Western Bluebird

Nest box Plan and Information

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Western Bluebird
© Jamie Chavez
Construction difficulty:
moderate

Download Nest Box Plan

Species in decline

This species is in decline in certain regions. You can put up a nest box to help if you live in the right region and habitat.

  • Declining
  • Not declining
  • Not present
Source: USGS

Nesting Range

Western Bluebird Range Source: Birds of the World

Nesting Habitat

  • Forest
  • Open Woodland

Attach Nest Box To

  • Live tree
  • Pole

Known Nesting Period

Not Nesting
Some Nesting Occurrence
Nesting in Most of Range
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Source: Birds of the World

Nest Box Placement

Nest Height:
4ft
6ft

4–6 feet

Minimum Spacing:

215 feet

Facing:

East

Nest Box Measurements

Entrance Hole:

1 1/2"

Depth:

9"

Width & Length:

5 1/2"

5 1/2"

Click here to get this plan

Helpful Tips

  • Orient the nest box so that it is facing east into an open area.
  • Some mid-day shade is desirable, but if box is to be placed in full sun, it should face south.
  • Clean out old nests as soon as a brood fledges so that the nest box can be used for a second nest attempt.
  • If House Sparrows are a problem, consider drilling a second entrance hole beside the first one (so that there are two separate but identical holes on the front panel) to enable bluebirds to better defend boxes from sparrows.

Did you know that NestWatch is seeking more data on this species?

Learn about Western Bluebird here.