Bluebirds are a beloved songbird species found across much of North America. After bluebird eggs hatch, the tiny hatchlings stay in the nest where they are fed by their parents until they are ready to take their first flight. But how long is it before young bluebirds leave the nest after hatching?
Bluebird Nesting Facts
Let’s first go over some background information on bluebird nesting behavior:
- Bluebirds build open, cup-shaped nests in tree cavities, nest boxes, or other sheltered sites.
- The female bluebird lays one pale blue egg per day, with clutches usually containing 3-7 eggs.
- Only the female incubates the eggs. Incubation lasts for about 14 days before the eggs begin to hatch.
- Both parents feed the nestlings regurgitated insects and other food.
- Nestlings are mostly helpless at hatching with eyes closed and minimal feathering.
Bluebird Nestling Development
Let’s look at the key development milestones for bluebird chicks after they hatch:
- Days 1-4: Nestlings are helpless with closed eyes. Parents brood young to keep them warm.
- Days 5-8: Eyes open, and pin feathers begin growing. Nestlings can sit up, beg for food, and pant or stretch to cool down.
- Days 9-12: Feathers develop further. Nestlings stand, flap wings, and start peering out of nest entrance.
- Days 13-16: Feather quills break open. Nestlings can hop around nest and practice wing flapping.
- Days 17-21: Feathers mature and nestlings increasingly active. They may walk to nest entrance and look out.
As you can see, bluebird chicks go through rapid growth and development in preparation for fledging and leaving the nest.
How Long Until Fledging?
So when do young bluebirds finally take their first flight? The timing depends on a few factors:
- Species: There are three bluebird species found in different regions. Eastern bluebird, western bluebird, and mountain bluebird fledging periods can vary slightly.
- Time of Year: Bluebirds in warmer southern climates may fledge faster than those further north.
- Number of eggs: Older last-hatched chicks in large broods take longer to develop.
- Health: Sickly or underfed chicks may fledge later.
- Predation threats: Chicks may fledge early if predators are nearby.
That said, the typical bluebird fledging age is between 17 and 21 days after hatching. So if eggs hatch around day 0, first flight usually occurs sometime between days 17-21.
The Fledging Process
Fledging is an important developmental milestone for bluebirds. Here’s what to expect as bluebird chicks prepare to leave the nest:
- Increased activity – Hopping, flapping, peering over nest edge
- Wing feathers fully grown – Long enough for flight
- Muscles strengthened – From exercising wings
- Weight loss – As body fat is consumed
- Fewer feedings – Parents try to encourage fledging
- First flights – Hopping up to perch on nest box or branch
- Leaving nest – Attempting short flights nearby
The first fledgling flights are usually clumsy and don’t go far. The parents continue to feed and care for the fledglings for several days as they improve their flying skills.
Survival After Fledging
The couple weeks after leaving the nest are dangerous times for fledgling bluebirds. Threats include:
- Predators – Cats, snakes, birds of prey
- Collisions – With windows, cars, fences
- Starvation – Difficulty finding food on their own
- Exposure – Lack of feathers, bad weather
Parent bluebirds will remain with fledglings and continue feeding them for 2-3 weeks post-fledging. This gives the young birds time to learn how to forage for themselves and evade predators. Fledgling survival rises the longer they have parental care.
Summary of Bluebird Fledging Timeline
Here’s a quick summary of the average bluebird fledging timeline:
- Eggs hatch around days 14-15 from start of incubation
- Chicks are brooded for warmth their first days
- Feathers grow and chicks get more active from days 5-16
- Fledging occurs between days 17-21 after hatching
- Parents care for fledglings for 2-3 more weeks
Of course, the exact timeline can vary based on different circumstances. But most bluebird chicks will fledge around three weeks after hatching.
Conclusion
Bluebirds have a relatively short nestling period of just 2-3 weeks from hatching to fledging. This is driven by their need to quickly develop flight feathers and leave the nest before predators find them or bad weather hits. With attentive parental care after taking their first flights, young bluebirds can survive the dangers of the fledgling stage and go on to thrive and nest in the seasons to come.