Eastern Bluebirds Habits

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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.

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 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.

If you plan on putting up a nesting box, place it on a pole within 4-5 feet of the ground.

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.

Bluebirds Love It!

Feeding Habits

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.

NEW! Got an interesting story about Bluebirds nesting and feeding in your backyard? Why not Share it With Our Visitors. Got pictures? We Love Pics - To share your story Click Here

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 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

Bluebird Gifts

Setting Up A Bluebird Trail

Mountain Bluebird Habits

Raise Your Own Mealworms For Feeding Bluebirds

Provide Winter Roosting Boxes for These Birds

Ideas That Are Sure To Attract and Please Any Bluebird

BirdsChoice Supper Dome

Duncraft Bluebird Post Feeder

Eco-Friendly Mealworm Feeder

Duncraft Eastern Bluebird house

Have A Great Story About Bluebirds In Your Backyard

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