Bluebird House:  A Specific Design

It is possible that bluebirds may sometimes nest in an outdoor bird house not specifically designed for them, but it is much more likely that they will choose to nest in a bird house specifically designed for bluebirds. There are various plans available that offer a specific bluebird house design. These plans also provide directions on bluebird house placement and how to care for the birdhouse so that you can increase your chances of bluebirds actually nesting there. A wooded area is the best location for a bluebird house. If you don’t have a spot with a lot of trees, you should try to plant flowers and shrubs near the bluebird house location. If this is not done it is quite possible that the bluebirds will not choose to nest there.

Environment

Bluebirds like to nest near a food source. Therefore bluebird houses are normally located near low shrubs and buses, or near trees, as these attract insects for the birds to eat. Trees are ideal nearby as bluebirds usually sit in the lower branches of trees to locate insects that may be living in the lower lying areas, before flying down to catch them. Grasslands and meadows are perfect places to place a bluebird house, as this enables the birds to easily see insects that they may potentially want to eat.

Bluebirds can be extremely territorial. Therefore if you will be placing a few bluebird houses outside you need to make sure you place them at least one hundred yards apart, to avoid any potential fights. Nesting bluebirds do not like to be too near to each other. You should also measure a distance of at least a hundred feet from any areas that are very densely populated with trees, as these areas are where wrens like to nest and they will take over the bird house if the house is too close to that type of area. You should also consider the proximity of any barn or farmyard. Sparrows like to nest in these areas and they are likely to take over the bird house unless you place it at least a quarter mile from these areas.

Coupled with the space between bluebird houses and the accessibility of food, you also need to take into account the ease with which the bluebird will be able to find materials needed for the inside of the nest. Normally bluebirds will use pine needles or long grass for their nest. Make sure you place your bird house in an area that means the birds do not need to travel too far to locate these materials and bring them back. Also be sure that no pesticides are being used nearby as it has been known for bluebirds to be accidentally poisoned by pesticides.

A short video on Bluebird House Maintenance