House sparrows, House wrens and European starlings compete for their food, attack their nests and steal their natural nesting sites. Try these tips to help the bluebirds.
Choose a Bluebird house that:
- Has no perch. Sparrows and wrens are drawn to perches.
- Has the right size entrance.* Starlings can’t get in if the opening is no larger than 1 9/16”
Favorite Feed
- In summer, serve mealworms in a dish feeder or in suet cakes
- In winter, offer berries and bluebird nuggets
*National Bluebird Society recommendations: For Eastern Bluebirds a round entrance hole 1½” – 1 9/16” in diameter, 1⅜” x 2¼” vertical oval hole, or 1⅛” to 1 3/16” horizontal slot entrance. For Western and Mountain Bluebirds a 1 9/16” round opening or 1 3/16” slot entrance.
For more helpful tips, go to tips.acehardware.com.