Blue Bird Bird House Plans : House Plans

Bluebird Bird House Plans: A Guide to Providing a Safe and Comfortable Home for Eastern Bluebirds

Eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) are a beloved species of North American songbirds known for their vibrant blue plumage and cheerful songs. They are cavity nesters, meaning they seek out natural or artificial cavities in trees, birdhouses, or other structures to raise their young. Providing bluebird birdhouses in suitable habitats can significantly increase their nesting success and population growth.

Site Selection and House Orientation

When choosing a location for a bluebird house, consider the following criteria:

Open areas: Bluebirds prefer open spaces with unobstructed views of their surroundings, such as fields, meadows, or open woodlands.
Sunny location: Select a site that receives ample sunlight, especially in the morning, to warm the nest box and encourage early nesting.
Avoid tall trees: Choose a site with low-growing vegetation or where the house is not directly below a tall tree, as predators may easily access the house.
Distance from water: Locate the house within 200-300 feet of a water source, such as a pond, stream, or birdbath.
Proper orientation: The entrance hole should face east or southeast to protect the nest from prevailing winds and rain.

House Design and Construction

Bluebird birdhouses have specific design requirements to ensure the safety and comfort of their inhabitants:

Entrance hole: The entrance hole should be 1.5 inches in diameter, which is large enough for bluebirds to enter but too small for larger birds like house sparrows.
Depth: The interior depth from the entrance hole to the floor should be 5 inches.
Width and height: The interior width and height should be 5 inches by 5 inches.
Floor: A flat floor with drainage holes is preferred.
Roof: The roof should have sufficient overhang to protect the entrance hole from rain and predators.
Material: Natural materials like untreated wood or cedar are preferred, as they provide insulation and are safe for nestlings.
Avoid perches: Perches near the entrance hole can attract predators like squirrels and cats.

House Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for successful bluebird nesting:

Mounting height: Mount the house 5-8 feet above the ground on a sturdy post or tree.
Predator guard: A metal or plastic predator guard can be installed around the post to deter predators like snakes and squirrels.
Cleaning: Regularly clean the birdhouse in the fall or winter after nesting season by removing old nests and disinfecting with a mild bleach solution.
Monitoring: Monitor the house frequently during nesting season to check for activity and remove any debris or obstacles that may prevent bluebirds from nesting.

Attracting Bluebirds

In addition to providing suitable nesting sites, there are several other ways to attract bluebirds to your yard:

Offer mealworms: Place a mealworm feeder near the birdhouse during nesting season to supplement their diet.
Provide water: Maintain a clean water source nearby.
Remove invasive species: Control populations of house sparrows and European starlings, which compete with bluebirds for nesting sites.
Create a bluebird trail: Establish multiple bluebird houses in suitable locations to increase nesting opportunities.

By providing well-designed and properly installed bluebird birdhouses, you can create a safe and comfortable environment for these beautiful birds to thrive and contribute to the avian biodiversity of your local ecosystem.