Photo © 2005 Jim Jung and licensors. All rights reserved.

Bluebirds

The relationship between humans and the Purple Martin clan on this continent is an ancient one that stretches back thousands of years. The relationship between humans and Bluebirds however has developed only in the last sixty years. Both species now seek out locations near human habitation since they've learned to associate our species with suitable breeding sites.

While our relationship with Martins is interesting and instructive, our newly established relationship with Bluebirds illuminates how quickly such a relationship can develop and how quickly wildlife can adapt - in the case of the Bluebird in the mere blink of an evolutionary eye. Both species are now largely dependent on us for survival, and both would suffer severe - even catastrophic losses in population and nesting habitat - if we as a species suddenly disappeared

The Bluebird, a medium-sized Thrush, is one of the great conservation success stories of the 20th century. After decades of decline through the first half of the 20th century dedicated birders, researchers and conservationists formed a voluntary coalition and through education, public involvement and hard work created thousands of Bluebird Trails. As a result Bluebird numbers are now approaching 19th century levels when they were at their peak.

They're also an example of the principle enunciated in the movie Field of Dreams, namely: "If you build it, they will come." Bluebird numbers were in decline due to loss of suitable nesting sites... not habitat. The species traditionally nested in cavities in trees and then expanded to cavities in wooden fenceposts in the 19th century. When steel fenceposts and treated lumber appeared in the first decade of the 20th century suitable nesting cavities disappeared, and with them the Bluebirds. Now that the nesting cavities are back so are the birds dependent on them. Score one for the good guys.

Photo © 2005 by Jim Jung and licensors. All rights reserved.

Assuming the weather is cooperative early March marks the average return of male Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) looking for nesting space, although, as some birds overwinter in our area, it may seem to the casual observer as if they never left.

If all goes well the females will arrive within a few days (or even hours) and after inspecting the male's choice of nesting site will begin a furious round of nest building. Mating occurs immediately upon completion of the nest and the female is usually sitting on her first clutch of eggs within a week.

Bluebirds annually raise more than one brood in our area, and some of them can apparently pull off three broods a year. While the vast majority of Bluebirds in our area use nesting boxes provided by humans there are still some who use natural cavities on woodland edges to rear their families.

From our Archive: In Their Gourds, about Purple Martins

Offsite Links:

• North American Bluebird Society Bluebird house plans supplied by Cornell University
• John James Audubon on the bluebird.
• A Bluebird Cam archive from West Paduca, KY
• Bluebird and the Coyote, Native American legend.
• Feeding Bluebirds

Suggest a link! Send suggestions to Webmaster