How to Attract Bluebirds
Feeling Blue? Attracting Bluebirds to Your Yard - Watch the Video Here!
Our bluebird expert Connor shares his extensive knowledge about attracting one of our favorite backyard visitors. Check out how Connor gets his yard ready for bluebirds!
Habitat
There are three species of bluebirds found in North America, including Eastern, Western, and Mountain Bluebirds. They prefer open spaces with few trees like suburban lawns, golf courses, and parks. Bluebirds use nest boxes, and they can be attracted to feeders.
Recommended Housing
To entice bluebirds to nest in your yard, we recommend using the Wild Birds Unlimited Bluebird House. Officially approved by the North American Bluebird Society, this house provides protection from weather and extreme temperatures and features the proper dimensions and other amenities bluebirds desire. In addition, the roof opens for viewing eggs and babies, and the side opens for easy cleaning. Available in durable wood or recycled plastic.
Using the Wild Birds Unlimited Advanced Pole System®, place the house at a safe, desired height of about five feet. This height is optimum for bluebirds, and it allows you to easily monitor their progress.
Use the Wild Birds Unlimited Raccoon Baffle to prevent squirrels, raccoons, snakes or other predators from getting to the nest.
- House Opening: 1½" diameter entrance hole
- Ideal dimensions for bluebirds, with drainage and ventilation
- Unique two-way opening system
- Made from our EcoTough® recycled plastic material with a stylish Modern Rustic finish
- Won't rot, crack, fade or warp like wood can
- Limited lifetime guarantee.
- House Opening: 1½" diameter entrance hole
- Ideal dimensions for bluebirds, with drainage and ventilation
- Unique two-way opening system
- Made from our EcoTough® recycled plastic material
- Won't rot, crack, fade or warp like wood can
- Limited lifetime guarantee.
- House Opening: 1½" diameter entrance hole
- Ideal dimensions for bluebirds, with drainage and ventilation
- Unique two-way opening system
- Made from durable, rough cut inland red cedar
Recommended Foods
To attract the most bluebirds to your feeders, we recommend offering mealworms, Wild Birds Unlimited Bark Butter® Bits and Jim’s Birdacious® Bark Butter®. We carry a variety of feeders that you can use to offer these foods to your birds.
Mealworms are ideal for providing the necessary protein and nutrients to adult bluebirds and their babies.
Jim’s Birdacious Bark Butter is the perfect blend of protein and fat, and it will keep them going regardless of the weather.
Bluebirds: The Charming Deceiver
Bluebirds are some of the most joyful birds around. Their beautiful color and cheerful song make them welcome visitors to any backyard. But did you know they have a secret? In this podcast by Wild Birds Unlimited, hosts John Schaust and Brian Cunningham reveal fun facts and offer tips for attracting bluebirds to your yard.
Click here to listen to this episode.
Eastern Bluebird Nest & Eggs. Photo © reddirtpics
WHAT IS NESTWATCH?
This is a great site to learn all about nesting birds! NestWatch is a nationwide monitoring program designed to track status and trends in the reproductive biology of birds, including when nesting occurs, number of eggs laid, how many eggs hatch, and how many hatchlings survive.
Featuring:
All about Nesting Boxes
Tips on Nest Box Placement
Managing Invasive Species
Dealing with Predators
Managing Nest Box Competitors
Nest Box Trouble Shooting Guide
Learn More about Eastern Bluebirds Nesting: Nestwatch.org