What Do Bluebirds Eat? Exclusive Tips For Feeding Bluebirds
What do bluebirds eat? Insects including beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars are among their favorite snacks. Spiders and other arthropods are also favorites. The majority of their diet actually consists of insects during the breeding season, when they require a lot of protein to feed their young.
Fruit is a crucial component of a bluebird’s diet. Elderberry, sumac, and service berries are just a few of the berries they adore eating. These fruits are abundant in antioxidants, which can promote the health of the birds and aid in the prevention of sickness.
What Do Bluebirds Eat in the Wild
Bluebirds consume a substantial portion of insectivores, such as beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and spiders.
In fact, a bluebird’s stomach has almost 68% of its space devoted to the digestion of insects!
A bluebird’s main food source is insects, although they also like to consume fruits and other things. This makes up approximately 32% of their stomach space. Bluebirds typically consume small fruits such as elderberries, mulberries, and blueberries when available. They also supplement their diet with seeds from plants like sunflowers and thistles during colder seasons, when insects are less abundant.
Some of the most common foods bluebirds consume include caterpillars, grasshoppers, crickets, wasps, beetles, spiders, snails, grubs, insect larvae, ants, bees, flies and angleworms. These tiny creatures provide all the necessary nutrients and protein that bluebirds need to survive. In addition to these common prey items; however; bluebirds also have a taste for more unusual fare such as myriapods (centipedes & millipedes), tiny lizards and tree frogs.
What Bluebirds Eat in the Yard
In the wild, bluebirds feed on insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders. They also consume fruits like berries and small seeds from plants like sumac and dogwood. You can replicate this diet in your own yard by offering mealworms (available at most pet stores), berries such as elderberry or service berry, or even small pieces of apple or orange.
Setting up a bluebird-specific bird feeder is another fantastic approach to draw bluebirds.
You’ll be happy to learn that bluebirds have a varied diet if you enjoy watching birds or are just curious about what they eat.
Many berries, such as elderberries, juniper berries, service berries, chokecherries, hack berries, cherries, grapes, raisins, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries, are edible to bluebirds. In the winter months when insects are hard to come by they will eat suet which is high in fat content which helps them to stay warm.
What Do Baby Bluebirds Eat?
Well, it all depends on their age and stage of development.
For instance, newly hatched baby bluebirds primarily feed on insects such as caterpillars and beetles. They start eating a wider variety of foods as they become older, including fruits like berries and grapes. Also, bluebird parents play an essential role in feeding their young ones by regurgitating food into their mouths several times a day.
It’s worth noting that the food consumed by wild baby bluebirds varies depending on the availability of prey in different seasons.
Recent studies have shown that female bluebirds supply up to 54.8% of the total food provided to their young, compared to male bluebirds who only provide about 45.2%. This distinction might appear insignificant at first, yet it can have a big effect on the development and survival of young bluebirds.
In addition to insects, bluebirds’ diet may also include fruits and berries when available. They have been known to feed on elderberries, sumac fruits, chokecherries, and grapes. However, this is not as common as them feeding on insects since these provide a better source of protein, which young birds need for proper growth and development.
What Do You Offer Bluebirds at Feeders?
Bluebirds are a beautiful addition to any backyard, and it can be a delight to watch them flutter around the feeders. If you want to attract bluebirds to your yard, it’s important to know what they eat. Bluebirds primarily eat insects during the summer months and switch to berries in the winter.
Insects that bluebirds enjoy include beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, crickets, and spiders. They also love mealworms but shouldn’t be fed too many as they lack the nutrients needed for a balanced diet. In terms of fruits and berries, blueberries are their favorite followed closely by elderberries and blackberries.
It’s important to note that while bluebirds do enjoy seeds such as sunflower seeds or millet seeds at times, they are not a significant part of their diet.
| What Do You Offer Bluebirds at Feeders? (At a Glance) | ||
| Insects | Fruits | Prepared or Other Foods |
| 1. Mealworms | 1. Small Chunks of Fruits | 1. Suet Dough |
| 2. Crickets | 2. Whole or Chopped Berries | 2. Suet Nuggets |
| 3. Native Berries | 3. Suet Shreds | |
| 4. Dried Fruits | 4. Sunflower Hearts or Chips | |
| 5. Chopped Peanut Hearts | 5. Eggshells | |
| 6. Water |
Insects
Mealworms:
Mealworms are the larvae of darkling beetles, and they are a popular choice among bird enthusiasts who want to attract bluebirds to their yards. These little, wriggly animals are rich in protein and fat, so hungry birds like bluebirds may easily eat them.
Bluebirds also eat a range of other items in addition to mealworms. Their food also includes insects like grasshoppers and crickets, in addition to spiders, snails, and caterpillars. They will also consume fruits like berries and grapes when available.
Crickets:
Bluebirds may get plenty of protein from crickets because they are rich in nutrients that support the growth and upkeep of healthy muscles and bones. Additionally, the chirping sound produced by crickets serves as a mating call for male bluebirds during breeding season. Female bluebirds also use crickets to line their nests with soft materials that provide warmth and comfort for their eggs and hatchlings.
