, eggs and young: Eastern | Mountain | Western
Predator and Problem ID (Sialis)
Nestbox Plans (links)
Nestbox Styles – Pros and Cons (Sialis)
Nestboxes by roadsides, Sialis
Nests, eggs and birds: help on recognizing other typical occupants of Eastern Bluebird nestboxes, and relative sizes of eggs (Sialis)
Frequently Asked Questions
Feeding and Raising Mealworms (Sialis)
Great Bluebirding Links and Resources (Sialis)
Starting Your Own Bluebird Trail (Sialis)
How to Monitor Nestboxes
House Sparrow Management (passive and active controls)
Bottom Line Advice for New Bluebirders
Books About Bluebirds and Trails
Predators and Problems – Identification and Solutions
Top Tips on Attracting Bluebirds to Your Yard
State and Local Bluebird Societies
Other Resources
REFERENCES:
Berger, Kridler and Griggs, The Bluebird Monitor’s Guide, 2001.
State of Connecticut, Department of Environmental Protection, Eastern Bluebird, Wildlife in Connecticut, Informational Series, 1997.
State of Connecticut, Connecticut Wildlife, Bluebird Bulletin, March/April 2002.
Stokes, Donald and Lillian, Bluebird Book: The Complete Guide to Attracting Bluebirds, Boston, 1991.
Zickefoose, Julie, Enjoying Bluebirds More, The Bluebird Landlord’s Handbook, Birdwatcher’s Digest Press, Marietta, Ohio, 1993.
The bluebird carries his sky on his back
– Henry David Thoreau

[Phyl]

Today, we start a mini series of posts---

13 Lesser-Known Facts About the Great Eastern Bluebird
Story by Nancy Maffia




When you think of the Eastern Bluebird, you might picture its vibrant blue plumage and melodic songs. But there’s much more to this charming bird than meets the eye. From surprising nesting habits to their unexpected diet, here are 13 fascinating facts about the Eastern Bluebird that you probably didn’t know.

[Phyl]

1. They Are Voracious Insect Eaters
©Image Credit: steve_byland/Deposit Photos

While many people think of bluebirds primarily as fruit eaters, insects make up a substantial part of their diet. In fact, during the breeding season, bluebirds primarily feed on insects, which provide the necessary protein for growing chicks. They are particularly fond of beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers, which makes them excellent natural pest controllers in gardens and farms.

Beyond the breeding season, they continue to consume insects but also incorporate more fruits and berries into their diet. Their foraging behavior is fascinating to observe; they often hunt from perches, dropping down to catch insects on the ground. This method of hunting not only highlights their agility but also their keen eyesight.

[Phyl]

2. Bluebird Boxes Are Essential for Their Survival
©Image Credit: fmua09/Deposit Photos
Natural cavities in trees, often used by bluebirds for nesting, are becoming scarce due to habitat loss and competition with other species. This is where bluebird boxes come into play. These man-made nesting sites have been crucial in helping the Eastern Bluebird population recover from a significant decline in the mid-20th century.

Bluebird boxes are specifically designed to keep out predators and competitors like house sparrows and starlings. They are placed in open fields and meadows, mimicking the birds’ natural habitat and providing a safe environment for raising their young.

Conservation efforts involving bluebird boxes have been so successful that they’ve become a model for other bird conservation projects. (ref)

[Phyl]

3. They Have a Unique Courtship Dance
©Image Credit: steve_byland/Deposit Photos
Eastern Bluebirds are known for their charming courtship displays. Males will often flutter in front of females with their wings partially open, and their feathers fluffed out, showcasing their brilliant blue and rust-colored plumage. This display is not just about looks; it’s a crucial part of the mating process.

In addition to visual displays, male bluebirds also perform a sort of dance. They will sing softly and move side to side, often presenting bits of food to the female as a sign of their ability to provide. This behavior strengthens the bond between the mating pair and ensures the female of the male’s suitability as a partner.

[Phyl]

4. Their Song Is a Family Affair
©Image Credit: Chris Hill/Shutterstock

Bluebirds are known for their melodious songs, which are used for communication and territory defense. Interestingly, young bluebirds learn their songs from their parents. This means that song variations can be traced within family lines, creating unique regional dialects among different bluebird populations.

The learning process begins when the chicks are still in the nest, listening to their father’s song. As they grow, they practice these songs until they perfect them. This cultural transmission of song patterns is not just fascinating; it also plays a critical role in social interactions and mating.

[Phyl]

6. They Participate in Communal Roosting
©Image Credit: Steve Byland/Shutterstock
During the winter months, Eastern Bluebirds often engage in communal roosting. This behavior involves groups of bluebirds gathering together in a single location, often in large cavities or specially designed roosting boxes. Communal roosting provides several benefits, including increased warmth and protection from predators.

This social behavior is particularly important during harsh weather conditions. By roosting together, bluebirds can conserve energy and increase their chances of surviving the winter. It’s a fascinating example of how social structures in the animal kingdom can enhance survival.

[Phyl]

7. They Are a Symbol of Happiness
©Image Credit: steve_bayland/Deposit Photos
The Eastern Bluebird has long been associated with happiness and prosperity in various cultures (ref). Their bright blue feathers and cheerful songs have inspired numerous poems, songs, and folklore. In many cultures, seeing a bluebird is considered a sign of good luck and positive change.

This symbolic association is not just a modern phenomenon. Historical records show that Native American tribes also revered the bluebird, often associating it with the arrival of spring and new beginnings. This cultural significance adds a layer of depth to our appreciation of these beautiful birds.

[Phyl]

8. They Have a Diverse Diet beyond Insects
©Image Credit: Wileydoc/Shutterstock
While insects are a primary food source, Eastern Bluebirds also have a varied diet that includes fruits and berries. They are particularly fond of berries from plants such as dogwood, sumac, and wild grapes. These food sources are especially important during the fall and winter months when insects are scarce.

Their ability to switch between different food sources demonstrates their adaptability and resilience. This dietary flexibility allows bluebirds to thrive in various environments and conditions, contributing to their widespread distribution across North America.