What bird species is in my bluebird house?
While bluebirds prefer nesting in their own specialized houses, other bird species might also take advantage of a vacant bluebird house if it suits their needs. These could include:
Tree Swallows: They often compete with bluebirds for nesting sites, and they're also cavity nesters. Tree swallows are also known to eat fruit to supplement their diet depending on the availability of insects.
House Wrens: These are smaller than the bluebird and are known for nesting in cavities their size, but will also adopt a bluebird house even though it offers more space and a larger opening than a wren would require.
Chickadees: These small, energetic birds are known to use birdhouses, including bluebird houses, for nesting.
Titmice: Similar to chickadees, titmice may use bluebird houses if they're available. The titmouse is a helpful bird for insect control and is easily identifiable by their “mohawk” feathers on top of their heads.
Nuthatches: While they typically prefer natural cavities, nuthatches might also use bluebird houses in certain situations.
Tree Sparrows: Though they're primarily ground nesters, tree sparrows have been known to use bluebird houses occasionally.
These are just a few examples. The availability of suitable nesting sites can vary depending on factors like habitat, competition, and local bird populations.
If you’re looking to attract bluebirds only, there is no harm in shoeing other birds away. Bluebirds will normally investigate potential houses in April, so if no one has moved in by late May, it’s likely another species may and you may want to consider allowing them to stay. Will other birds nest near bluebirds? Yes, we have seen bluebirds, house wrens and titmouse nest within 50 yards of each other and all use bluebird houses.