[Bluebird-babble] How Long Do Bluebirds Live?

[CBPKevin@aol.com]

No one knows for sure, but I just read some recapture reports from Canada 
that indicate they may live longer than many of us thought.

The Calgary Area Bluebird Trail Monitors band the bluebirds, tree swallows, 
etc., that use their nestboxes.  Here are a few highlights from their 2005 
report.  They recaptured a mountain bluebird, banded as an adult in 1997.  This 
bird is at least eight years old!  They also recaptured a 7 year old mountain 
bluebird and a 7 year old tree swallow.  This was a disappointment for them, 
because in every previous year since 1996 they had recaptured at least one tree 
swallow aged 8 or 9 years.  Their records over time indicate they recapture 
about twice as many tree swallows aged 5 - 7 as mountain bluebirds.  The 7 year 
old mountain bluebird was banded in 1999 and recaptured in the same box in 
2000, 2002, 2003 and 2005.  All the recaptured birds mentioned above have been 
repeatedly recaptured year after year, if not in the same box then in nearby 
boxes.  Seems to be a strong affinity to natal territories for these birds!

Do any of you trail monitors band the birds in your nestboxes?  Do you have 
similar experience with age and natal affinity?

Keep Smilin',
Kevin Corwin
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