Where do bluebirds sleep?
Bluebirds sleep in tree cavities and nest boxes. In winter, groups of five to a dozen or more pack into a single box together to share body heat.
Where they roost
- Nest boxes and natural cavities.
- Winter roost boxes with the entrance near the bottom so warm air stays in.
Getting through cold nights
Packing together cuts heat loss sharply. Bluebird trail monitors have found more than a dozen Eastern Bluebirds in one box on bitter nights.
How to help in your yard
- Leave nest boxes up over winter; plug the ventilation slots with weatherstripping in late fall.
- Offer mealworms and soaked raisins.
- Keep a heated bird bath going.
Frequently asked
Where do bluebirds sleep at night?
Bluebirds sleep in tree cavities and nest boxes. In winter, groups of five to a dozen or more pack into a single box together to share body heat.
How do bluebirds survive cold nights?
Packing together cuts heat loss sharply. Bluebird trail monitors have found more than a dozen Eastern Bluebirds in one box on bitter nights.
Should I clean bluebird boxes in fall?
Yes. Remove old nests after the last brood, then leave the box up for winter roosting.
Other birds
Sources
- Eastern Bluebird life history (Cornell Lab, All About Birds)
- NestWatch (Cornell Lab): Roost boxes and winter shelter
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.
Boxes for roosting birds
Cavity sleepers use the same boxes in winter that they nest in during spring.
Six-Room Wooden Birdhouse
A small wooden village of six roofed rooms on one base. About 20 cm long, 13 cm deep and 15 cm tall (7.9 x 5.1 x 5.9 in). Two finishes: natural wood or a dark scorched stain.Honest noteThis is a decorative piece. The rooms are too small and shallow to meet nest-box guidelines for most songbirds, the roof doesn't open for cleaning, and hummingbirds never nest in boxes. For a working nest box, see our nest-box guides.Specs Material: wood with water-resistant finish Six openings, front arched doorway
Classic Wooden Nest Box
A straightforward wooden nest box for small garden birds. The enclosed design gives cavity nesters shelter from weather and predators through the breeding season.Place in a quiet spot with a clear flight path to the entrance, and clean annually after fledging. Natural wood Enclosed cavity design For wrens, chickadees, tits and similar species
Wooden Nest Box with Perch
A simple wooden nest box (19.5 × 12 cm) with a small entrance perch, sized for small parrots and similar cavity nesters in aviaries or sheltered outdoor spaces.Made from natural wood with a hinged or sliding panel for cleaning between seasons. 19.5 × 12 cm Entrance perch included Natural wood construction
Hanging Wooden Nest Box
A lightweight wooden nest box that hangs from a branch, beam or hook. Suited to small birds that nest in enclosed cavities.Hang it in a sheltered spot out of full afternoon sun, and clean it out once a year after the breeding season ends. Natural wood Hanging design with attached loop For small cavity-nesting birds