Hanging bluebird houses has been a popular backyard birding activity for many years. Bluebirds are appreciated for their attractive blue color, their gentle temperament and their pleasing song. The bluebird has been a universal symbol of love and happiness.

Bluebirds have always maintained a strong population even in urban and residential areas. Unfortunately, many factors such as insecticides, the destruction of their habitats, predators, and competition from other birds have contributed to a noticeable decline in population. The loss of a portion of their natural food supply, such as the wild holly berry used in Christmas decorations, is also thought to be a factor. The Eastern Bluebird has lost almost 90 percent of its population.

Thanks to a national campaign started by the North American Bluebird Society thousands of conservation-minded people began putting up and monitoring bluebird houses. These efforts are largely responsible for bringing bluebirds back from this drastic decline in numbers. Studies in house design brought about changes in construction to maximize the effectiveness of the houses. These new house designs and mounting strategies proved that manmade habitats could be effective. Soon thousands of bluebird enthusiasts participated in replacing lost natural habitat with bluebird houses. Some hung houses in their yards, while others went a step further and created bluebird trails. The result has been one of the biggest conservation successes and species preservations in history.

There are three species of bluebirds: Eastern, Western, and Mountain. They all belong to the thrush family. The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) breeds in every state east of the Rocky Mountains. It is bright blue with a rusty red breast similar to the robin's breast. The Western Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) breeds in the western states from Canada to Mexico and east to Colorado. It has a blue throat and the red color extends to its upper back. The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) breeds in the Northwest, east to the Dakotas, and north into Alaska. It is entirely blue with a white underbelly.

We carry bluebird houses for all three species of bluebirds. Each bluebird bird house comes with specific standard features, such as interior dimensions, ventilation, and drainage, which are required to earn the North American Bluebird Society's seal of approval. Some bluebird houses have specially designed entrances to keep out predators and sparrows (who will often take over bluebird houses for their own nests). We also have houses designed for observation or "viewing" that feature polycarbonate panels that allow you to safely view the inhabitants inside.

If you have never tried inviting bluebirds to breed in your yard these bluebird bird houses are just what you?ve been looking for. We also carry a full line of bluebird feeders. They will help you support the new family of bluebirds in your yard.