Do bluebirds have special nesting requirements?
Bluebirds require a cavity, or hole, within which to nest. Since they are unable to excavate these cavities themselves, they are referred to as secondary cavity nesters. Woodpeckers are primary cavity nesters, and in natural habitats bluebirds will search out old woodpecker cavities to construct their nests. Woodpecker cavities can be replicated by a bird house or nest box. Bluebirds do not distinguish between the ‘real thing’ and the ‘fake’. They will readily adapt a nest box as their home. This acceptance of artificial housing has led to the development of bluebird trails by thousands of people all across North America. Bluebirders can be credited with establishing the most enthusiastic and widespread conservation movement on the continent.
