Western Bluebirds in Washington
When western bluebirds are present in Washington, when they nest, which native Washington plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4a–9a yard.
- Status in Washington
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- April–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4a–9a
- Nest box
- 1 1/2 in hole, 5 × 5 in floor, 5–10 ft
When to expect western bluebirds in Washington
Western Bluebirds are summer residents in Washington, arriving shortly before nesting begins in April and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on beetles and grasshoppers.
Marine west-coast climate west of the Cascades, semi-arid shrub-steppe to the east.
Nesting in Washington
Across Washington, western bluebirds typically nest from April–July. Nest site: cavity or nest box. Females lay 2–8 eggs, incubate for 12–17 days, and young leave the nest after 19–25 days.
Dry, sunny summers west of the Cascades; hot in the Columbia Basin.
- Have boxes cleaned and mounted before March — western bluebirds begin prospecting ahead of egg-laying.
- Use a 1 1/2 in entrance on a 5 × 5 in floor, mounted 5–10 ft.
- Fit a pole baffle or hole guard; ventilation gaps and drainage holes are essential.
- Clean out old nests after each brood and again after July.
Native Washington plants that attract western bluebirds
Of the regional native plants we track for Washington, these 8 provide food or cover western bluebirds use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Catkin seed feeds redpolls and siskins all winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Seeds and bark insects; pygmy nuthatch and woodpecker habitat.
Feeding western bluebirds through the Washington year
Uses 1 1/2 in nest boxes in open oak and pine woodland; boxes have helped recovery in the Pacific Northwest.
- Best foods: Mealworms, Suet nuggets.
- In Washington's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for western bluebirds · Best feeder for western bluebirds
Frequently asked
Are western bluebirds in Washington year-round?
No. Western Bluebirds are summer breeders in Washington and leave for the winter.
When do western bluebirds nest in Washington?
Nesting in Washington typically runs April–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 2–8 eggs, incubated for 12–17 days.
What native plants attract western bluebirds in Washington?
Smooth sumac, Tall goldenrod, Paper birch, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Highbush cranberry, Rocky Mountain juniper, Ponderosa pine are native plants in Washington that provide food or cover for western bluebirds.
What size birdhouse hole do western bluebirds need?
1 1/2 in, with a floor of 5 × 5 in mounted 5–10 ft.
Western Bluebirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in Washington
Sources
- Western Bluebird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Western Bluebird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Western Bluebird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Washington
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.