Bluebirds in Texas Quick Facts Predators

Once one of the more common birds in North America, by the early 1960's these birds were in serious trouble and intensive conservation efforts were needed to ensure the species survived. Concerned bluebird enthusiasts saw the impact habitat loss was having on these birds, and began restoring the lost cavities in which they could nest with "nestboxes." Soon "Bluebird Trails" began to appear across the country and cavity-nesters of all types, including the bluebirds began to recover.

Today, all three species of bluebird found in North America can be seen in Texas. By far, the most populous and productive nesting area for the Eastern Bluebird in Texas is east Texas, where several Texas Bluebird Society members maintain hundreds of miles of bluebird trails. In west Texas, trails are beginning to develop for the Western Bluebird, the other Texas nesting species. Once thought of as a "rural bird," Eastern Bluebirds are now being seen in Dallas suburbs while Austin has bluebirds within 30 miles of its northern limits.

The Texas Bluebird Society is working to establish "bluebirds across Texas", and you can help.

• All three species of bluebird can be found in Texas, especially during the winter months.
• Eastern Bluebirds nest through the eastern 2/3 of the state. These birds are making a strong comeback since people began placing and maintaining nestboxes to replace lost cavities the birds traditionally used.
• Western Bluebirds will nest in the Trans Pecos area of far west Texas, especially in the Davis and Guadalupe Mountains.
• Bluebirds are members of the thrush family. Their musical song is very entertaining. They feed on insects most of the year, but will revert to fruit as a food source during winter months.
• In winter months, it is a good idea to insulate a few nestboxes. Bluebirds may use these as roost sites on cool nights.

The House Sparrow is not a native bird to North America. Do not allow House Sparrows to nest.

To protect your nestbox from sparrows, order a Van Ert House Sparrow Trap. When this form is used a portion of the sale benefits the Texas Bluebird Society.

Another way to protect you nestbox is the Kingston Stovepipe Predator Baffle. It makes difficult for predators (including snakes) to reach the nestbox. Download a plan and build it yourself.