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Predators of young bluebirds in the nests can include snakes, cats, and raccoons. Bird species competing with bluebirds for nesting locations include the common starling, American crow, and house sparrow, which take over the nesting sites of bluebirds, killing young, smashing eggs, and probably killing adult bluebirds. [6] Male western bluebird
Nest in a nest box. The western bluebird nests in cavities or in nest boxes, competing with tree swallows, house sparrows, and European starlings for natural nesting locations. Because of the high level of competition, house sparrows often attack western bluebirds for their nests. The attacks are made both in groups or alone.
Eastern bluebirds measure 16–21 cm (6.3–8.3 in) long, span 25–32 cm (9.8–12.6 in) across the wings, and weigh 27–34 g (0.95–1.20 oz). [12] [11] Male bluebirds have a bright head, back, and wings. Their breast is a brownish red. [12] Females are lighter with gray on the head and back and some blue on their wings and tail.
The key for a bluebird nest box is to have the hole be exactly 1.5 inches in diameter. Too large of a hole invites starlings and makes it easier for squirrels and other larger rodents to get in.
Volunteers at Maybury State Park keep an eye on bluebird nesting boxes, watching for predators, counting eggs and fledglings.
Generally, the first nesting is the most challenging for the bluebirds due to traditional cool spells in late April and early May that affect the food supply for the young. But this very pleasant ...
Mountain Bluebird is a U.S.-Canada Stewardship species, and is not on the 2014 State of the Birds Watch List. These bluebirds benefited from the westward spread of logging and grazing in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when the clearing of forest created open habitat for foraging.
If you have a nest box that has had bluebirds fledge, remove the old nest. Also remove the old nest if the bluebird nesting has failed for some reason. They can quickly start over.