Eastern bluebirds are a beloved backyard bird found throughout much of the eastern and central United States. These brightly colored birds with their reddish-brown chests and brilliant blue backs bring joy to those lucky enough to host them. As with any backyard visitor, attracting bluebirds to your yard requires understanding what they like best. When it comes to food, offering bluebirds the right seeds can encourage them to take up residence and provide enjoyment for years to come.
Bluebirds’ Dietary Preferences
Eastern bluebirds are omnivorous, feeding on both insects and seeds. However, the majority of their diet, approximately 70%, consists of insects and other invertebrates. The remaining 30% comes from seeds and fruits. Some of their preferred foods include:
– Beetles
– Caterpillars
– Grasshoppers
– Spiders
– Ants
– Worms
– Berries
– Fruits
While Eastern bluebirds eat a wide variety of seeds, the most enticing and nutritious seeds come from native grasses and wildflowers. Budding bluebird enthusiasts may wonder, what are the best types of seeds for attracting these songbirds? The seeds that bluebirds relish include:
Native Grasses and Wildflowers
– Big bluestem
– Little bluestem
– Indian grass
– Switchgrass
– Wild rye
Favorite Berries
– Dogwood
– Holly
– Juniper
– Sumac
– Viburnum
Offering seeds from these native plants provides bluebirds with the energy and nutrients they need. It also supplies them with natural foods they would seek out anyway. Providing native seeds gives bluebirds a compelling reason to visit your yard.
Best Practices for Feeding Bluebirds
Learning what seeds bluebirds prefer is an important first step. Next, it’s vital to know how to offer seeds in a way that appeals to these wild birds. Following best practices for bluebird seed feeding ensures that they will get the most benefit. Here are some tips for success:
Choose quality seeds
Look for seeds free of dirt, mildew, and contaminants. Avoid inexpensive seed blends which contain filler seeds that bluebirds won’t eat. Stick to fresh seeds from the native grasses and flowers bluebirds favor. Consider harvesting and cleaning seeds yourself from naturally growing grass and wildflowers.
Select the right feeder
Platform feeders, hopper feeders, and tray feeders all work well for offering seeds to bluebirds. Opt for feeders made from natural materials like wood or metal rather than plastic. Make sure the feeder is large enough to accommodate these medium-sized birds. Include perches, as bluebirds prefer to grab seeds while perched.
Use proper seed amount
Too little seed won’t entice the number of bluebirds you want. Too much can lead to waste. Maintain a depth of about 1⁄4-1⁄2 inch of seed in the feeder. This gives bluebirds enough to pique their interest without resulting in excess.
Provide clean water
Like all animals, bluebirds need clean water for drinking and bathing. Put out a shallow bowl, fountain, or bird bath filled with fresh water. Position it near your feeder and bluebirds will use it frequently after eating.
Reduce competition
Bluebirds are shy around other birds. Discourage bigger, aggressive species by using feeders with small perches and tubes. Squirrels can monopolize feeders, so invest in squirrel-proof ones or include a baffle.
Offer nesting boxes
In addition to food, bluebirds need shelter. Placing nest boxes in your yard gives them a home base near their seed source. Ensure boxes meet the proper size, hole diameter, and height above ground that bluebirds prefer.
Following these straightforward tips will have bluebirds feasting from your feeders in no time. Continue providing their favorite seeds, clean water, and nesting spots and you can enjoy these colorful songbirds all season long. With proper care and feeding, your yard can become a bluebird haven.
The 4 Best Seeds to Attract Bluebirds
Eastern bluebirds will eat a variety of seed types, but some key seeds top the list for attracting these beloved birds. Adding these seeds to your feeder or garden will lure bluebirds in and convince them to stay. Here are the top 4 seeds to offer:
1. Sunflower Seeds
A favorite among many birds, sunflower seeds attract bluebirds too. The mild flavor and high fat content appeal to them. Look for sunflower seeds still in their shell, which bluebirds prefer over hulled ones. Select a sunflower feeder with small openings only big enough for bluebirds. This prevents bigger bullies from taking over.
2. Millet
Various forms of millet offer nutrition and energy for active bluebirds. Look for white proso millet and red millet, which bluebirds flock to. Avoid fluffed or coated millet, which is lower quality filler. Offer millet in platform feeders or scatter it on the ground to bring in bluebirds.
3. Nyjer
Also called thistle, tiny black nyjer seeds have a high oil content perfect for fueling bluebirds’ high metabolisms. Special nyjer feeders with tiny ports give bluebirds access while keeping out other birds. The unique shape of nyjer prevents it from falling out easily.
4. Cracked Corn
Cracked corn is an affordable seed that attracts ground-feeding bluebirds. The small, broken kernels are easy for bluebirds to eat. Scatter them loosely on a platform feeder or sprinkle across soil. Avoid whole dried corn, which bluebirds can’t easily digest.
