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Bluebird Houses for Safe Nesting
Female Eastern Bluebird with Nestlings Bluebirds are a wonderful species indeed! It’s hard to resist their beauty, gentle disposition and sweet song. Their nesting needs are specific, and differ from other cavity dwelling birds. Placement of proper bluebird houses, or nest boxes, and suitable habitat are two important factors for attracting them.
The best habitats are open, short-grassy areas where they can find food. Bluebirds feed on insects and search low to the ground to find their prey. They also enjoy berries and fruit, and will perch atop these kinds of trees to eat.
There are tons of bluebird house designs being used today by backyard birders with much success–from basic nest boxes to elaborate, decorative houses. The most important thing is to provide bluebirds with a nesting site that is safe and secure to raise their brood. You can always be sure about a nest box if it has been “NABS approved” by the North American Bluebird Society.
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The Magnificent Bluebird
No other bird in the animal kingdom bears quite the distinct characteristics of the bluebird. The bluebird is renowned as one of the most serene birds, with a charming chirp that captivates listeners. Bluebirds are great to have in the backyard, and quite different from other wild birds. For example, bluebirds don’t favor traditional seeds, thistle, and suet that other birds like. They enjoy eating meal worms, and will also eat raisins soaked in water. Bluebirds are also frequent visitors to birdbaths, and enjoy heated birdbaths in the winter.It’s essential for bluebirds to have bluebird houses where they can raise chicks and be safe from predators, because other birds, like the common starling, will kill adult bluebirds and ravage their nests to take over the territory. But with the right food and conditions, bluebirds are sure to visit your backyard!
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Lucky Bluebirds in the Yard
Because of their sweet disposition, lovely song, and beautiful blue coloring, bluebirds have been a long time favorite of many backyard birders. Bluebird houses greatly help the species to thrive, as they provide not only a place to nest and raise babies, but shelter to roost on cold winter nights.
With a severe decline in population in the early 70’s , a massive effort was launched to save these birds by pacing nest boxes along bluebird trails. Due to insecticides, destruction of habitat, and competition for nest boxes from other birds, the bluebird population was almost extinct. Thanks to these efforts and education from the bluebird societies, the population has seen a great come back.
Bluebird houses appropriate with predator guards, and constructed to be competitor-proof are widely available today. Look for one that is NABS (North American Bluebird Society) Approved.
The long time symbol for love and happiness…bluebirds are a sure pleasure to have in your yard!
Eastern Bluebird 
Western Bluebird 
Mountain Bluebird
Birding Tips, Information & News
No other bird in the animal kingdom bears quite the distinct characteristics of the bluebird. The bluebird is renowned as one of the most serene birds, with a charming chirp that captivates listeners. Bluebirds are great to have in the backyard, and quite different from other wild birds. For example, bluebirds don’t favor traditional seeds, thistle, and suet that other birds like. They enjoy eating meal worms, and will also eat raisins soaked in water. Bluebirds are also frequent visitors to birdbaths, and enjoy heated birdbaths in the winter.
