Bluebirds
PMCI and Bluebirds
PMCI has Bluebird houses located at some of our Purple Martin colonies. Bluebirds are similar species to Purple Martins and their nesting areas may overlap. Thus, many landlords enjoy hosting both Purple Martins and Bluebirds.
Bluebirds Live in Single Houses
Bluebirds can fit in Purple Martin houses because they are smaller than Purple Martins. it’s not good for Bluebirds to live with Purple Martins, however. Bluebirds are territorial. Purple Martin houses and Bluebird houses need to be spaced to help prevent conflict.
Bluebirds Eat Insects
Just like Purple Martins, Bluebirds are insectivores. Bluebirds hunt insects and arthropods that live on the ground or on plants such as caterpillars, beetles, spiders, mites, etc. Purple Martins are aerial feeders - meaning they eat insects that fly. One feeds on land and the other feeds in the air. This similar but variation in diet makes both birds assets to the yard.