How to Protect Nesting Bluebirds in Your Garden (and Keep Those Pesky House Sparrows Away!)

• Posted on 10 March 2025
• By Michelle Corgan / AI Assisted
• Posted in bluebirds, deter house sparrows, nest, nestbox, nesting season
• 0

Bluebirds are like little flying jewels—brilliant blue feathers, sweet songs, and a love for backyard living. If you’ve ever seen one flutter by, you know how special they are. But getting them to nest in your yard? That’s where the real fun (and challenge) begins!

One of the biggest hurdles? House sparrows. These feisty little invaders aren’t just rude houseguests—they’re total homewreckers. They steal bluebird nests, destroy eggs, and even attack the parents! But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with bluebird-friendly tips and some sneaky anti-sparrow tricks to help you create the ultimate bluebird haven.

1. Pick the Perfect Nest Box

Bluebirds are classy, and they won’t settle for just any old birdhouse. They need a specific type of nest box to feel at home:

✅ Hole size matters – Go for a 1.5-inch entrance hole—just big enough for bluebirds but too small for larger bully birds.
✅ No perches, please! – Perches just make it easier for sparrows to attack. Bluebirds don’t need them, so skip ‘em.
✅ Metal pole, not a tree – Mount the box on a metal pole 4-6 feet high to keep out climbing predators like raccoons and snakes.
✅ Open space, not hidden corners – Bluebirds love wide-open fields and dislike dense trees. Place their house where they can easily scout for bugs!

Shop Bluebird Houses here: bluebird house - Bell Farm Shops

Bonus Hack: The Gilbertson Nest Box

House sparrows tend to ignore gilbertson nest boxes. If you’re in sparrow territory, try using this style of house and the bluebirds will feel safe!

Photo By: Erin Prawoko // Bluebird using a gilbertson nest box on our property

2. The House Sparrow Problem (and How to Outsmart Them)

House sparrows are like the obnoxious neighbors who move in uninvited and refuse to leave. They’ll take over bluebird houses, throw out eggs, and start fights. Luckily, there are ways to politely (or not-so-politely) tell them to scram.

How to Make Your Yard “Sparrow-Unfriendly”

• Ditch the birdseed mix – House sparrows love millet and cracked corn. Stick to sunflower seeds to attract bluebirds instead.  We love meaties!
• Move the nest box AWAY from feeders – If sparrows are hanging around your bird feeders, don’t put the bluebird house too close!
• Skip the cozy nesting materials – Sparrows love soft, fluffy stuff. Bluebirds? Not so much. Don’t leave out dried grasses or yarn unless you want sparrows moving in.

How to Keep Sparrows OUT of Bluebird Houses

• Sparrow Spookers FTW! – Hang shiny ribbons or fishing line above the box to scare sparrows away (bluebirds don’t mind).
• Block the entrance temporarily – If sparrows are eyeing the nest box before bluebirds arrive, cover the hole with a plug or tape for a few days.
• Remove sparrow nests (legally!) – House sparrows aren’t protected by law, so you can remove their nests and eggs if they take over. Just be sure you’re not accidentally messing with bluebird eggs!

Nest Image Source : https://www.sialis.org/

Extreme Measures: The Sparrow Trap

If sparrows just won’t quit, you can use a sparrow trap like the Van Ert trap. Some bird lovers even humanely remove house sparrows to protect native bluebirds. Tough love, but sometimes necessary!

3. Keep Bluebirds Safe from Predators

House sparrows aren’t the only troublemakers. Bluebirds also have to watch out for raccoons, snakes, starlings, and even some sneaky little house wrens.

Easy Ways to Keep Bluebirds Safe

• Baffles = predator-proofing magic! Mount a baffle on the pole under your bluebird house to keep out climbing critters.
• Noel Guards – These little wire tunnels around the entrance hole make it harder for predators to reach inside.  We sell these in store!
• Nest Box Placement – Keep your bluebird house at least 50 feet away from shrubs—wrens and cowbirds love to ambush from nearby bushes.

4. Give Your Bluebirds the VIP Treatment (Food & Water)

AI Generated Image

A well-fed bluebird is a happy bluebird! Here’s what to serve at your exclusive backyard bluebird café:

• Mealworms – Bluebirds go crazy for mealworms (live or dried). This is the best way to win their hearts.
• Suet nuggets – High-protein snacks keep parents strong while they care for their babies.
• Fresh berries – Bluebirds love blueberries, elderberries, and sumac. Bonus: Planting berry bushes gives them a long-term food source!
• Shallow birdbaths – They like their water still and not too deep—think spa, not swimming pool.  If your birdbath is too deep, try adding a rock!

5. Keep Bluebirds Coming Back Year After Year

Once you’ve got bluebirds in your yard, you’ll want them to stay forever. Here’s how to keep them around:

• Plant native berry bushes – Dogwood, elderberry, and serviceberry provide food year-round.
• Leave grassy patches – Bluebirds hunt insects in open areas. Avoid heavy mulch or pesticides.
• Keep some nest boxes up in winter – Bluebirds might roost in empty boxes when it’s cold, so leave a few up even after nesting season.

Final Thoughts

Bluebirds are sweet, peaceful, and absolutely worth the effort. But they need a little help from us to stay safe from sparrows and other threats. With the right nest box, a few clever deterrents, and plenty of mealworms, you’ll have happy bluebirds raising their families right in your backyard in no time!

Ever had a bluebird battle with house sparrows? What’s worked for you? Share your best tips in the comments below!