Routine checks below the nest and nest changes can greatly reduce the risks and impacts of blow fly larvae. Larvae feed on the blood of nestling birds, and a large infestation can seriously impact nestling health. A potentially bigger problem is blow fly larvae, which are the larval stage of a fly that targets bird nests to lay their eggs. VanErt Sparrow Trap (popular sparrow trap)Īlthough ants and mites are often found in bluebird nests, impacts to young are typically minor and can be resolved by replacing the nest.
Their aggressiveness and persistence make them a serious challenge. They will even build their nest on top of the birds they kill. House sparrows have earned a reputation for aggressively attacking nesting bluebirds (and other species), killing adults and young. In many cases, house sparrows are the single biggest challenge to bluebird nest success. Like bluebirds, house sparrows nest in cavities (such as nest boxes) and will compete aggressively with our native cavity nesting species for available space. The House Sparrow is a non-native invasive species that was introduced to the United States more than 100 years ago, and has since expanded across the continent to become one of the most common species in the US, though populations are declining. American Bird Conservancy – Cats and Birds.
US Fish and Wildlife – Threats to Birds.More information about cats and birds can be found at the following links: Careful placement of nest boxes and correct use of predator guards ( see example) can greatly reduce this risk. Cats pose a threat at all life stages, but perhaps are most destructive during the nesting cycles when they can attack and kill adults in the box and wipe out entire broods of young. The best solution to this problem is to keep cats indoors and find solutions to reduce the number of feral cats.īluebirds, of course, are one of those species impacted by cats. Cats are efficient hunters and killing is instinctive the suggestion that a well-fed cat won’t hunt is simply false. Estimates put the number of birds killed each year at well over 1Billion birds. With the exception of habitat loss, cats likely pose the greatest threat to birds in the United States.
An excellent guide to these challenges can be found at below is an overview of the most common problems experienced. They face a range of enemies, each with different risks and management options. Life for any wild animal can be challenging, and bluebirds are no exception.
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