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, these birds are finally beginning to make a comeback. It's interesting to note, these birds 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 birding groups, public education, and your help, these birds will have a better chance at survival than they once had.

Description

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 Habits

The 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 will often keep feeding the fledglings while the female begins a second nest.

Bird Houses

The better you control House Sparrows and other species the better your chances at getting these birds to nest near you.

When Do I Clean Out Birdhouses

This cleaning after the first nesting doesn't have to be a major cleanup, save that for the end of the season. Just bag the nest and throw it away, then brush out the inside of the nest box and rehang. Now you're ready for more birds.

Feeding Habits - What Bluebirds Eat

There are other ways to lure these birds, the best of which is to offer them mealworms in a tray feeder. They are very fond of mealworms 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 from Duncraft. (see links below)

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They are inexpensive and last a long time if kept in a refrigerator. American Robins, Gray Catbirds, and Mockingbirds may also be attracted to feeders containing the worms.

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 these 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 | Bird House - What You Need To Know

Gifts | Setting Up A Trail of Birdhouses

Mountain Species | Raise Your Own Mealworms

Provide Winter Roosting Boxes for These Birds

Watch Videos of This Bird

Have A Great Story About Bluebirds In Your Backyard

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