As cavity nesters, bluebirds prefer old woodpecker holes, holes in rotting wooden fences, or dead trees for nesting sites. The use of metal fence stakes and the clearing of dead trees have caused a decline in suitable nesting sites. Furthermore, the far more aggressive house sparrow and starling, imported to this country from England in the 19th century, have taken over most of the natural cavities bluebirds need. However, due to the tireless efforts of enthusiastic volunteers who have built, erected, and maintained hundreds of bluebird nesting boxes, bluebirds have made a remarkable recovery in the past 20 years. Local birder Ron Kingston erected 12 bluebird boxes at Ivy Creek Natural Area in 1986 and still maintains them.
Bluebirds can provide hours of enjoyment.
Bluebirds Species Bluebirds belong to the Thrush family. The Eastern Bluebird is one of three species of bluebirds found in North America. The Eastern male has a head, back, wing, and tail of brilliant blue. His throat, breast and side are rust orange and his belly is white. The female coloring is duller and more gray.