Differences in Blue Bird and Sparrow Nests

Bluebird Nesting Habits

• Bluebirds prefer to nest in enclosed spaces. There are a variety of nest boxes that attract bluebirds. The box should provide ventilation and have drainage holes. The roof should slant and overhang the entrance by at least an inch. Most importantly, the box should be deep enough to protect the eggs and fledgelings from predators. To attract bluebirds and discourage larger songbirds, make sure the entrance is 1 1/2 inches in diameter and has no perch. Bluebirds make neat nests. They use thin materials such pine needles, young grass, or shredded straw. The birds place these pieces carefully, shaping a deep cup to hold their eggs.

House Sparrow Nesting Habits

• House sparrows have learned to adapt to a wide range of environments. They build nests in trees, crevices in buildings and birdhouses intended for other birds. Sparrows use a variety of materials and objects to build nests. Twigs, grass, leaves, even strings, plastic and cigarette butts can end up in a house sparrow nest. The eggs are placed on a bed of feathers or soft grass near the center of the ball-like nest. Sparrows can be very aggressive, driving other songbirds from the area and taking over their nesting sites. Because house sparrows don't migrate, they remain and defend their new nests all year round.

Bluebird Care

• A quality bluebird box has a door that opens. Bluebirds are very tolerant of human interaction. The tiny blue songbirds will accept monitoring and even food from humans. After each brood has flown, it is important to remove the old nest and clean the nesting box. This is a good time to watch for invading house sparrows.

Nest Monitoring

• Monitoring any bluebird house means watching for invading sparrows. Both bluebirds and sparrows have several hatchings a year. Newly mated pairs of sparrows seek a nesting site and will drive bluebirds from their nests, crush any eggs and build their own nest on top. Sometimes a sparrow nest can be spotted by the trash and twigs emerging from the entrance hole of the nesting box. Another sign that sparrows have taken over a nesting box is the presence of fecal matter. Bluebirds are fastidious in carrying away trash and fecal matter. When a sparrow's nest is found, wait until the brood has grown and remove the nest. Clean and move the nest box.