Last updated on April 29th, 2022 at 02:06 am
Bluebird houses such as the easy open Woodlink Wooden Bluebird House (available on Amazon.com) are distinctive in that they have no perch on the exterior. Why do they not have perches like other birdhouses?
Bluebird houses don’t have perches because bluebirds have adapted their feet to cling onto flat surfaces. Having perches would make it easier for predator birds to gain access to the house. Leaving off the perches is one way to help bluebirds nest in peace.
This Is Why Bluebird Houses Don’t Have Perches
Bluebirds don’t need perches for their houses because they’ve adapted to cling onto the wood.
Because they are cavity-nesters, they have feet that are specially made to grab onto a flat surface.
If you were to attach a perch to a bluebird house, you’d just be making it more vulnerable to bully birds and other predators who would benefit from a perch.
Let’s take a look at how to keep bluebirds safe.
How To Keep a Bluebird House Safe From Predators
In addition to avoiding perches, you can keep your bluebird houses safe from predators by adding baffles on the pole.
Baffles such as the easy to mount Woodlink Wrap-Around Squirrel Baffle (available on Amazon.com) will prevent predators such as snakes and squirrels.
These block access to your bluebird house and protects the baby bluebirds or eggs from harm.
Additionally, you should make sure that you mount the birdhouse at least 10-12’ above the ground.
And far from trees, shrubs, or buildings that predators could climb to get to the birdhouse.
Bluebird Predators
Predators that pose a threat to bluebird nests include the following:
- Cats
- Raccoons
- Snakes
- Mice
- Rats
- Opossums
- Chipmunks
- Bears
- Jays
- Grackles
- Crows
- Starlings
- Magpies
- Sparrows
Of these predators, the most common ones that eat bluebirds are House Sparrows, raccoons, and rat snakes.
House Sparrows are particularly aggressive when it comes to bluebird nests.
They’ll remove bluebird eggs and take over the nest, fighting any adult bluebirds that get in the way.
Hole Restrictors
The entrance hole on a bluebird house is generally small enough that bluebirds can get through, but not predators.
However, bluebird houses whose entrances aren’t secured with hole restrictors may still be vulnerable.
This is because predators can chew and dig through the wood around the entrance to make it big enough to fit through.
Tube Entrances
You can also keep predators from entering your bluebird house by placing a tube at the entrance.
This makes it harder for predators to reach in and grab fledglings, hatchlings, or eggs.
The pipe should be about 2”-3” long and wide as the entrance hole or slightly wider.
How To Make a Safe and Useful Birdhouse for Bluebirds
You can purchase a birdhouse such as the Cedar Alpha Bluebird House (available on Amazon.com) that comes with a hole protector.
Or you can make your own out of wood.
Just make sure that you meet all the requirements of a good birdhouse regardless of whether you choose a store-bought or DIY option.
Should a Bluebird Birdhouse Have a Perch?
A birdhouse shouldn’t have a perch.
All birds that use birdhouses can cling to the side of the box when necessary, and perches only make it easier for predators to get in.
This is true whether the birdhouse belongs to a small bird such as the bluebird or a bigger bird like a Barred Owl or Eastern Screech Owl.
How Big Should a Bluebird Birdhouse Entrance Hole Be?
The right size of a birdhouse entrance depends on the size of the birds that’ll be inside.
If you’re looking to house bluebirds, for example, you should aim to have a hole no bigger than 1.25” in diameter.
Birdhouse entrances with small holes are suitable for bluebirds but not for non-native, bigger species like House Sparrows.
Do Bluebird Birdhouses Need To Be Made of Wood?
Birdhouses need to be made of wood. Wood is durable and makes it easy for moisture and heat to dissipate in the summer, keeping the nest cool and dry.
Like metal or plastic, other materials can be too hot and can trap water in the summer, which is the key breeding season.
Should a Bluebird Birdhouse Stand Out or Blend In?
Birdhouses should blend into the natural environment as much as possible, making them safer for the birds nesting in them.
Bright colors or sounds nearby will attract attention to the birdhouse.
A birdhouse that attracts attention is the last thing any nesting bird would want, especially a vulnerable nesting bird like the bluebird.
When To Put Up a Birdhouse for Bluebirds
The best time to put up a birdhouse is during the fall and winter, not the breeding season.
Putting them up ahead of time gives the birds a chance to scope out and lay claim to a house before the rush of needing a place to store and incubate eggs.
How To Make Your Yard Safe for Bluebirds
In addition to putting up a predator-proof birdhouse with a baffle and no perch, you can make your yard safer for bluebirds by providing native vegetation for them to roost and hide in.
Leave dead trees up, as bluebirds use these for roosting and nesting.
You should also keep any pet cats indoors for the safety of all songbirds.
Make sure that you offer plenty of food for the bluebirds in your area and that you have running water available year-round, and you’ll provide a great home for bluebirds.
Should You Remove House Sparrow Nests?
House Sparrows are on a shortlist of birds whose nests you can safely remove since they aren’t protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
You should remove House Sparrow nests, as they, along with starlings, are invasive species that do more harm than good to the ecosystem on the whole.
That’s why it’s okay to remove House Sparrow nests to make room for more native birds in the ecosystem.
What Birds Compete with Bluebirds?
In addition to invasive sparrows and starlings, numerous birds compete with bluebirds for space and take over their birdhouses.
These include chickadees like the Carolina Chickadee and nuthatches like the Brown-headed Nuthatch.
The best way to make sure bluebirds find a home in your yard is to use a birdhouse with a small entrance hole that’s reinforced to prevent animals from enlarging it.