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Many bluebirds, like robins, do spend the winter here in WNY. The question for both species is this: Are they the same birds that live and nest here … or are they birds that have migrated here ...
The eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a small North American migratory thrush found in open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards. The bright-blue breeding plumage of the male, easily observed on a wire or open perch, makes this species a favorite of birders.
Bluebirds will also eat raisins soaked in water. In addition, in winter bluebirds use backyard heated birdbaths. By the 1970s, bluebird numbers had declined by estimates ranging to 70% due to unsuccessful competition with house sparrows and starlings, both introduced species, for nesting cavities
Among birds that nest in cavities but cannot excavate them on their own, competition is high for nest sites. Mountain, Western, and more recently Eastern bluebirds compete for nest boxes where their ranges overlap. House Sparrows, European Starlings, and House Wrens also compete fiercely with bluebirds for nest cavities. [17]
Volunteers at Maybury State Park keep an eye on bluebird nesting boxes, watching for predators, counting eggs and fledglings.
Bluebirds have two or three nestings per year so do not give up trying to attract them. Keep monitoring your bluebird nest boxes and make sure that they aren’t occupied by house sparrows.
Nest in a nest box. The western bluebird nests in cavities or in nest boxes, competing with tree swallows, house sparrows, and European starlings for natural nesting locations. Because of the high level of competition, house sparrows often attack western bluebirds for their nests. The attacks are made both in groups or alone.
Mountain bluebird. Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae. The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly but not exclusively in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. Eastern bluebird, Sialia sialis