How To Attract Bluebirds To Your Garden, According To An Expert

Bluebirds are among the most recognizable backyard bird species throughout the United States. These delightful songbirds are sweet and gentle in nature, and their famous blue plumage is a welcome surprise in any garden. Not only are they visually stunning, but they also eat insects and other pests in the garden.

If you are hoping to attract more bluebirds to your garden, there are certain preferences they have that can be implemented into your garden to make it an inviting space for these beautiful birds. Learn from the expert all about these fabulous creatures and what you can do to attract them to your space this season.

Bluebirds in the Southeast

Though there are three types of bluebirds—Eastern Bluebirds, Western Bluebirds, and Mountain Bluebirds—the only breed that visits the South is the Eastern Bluebird. These beautiful birds happen to be permanent residents of the South, so they are present for all seasons. Because of this, their migratory patterns look a little different than other species; many Eastern Bluebirds from southern states may either only move short distances around the South or just remain on their breeding territories all year.

Though they're known for their blue plumage, Eastern Bluebirds' colors come in all different shades. From dull blue to vivid blue, you're likely to see a variety of hues from Eastern Bluebirds coming through your garden.

"The blue color is actually a representation of what happened during the birds' molting period," says Farr, which is a span of a few months when adult bluebirds replace their entire plumage. "Depending on the weather and food sources and availability throughout this time, the feathers will grow back a certain color."

This color difference is particularly prevalent when comparing male and female bluebirds; though they have similar features, their shades of blue are visibly different. Female bluebirds have duller blue hues while male bluebirds have bright blue hues to attract a mate.

Providing the Right Food for Bluebirds

If you want bluebirds to hang around your garden, these are some of their favorite foods they can't resist.

Mealworms

If you want to attract bluebirds to your garden feeder, skip the seeds and opt for mealworms instead. Mealworms are the larvae of darkling beetles and are relished by bluebirds all year. They are available to purchase live or freeze-dried from your local bird or garden supply store. It is recommended to purchase mealworms from a North American supplier to ensure proper quality and compatibility with your garden.

Suet

For a high-calorie, high-protein treat that bluebirds love, try putting out a suet cake in your garden. Suet is defined as rendered beef fat, and suet cakes are a mixture of suet, seeds, fruit, and other bird-friendly mix-in.

"Especially during the cooler months, suet cakes are great for keeping bluebirds healthy and fed," says Farr.

Bluebirds gravitate toward suet cakes, and there are even some with mealworms mixed in. Purchasing a suet feeder is a great option to keep the suet cake contained.

Native Berries

Eastern Bluebirds love berries and even rely on them in the colder months, so having native berries available is sure to attract them. The berries in their diet include wild grapes, dogwood berries, blackberries, honeysuckle berries, and raspberries. "If you have leftover berries in your fridge, leave them out for the bluebirds to enjoy," says Farr.

Providing a Proper Habitat for Bluebirds

Make your garden an enticing place for bluebirds to stay with these tips to create a desirable habitat.

Plant Native Species

Planting native species provides bluebirds with ideal food and shelter options that will attract them to your garden. As ground feeders, Eastern Bluebirds stay low and like shrubs, bushes, and grass to find insects and materials for nesting. "Not only does planting native species provide the right food and shelter for bluebirds, but it also keeps your water bill down and your carbon footprint low," says Farr.

While maintaining native grass helps bluebirds look for insects easily, some plants that Eastern Bluebirds like include...

• Raspberry bushes
• Blueberry bushes
• Blackberry bushes
• Pine trees
• Trumpet honeysuckle bushes
• Cherry blossoms
• Purple coneflower
• Boxwood trees
• Apple trees

Build a Bird House

Not all birdhouses are made in the same way; different birdhouses attract different birds. When attracting Eastern Bluebirds, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources suggests using a Gilwood box, which is a wedge-shaped box with a 2¼-inch, U-shaped hole directly beneath the flat roof. If you're building your own birdhouse, go above and beyond and use native wood species to entice them even more.

Other Ways to Maintain a Bluebird-Friendly Garden

Maximize your chances of getting bluebirds in your garden with these tips.

Keep Feeders Close to the Ground

Eastern Bluebirds are ground feeders, meaning they get their food sources from the ground. From eating insects in the grass to finding nesting materials from shrubs and bushes, Eastern Bluebirds are often seen closer to the ground versus high up in the trees. "To attract them to your garden, keep any feeders close to the ground," says Farr.

Add a Birdbath

All birds need water to survive, so having a bird bath in your garden is a simple, low-cost way to welcome them to your space. "Make sure to keep the clean and replace it often so no diseases are spread among birds," says Farr.

Keep Some Dead Branches Visible

Eastern Bluebirds are cavity nesters, meaning they seek out natural or artificial cavities for nesting. Typically cavities are found in mature trees, so having a dead tree or small pile of dead branches will actually increase your chances of Eastern Bluebirds visiting your garden.

Avoid Pesticides

Because much of bluebirds' diet is insects, avoiding pesticides is necessary to keep them healthy. Pesticides not only kill off their greatest food source, but they can also make the bluebirds sick and either kill them or drive them away. Let birds kill the insects in your garden, or only use organic pesticides that won't harm any birds.