The “common knowledge” about Eurasian Tree Sparrows (ETSP) is that they are not aggressive like House Sparrows (HOSP.) However, In January 2024, I saw a nestcam video by Katharine Martin of St. Charles, MO, of an ETSP attacking a bluebird and it was VICIOUS. The bluebird exited the box, but it’s unknown if it survived as the box was not nearby. I wonder the attacker was a hybrid, but it was clearly mostly ETSP. WARNING: It is brutal, and the bluebird’s cries are upsetting.
More Information:
Video of the month archives
- The Story of the Titmouse – Paul and Austin Murray
- Bluebird Food action – John Beaudette of Canada
- House Wren Attacking Eggs – Bet Zimmerman
- House Sparrow attacks another bird inside a nestbox – Tony Carita
- Hissing Titmouse – Bet Zimmerman
- Also see Nest Cam webpage (Sialis)
- House Wren attacks bluebird nestlings – Linda Moore
- Bumblebees in EABL nestbox – Bet Zimmerman
- Mouse House – Bet Zimmerman
- Flying Squirrel eating – Joe Chapuis, WebVideoZone.com
- Starling Attacks Purple Martins – Simon of purplemartin.tv
- Flying Squirrel peeks out of nestbox – Bet Zimmerman
- Nuthatch Roosts in Gilwood Nestbox claimed by EABL – Bet Zimmerman
- Bluebird Lays an Egg – Bet Zimmerman (with captions)
- Helpers – Fledglings feeding nestlings – Kenn
- House Wren divebombs monitor – Jeff Hansen
- Oak Titmouse assists egg hatching – Sue Flynn, Oregon
When it comes to bluebirding, if you think you’ve seen it all, you’re probably wrong.
– Bet Zimmerman
