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Bluebirds are confident little creatures who have no problem living near to humans. This is why you have probably spotted a few of them in your yard already this summer. They can even help your plants by feeding on the insects that cause damage. Bluebird numbers are increasing so if you would like to encourage more of them into your yard, click through our gallery to find out how.
Foods You Can Safely Feed Bluebirds
All bluebirds eat mainly insects, including grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and others. They supplement their diet with seeds, berries and other fruits, particularly in the winter. Many people enjoy feeding bluebirds at feeders. Here is a list of common foods you can safely feed bluebirds other than seeds.
Mealworms
Bluebirds love insects, and mealworms are no exception. You can purchase these darkling beetle larvae both live and dried at most pet stores. If offering live mealworms, make sure the container has smooth sides so the larvae cannot crawl out. If you choose to offer dried mealworms, consider soaking them in warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes before placing them in the feeder. The mealworms will plump up considerably and be more attractive to the birds.
Berries
Bluebirds naturally eat a lot of different types of berries, including dogwood berries, juniper berries, hackberries, and even mistletoe berries. You can safely feed bluebirds just about any type of berry that you would eat. Consider offering blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and cranberries. You might also think of planting bushes, shrubs, or trees that produce berries, especially in the winter.
Suet
You can purchase many different types of suet, with a variety of different ingredients. Bluebirds can benefit from suet thanks to its abundant fat and protein. These birds normally obtain plenty of protein from the insects and other small animals they eat in warmer months. However, their diet may lack what they need in the winter. Consider offering suet in feeders that do not require birds to hang and feed. Bluebirds will appreciate it!
Fruits and Nuts
You can offer bluebirds a variety of chopped fruits and nuts, preferably in a dish or cup feeder. They will eat small chunks of fruits such as apples and pears. You can offer dried fruits such as raisins and cranberries. They will even eat some nuts, such as chopped peanuts without the shell. Try not to offer salted nuts, as bluebirds do not need added salt in their diet.
Peanut Butter
Some backyard birdwatchers swear by offering peanut butter to bluebirds. They have a special way pf presenting the treat, though. Because bluebirds do not prefer to hang and feed, peanut butter may best be offered by smearing a little bit on a tree trunk at ground level. Don’t apply too much, as you don’t want to draw pests. Maybe just try a little bit near an existing bluebird feeder to see if they notice and approve.
Elderberry
Commonly called elder, elderberry plants are ideal for anyone hoping to bring more bluebirds into their yard. These shrubs are comfortably grown in Hardiness Zones 3-9 with some varieties capable of tackling other Zones with ease.
More About Elderberry
Elderberries are perfect for bluebirds because of their ability to both feed and house this species. The shrublike growth habit of elder plants allows bluebirds the opportunity to hide from predators. Humans can also enjoy elderberries when they are cooked down properly- though your local bluebird population may beat you to the punch!
Flowering Dogwood
Not only is flowering dogwood ideal for attracting bluebirds- it's a beautiful tree to consider for any landscaping project. Any tree or shrub found within the Cornus genus is native to the United States and safe to plant without worrying about invasive connotations. Plus, all of the plants found in this genus produce delicious berries that bluebirds love to eat!
More About Flowering Dogwood
The most popular dogwood tree (classified as Cornus florida and pictured above) grows best in Zones 5-9. With a modest growth size of up to 30 feet, these trees are ideal for large and small yards alike.
Eastern Red Cedar
You've likely seen some type of eastern red cedar around, even if you don't live on the East Coast. This tree is adaptable enough to grow just about anywhere, especially if you find a specific cultivar that thrives in your local region. Not only are these trees large and stately- they also produce bluish berries that go perfectly with bluebirds!
More About Eastern Red Cedar
Eastern red cedars grow very slowly but they can reach heights of nearly 70 feet tall. They are often considered invaluable trees for local wildlife populations given their size, longevity, and offerings of both food and shelter for birds and other species.
Holly
There are many different types of holly trees and shrubs, all of which contain the potential for attracting bluebirds. Any holly cultivar with bright red or orangeish berries is more likely to make birds curious. Thankfully, these colors are commonly found in holly species, including the American holly and the winterberry.
More About Holly
It's important to note that most holly plants are considered dioecious, a word which means you will need to plant both male and female plants in order to get berries. While this may mean you end up with multiple holly trees in your yard, the bluebirds in your neighborhood will thank you for it!
Pokeweed
If you live in the eastern United States, plan on planting or maintaining your existing pokeweed plant for bluebirds. However, anyone residing in California shouldn't consider pokeweed a viable option. It is an extremely invasive plant and needs to be tended to carefully. Because of its potential for displacing existing, native plants, it is illegal to grow pokeweed in the state of California.
More About Pokeweed
If you're aware of pokeweed growing on your property, maintaining it for your songbird population isn't a bad idea. But keep in mind that maintenance will be necessary. This fast-growing plant can get prolific quickly, even with bluebirds munching on its berries daily!
Hawthorn
Hawthorns belong to the Crataegus genus and come in many different cultivars. Given that there are so very many hawthorn options for you to consider, it's ideal to plant a hawthorn tree or shrub that's native to your local area. Regardless of what cultivar or species you choose, nearly all hawthorn plants produce the berries bluebirds crave.
More About Hawthorn
Another benefit of hawthorn plants over other species on this list is the fact that they aren't toxic to humans or pets. In fact, hawthorn leaves, roots, and berries are studied and utilized medicinally, something that may interest you. While you may need to compete for the berries, hawthorn shrubs and trees hold plenty of benefits within them!
Serviceberry
Also known as juneberries or shadbush, serviceberries thrive in the Northern Hemisphere. All serviceberry varieties fruit and flower, lending both food and shelter to your local bluebird population. These plants are special for their beauty, capable of producing gorgeous blooms and foliage year-round.
More About Serviceberry
Serviceberries are hardy in many Zones, deer-resistant, and edible to humans. While their growth habits may require pruning and maintaining, these are an undeniable choice when it comes to finding plants that attract bluebirds to your yard!