Best Food, Feeders & Nesting Tips to Attract Bluebirds
I gasped when I first saw an Eastern Bluebird on my garden fence. That vibrant cobalt blue against the green yard felt like nature’s gift, affirming my garden’s worth. This encounter ignited my passion for creating a bluebird haven in my suburban yard
Affectionately called the “bluebird of happiness,” these gentle, beautiful creatures can transform any ordinary garden into a sanctuary of joy. In this guide, I’ll share practical, research-based techniques to attract these magnificent birds to your yard, whether you’re hoping to glimpse the Eastern Bluebird or its western cousin.
Understanding Bluebird Basics
Before diving into specific attraction methods, it’s important to understand what makes bluebirds tick:
- Feeding Habits: Bluebirds are primarily insectivores, feasting on beetles, caterpillars, and other ground-dwelling insects. During winter, they supplement their diet with fruits and berries.
- Habitat Preferences: They favor open to semi-open areas with short grass where they can easily spot insects from low perches.
- Nesting Requirements: As cavity nesters, bluebirds cannot create their own holes and rely on existing cavities or properly designed nest boxes.
- Remarkable Vision: These birds can spot insects from an impressive 60 feet away, making open spaces crucial for their hunting success.
Creating the Perfect Bluebird Habitat
Open Spaces: A Bluebird’s Paradise
My first successful bluebird attraction came after removing some overgrown shrubs cluttering my backyard. Bluebirds thrive in open landscapes where they can:
- Easily spot insects from perches
- Have clear flight paths
- Maintain visibility for predator awareness
If your yard is densely wooded, consider creating a clearing or focusing your bluebird attraction efforts on the most open section of your property. Chemical-free lawn maintenance is essential, as pesticides eliminate the insects bluebirds depend on for food.
Native Plantings That Attract Bluebirds
I’ve found that incorporating specific native plants dramatically increases bluebird visits. These plants not only provide food sources but also create perching opportunities and attract insects:
- Dogwood: Provides both berries and attracts insects
- Juniper: Offers winter berries and shelter
- Sumac: Produces berries that persist through winter
- American Elderberry: A favorite food source in late summer and fall
When planning your landscape, research which native berry-producing plants thrive in your specific region. Local varieties will always outperform exotic plants in attracting native birds.
Feeding Strategies: Beyond Traditional Bird Seed
The Mealworm Magic
When I first started researching bluebird feeding, I was surprised to learn that traditional bird seed does little to attract them. The secret weapon? Mealworms!
Live Mealworms:
- Most attractive to bluebirds
- Can be spotted from great distances due to their movement
- Require some maintenance to keep alive
- Establish your yard as a reliable food source
Dried Mealworms:
- More convenient and longer-lasting
- Can be introduced gradually by mixing with live mealworms
- Less attractive initially but accepted with time
Pro Tip: Start with live mealworms to establish regular visits, then gradually increase the proportion of dried mealworms until you’ve transitioned completely. This technique worked wonders in my garden, allowing me to maintain bluebird visitors without the hassle of keeping live insects.
Feeder Selection and Placement
Bluebirds aren’t built for traditional tube feeders. Instead, opt for:
- Platform or tray feeders: Provide easy access for bluebirds
- Dome feeders: Can be adjusted to exclude larger birds while allowing bluebird access
- Specialized bluebird feeders: Often designed with small entrances that exclude larger species
Place feeders in open areas with nearby perches, 4-6 feet off the ground, and visible from open spaces where bluebirds might be flying overhead.
Supplemental Nutrition
During the breeding season, female bluebirds need extra calcium to produce eggs. I’ve found that offering crushed, baked eggshells provides this vital nutrient. Simply:
- Rinse used eggshells thoroughly
- Bake at 250°F for 10 minutes to sterilize
- Crush into small pieces
- Offer alongside mealworms
While sunflower bits and suet occasionally attract bluebirds, especially in winter, these should supplement rather than replace their primary diet of insects and berries.
Water: The Often Overlooked Attraction
My most consistent bluebird visits began after installing a proper bird bath. Water is essential for:
- Hydration, especially during the hot summer months
- Feather maintenance and bathing
- Creating a movement that catches bluebirds’ attention
For maximum effectiveness:
- Place the bath in an open area with nearby perches
- Maintain water depth of 1-2 inches (bluebirds prefer shallow baths)
- Change water daily and clean weekly
- Consider adding a water wiggler or dripper to create movement
I’ve found that the sound of dripping water acts like a magnet for all birds, including the sometimes elusive bluebirds.
Nesting Opportunities: Inviting Bluebirds to Stay
The Perfect Bluebird House
Providing appropriate nesting opportunities is non-negotiable if you truly want bluebirds to become regular residents. Bluebirds are incredibly particular about their nesting sites, requiring:
- Precise entrance hole size: 1½ inches in diameter (any larger and competitors will enter)
- Proper interior dimensions: Approximately 5 x 5 inches floor space and 8-12 inches deep
- Ventilation and drainage holes: Essential for nestling health
- Predator guards: To protect eggs and young
- No perches: These only help predators and competitors
Strategic Placement
After several seasons of trial and error, I’ve found these placement strategies to be most effective:
- Height: Mount boxes 4-6 feet off the ground
- Direction: Face the entrance hole eastward to catch the morning sun while avoiding the afternoon heat
- Spacing: If installing multiple boxes, place them at least 100 yards apart (bluebirds are territorial)
- Timing: Install by mid-February (in most regions) before nesting season begins
- Location: Position in open areas with short grass for hunting, away from dense brush
Don’t add nesting material to the box—bluebirds prefer to build their own nests. However, ensuring your yard has plenty of grass clippings, pine needles, and small twigs will provide them with the building materials they need.
Monitoring and Maintenance
Once bluebirds discover your yard, consistent maintenance becomes crucial:
- Regular cleaning: After each brood fledges, clean out the nest box thoroughly
- Predator vigilance: Watch for signs of predators and adjust protection as needed
- Minimal disturbance: Once nesting begins, limit your monitoring to brief, occasional checks
- Year-round commitment: Continue providing food and water sources even in off-seasons to maintain your yard’s reputation as a bluebird-friendly space
I’ve found that keeping a journal of bluebird activity helps me understand patterns and improve my attraction methods year after year.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Through my own experiences and conversations with fellow bird enthusiasts, I’ve identified these common pitfalls:
- Using pesticides: These eliminate the insect food source bluebirds need
- Overcrowding with feeders and houses: This attracts too many competitor species
- Improper house dimensions: Bluebirds won’t use houses that don’t meet their specific requirements
- Neglecting water sources: Clean, fresh water is as important as food
- Impatience: Attracting bluebirds can take time; consistency is key
Creating a bluebird-friendly yard requires some effort and patience, but the rewards are immeasurable. There’s something profoundly satisfying about watching these “bluebirds of happiness” raise their young, hunt across your lawn, and add their sweet, warbling songs to your garden’s symphony.
Remember that attracting bluebirds isn’t just about your enjoyment—you’re providing crucial habitat for a species that has faced significant population challenges due to habitat loss and competition from non-native birds. Every bluebird-friendly yard contributes to conservation efforts that help ensure these beautiful birds will delight future generations.
I encourage you to share your bluebird experiences, challenges, and successes in the comments below. What techniques have worked in your yard? What questions do you have about attracting these magnificent birds? Together, we can create a community of bluebird havens, one yard at a time.
