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Eastern Bluebirds Habits
The following information is provided to help you understand the needs of bluebirds and how you can attract them to your backyard. Once declining in population, Bluebirds are beginning to make a comeback. Interesting to note, bluebirds were once as common as the American Robin. Numbers declined in part from nest competition with House Sparrows and the European Starling, both introduced species. Loss of habitat is another factor. Through the efforts of the North American Bluebird Society, and other groups and individuals, bluebirds are beginning to actually thrive.
DescriptionEastern Bluebirds measure 6 1/2 inches in length. The male has bright blue upperparts, reddish breast, and white belly.The female has a buffy throat and breast, grayish-blue head and back with light blue wings and tail. Bluebirds can be found in rural gardens, orchards, and suburban gardens near open farmland. Their arrival in early spring is a sure sign that winter is on the way out. Blue Birds Nesting HabitsThe fact that these birds are cavity nesters is what makes them an ideal candidate for a bird house. In fact, if there was ever a bird in need of our help in providing nest boxes, it is the Eastern Blue Bird.The bluebirds nest is made of grasses, plant stems, pine needles, and lined with hair, feathers, and fine grasses. The nest is placed in a birdhouse, or abandoned woodpecker hole usually 3-20 feet above ground. The female lays between 3-6 pale blue eggs. The female will incubate the eggs for 13 - 16 days and the young will leave the nest within 15 to 20 days. The male Eastern Bluebird will often keep feeding the fledglings while the female begins a second nest.
This height will help discourage house sparrows and make it easier for you to monitor. Keep a close watch on your nesting box and remove nesting materials from house sparrows and starlings. The Bluebird Monitor's Guide - reveals how it's done: how you can attract bluebirds and, once they begin nesting in your backyard, how you can help ensure that nestlings develop and fledge successfully.
Feeding HabitsWhen it comes to feeding, Bluebirds eat large amounts of insects. Eighty percent of their diet comes from insects during spring and summer.In addition to insects, these birds eat berries and fruits off of small trees and shrubs. You may want to try placing dried fruit and/or chopped peanut kernels on a platform type feeder. There are other ways to lure these birds, the best of which is to offer them mealworms in a tray feeder. Bluebirds are very fond of mealworms, and if they are presented alive, and in a tray feeder, there is a possibility of success. Mealworms are inch-long larvae, with brown, crusty shells, available from pet supply stores or online at our partners mealworm page.
Information on growing your own can be found here Growing Mealworms They also can be attracted to bird baths, particularly if the water is moving and makes splashing noises that they can hear at some distance. Whether it's a birdhouse, mealworms, or water that attracts blue birds to your yard, the reward of seeing these birds up close is what makes bird watching so much fun.
Additional Information About Blue Birds
Attracting Bluebirds To Your Yard
Bluebird House - What You Need To Know
Raise Your Own Mealworms For Feeding Bluebirds
Provide Winter Roosting Boxes for These Birds
Have A Great Story About Bluebirds In Your Backyard
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If you plan on putting up a nesting box, place it on a pole within 4-5 feet of the ground.