Supplementing these top seeds with some berry-producing plants will provide a complete diet. Aim to offer sunflower, millet, nyjer, and cracked corn in your yard throughout the seasons to maintain a steady stream of snacking bluebirds. Don’t overlook native grass and wildflower seeds too. Providing a diverse seed buffet will satisfy bluebirds’ tastes all year round.
When and How Often to Feed Bluebirds
With the right seeds on hand to attract bluebirds, it’s important to know when and how often to offer them. Timing is key in keeping bluebird feeders stocked appropriately for these migratory birds. Here are some tips on bluebird feeding frequency:
Year-round
In warmer climates where bluebirds live year-round, continue feeding them through all seasons. While food may be more plentiful in summer, extra seeds provide nutrition during molting and nesting seasons. Just reduce frequency to discourage dependence.
Early spring
As bluebirds return from migration in early spring, resume daily feeding. Supplying steady food will help bluebirds recover from their long journey. It also supports nest-building and egg-laying.
Nesting season
Feed daily throughout the nesting season from spring through summer. Parents visit feeders up to 18 times an hour to find food for nestlings. Frequent, filling meals enable baby birds to grow and fledge faster.
Autumn and winter
With natural food sources declining in fall and winter, daily feedings provide essential energy. High-fat seeds help bluebirds survive cold months and migrate again in spring. Clean feeders often to provide fresh seeds.
During migration
Offer seeds daily when bluebirds are passing through your area in spring and fall. Migrating bluebirds depend on feeders for fueling up to travel further. Planting native berries near feeders also aids migrating birds.
Aim for daily feedings year-round, adjusting frequency based on seasonal needs. Keep feeders clean, dry, and filled to make your yard a dependable food oasis. Be a reliable seed provider and your bluebird neighbors will thank you.
The Cost of Feeding Bluebirds
Hosting bluebirds in your yard comes with the responsibility of providing for these seasonal visitors. With the right seeds and feeders, you can create an attractive habitat. But what will it cost? Here is an overview of typical costs for bluebird feeders and seed:
Bluebird feeders
$15 – $50
Bluebird-specific feeders like tubes range widely in price based on size, materials, and features. More durable metal and wood feeders cost more than basic plastic ones. Unique feeding ports for bluebirds add expense. Simple platform feeders can cost as little as $15.
Seed mixes and bags
$10 – $40 per 10-20 lbs
Buying seed in bulk bags offers the best value. Bluebird-specific mixes cost more than basic mixes other birds also like. Unique seeds like nyjer and red millet are pricier. Consider mixing your own custom blend. Shop sales to get discounts.
Single seed types
$1 – $5 per lb
Purchasing seeds separately in smaller bags allows you to tailor the blend. But the cost per pound is higher than bulk bags. Prioritize sunflower and safflower over cheap fillers like milo.
Suet cakes or mealworms
$2 – $10
These insect-protein sources provide needed nutrition during nesting seasons. Make your own inexpensive suet using leftover fat. Dried mealworms offer live food without the mess of keeping worms.
With initial feeder setups and recurring seed costs, feeding bluebirds averages $10 – $50 per month. This worthwhile investment provides endless hours observing these special songbirds. The pleasure of their beauty and antics is priceless.
Homemade Food Supplements
In addition to commercial seeds and mealworms, bluebird enthusiasts can make their own homemade food supplements. Offering homemade suet, berries, and other natural foods that bluebirds eat in the wild saves money while giving birds nutritious options. Here are some easy recipes:
Suet cakes
– 1 cup melted suet or leftover fat
– 2 cups cornmeal
– 1 cup flour
– 1 cup birdseed
– Dried fruit, chopped nuts, or crumbled eggshells
Mix ingredients well and pour into molds. Chill until firm and add to feeders.
Fruit puree
– Berries, grapes, applesauce or other fruits
– Water as needed
Blend or mash fruits into a smoothie consistency. Spread on platform feeders or dried pinecones.
Seed dough
– 1 cup flour
– 1⁄2 cup water
– 1 cup birdseed
Stir flour and water into dough. Knead in birdseed. Roll into balls and flatten or press into pine cones.
Fruit kebabs
– Assorted fruits chunks – grapes, apples, orange slices or berries
– Sturdy twigs or pinecones
Skewer fruit tightly onto sticks or pinecones. Embed into feeder area or hang from branches.
Let your creativity run wild! Giving bluebirds homemade food treats provides variety and nourishment. Making your own bird food also offers a fun outdoor activity to enjoy.
Conclusion
Attracting beautiful, energetic bluebirds to your backyard provides endless entertainment and enjoyment. Understanding bluebirds’ dietary needs and seed preferences is key to enticing them. Offering their favorite sunflower, millet, nyjer, and cracked corn gives them nutritious food options. Presenting seeds in clean feeders, coupled with fresh water and nest boxes, supplies the total habitat bluebirds love. Feed bluebirds consistently as seasons change to become an indispensable resource for them. With dedication and care in feeding, these colorful songbirds will brighten your yard for many springtimes to come. Feel confident knowing what seeds bluebirds crave and enjoy years of their company!