Fruits
Small Chunks of Fruits:
One of the best things you can offer them is small chunks of fruits.
Fruits such as berries, apples, and grapes are a great source of nutrition for bluebirds. These small chunks provide them with essential nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E which help improve their overall immune system. Bluebirds also need calcium for strong bones which is found in some fruits like figs.
Offering small chunks of fruit to bluebirds is easy and simple! You can cut up some fresh fruits into bite-size pieces, or purchase pre-cut frozen fruits from your local pet store.
Whole or Chopped Berries:
One common question people have when feeding bluebirds is whether to offer whole or chopped berries.
It’s crucial to keep in mind at first that bluebirds don’t have particular food preferences, and will gladly eat both whole and sliced berries.
But before deciding on a plan of action, there are certain things to think about. Whole berries can be more visually attractive to bluebirds as they resemble the fruits found in nature. They also tend to stay put on a feeder better than chopped berries, which can fall through small holes or gaps.
Native Berries:
One of their favorite foods is native berries, which provide them with important nutrients and energy to thrive.
Because they are a great source of antioxidants and other healthy ingredients, native berries are a great dietary source for bluebirds.
In addition to being a tasty treat for bluebirds, native berries also play an important role in supporting local ecosystems. They are consumed as food by many other animal species, including squirrels, chipmunks, bears, and even humans.
Dried Fruits:
Did you know that while dried fruits are a common snack for many people, they can also be an excellent source of nutrition for wild birds?
Particularly, bluebirds enjoy snacking on dry fruits like raisins, cranberries, and blueberries. These tasty treats provide important nutrients like fiber and antioxidants that can help keep bluebirds healthy.
When offering dried fruits to bluebirds, it’s important to remember a few key tips. Make sure the fruits are first unsweetened and devoid of any additional chemicals or preservatives. Second, offer them in moderation as part of a balanced diet that includes other foods like insects and seeds. Finally, consider placing the dried fruits in a shallow dish or tray rather than directly on the ground to prevent contamination from dirt and bacteria.
Chopped Peanut Hearts:
Chopped peanut hearts are made from shelled peanuts that have been cracked into small pieces. They’re high in protein, which is an essential nutrient for birds like bluebirds who need it for energy and development. They are not only simple for birds to eat because of their small size, but they also provide the nutrition they require.
It’s crucial to make sure that any chopped peanut hearts you give to bluebirds or other birds are fresh and devoid of any additives or preservatives that can be hazardous to their health.
Prepared or Other Foods
Suet Dough:
If you enjoy watching birds, you undoubtedly already know that bluebirds are among the most attractive kinds there are. But, merely admiring them from a distance is insufficient. You must provide these feathered buddies the correct kind of food if you want to draw them to your garden. Suet dough, a high-energy concoction that is simple for birds to digest, is one choice.
You only need a few basic ingredients to make suet dough at home: Ideally natural peanut butter, 2 cups of quick oats, 2 cups of cornmeal, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 cup of lard or vegetable shortening. Now, in a pot over low heat, combine the lard and peanut butter to melt.
Suet Nuggets:
Suet nuggets are a popular bird food for backyard bird enthusiasts, and bluebirds love them! If you want to attract these beautiful birds to your yard, suet nuggets can be a great addition to your feeders. But what exactly are suet nuggets, and why do bluebirds enjoy them so much?
Animal fat is used to make suet, a high-energy snack that is frequently combined with seeds, nuts, and other components. Suet nuggets are small pieces of suet that have been formed into bite-sized chunks for birds to easily consume. They come in various flavors such as peanut butter or fruit blends and can be offered in specialized suet feeders or on platform feeders.
Bluebirds eat a variety of foods including insects, fruits, berries, and seeds. However, they tend to prefer live or dried mealworms because they provide the necessary protein for their diet.
Suet Shreds:
Suet shreds are a great way to attract bluebirds to your backyard. These small birds love a protein-rich diet, and suet shreds deliver just that. They are made from rendered fat mixed with seeds, fruits, and nuts – all ingredients that bluebirds find irresistible.
When it comes to what do bluebirds eat, insects make up the majority of their diet. However, during colder months when insects are scarce or in short supply, they turn to alternative food sources such as berries and suet shreds. Suet shreds provide much-needed energy for these little birds during the winter months when they require more calories to maintain body heat.
To attract bluebirds with suet shreds, it’s important to place them in a feeder specifically designed for this purpose. This kind of feeder typically has a tail prop at the bottom which allows bluebirds to perch comfortably while eating.
Eggshells:
Bluebirds are common birds in North America that many birdwatchers love to observe. These birds have striking blue feathers, and people enjoy listening to their melodic songs.
What do bluebirds consume, though?
One of the most typical queries from bird lovers is this one.
Insects including beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, and caterpillars are the main food sources for bluebirds. They also feed on fruits such as elderberries and blackberries. In addition to these foods, bluebirds also consume eggshells – an unusual but important source of calcium for their bodies.
Eggshells contain essential minerals like calcium and phosphorus that help the birds maintain strong bones and build sturdy eggshells when breeding season rolls around.
Water:
All living organisms, from the smallest germs to the biggest mammals, need on water to survive. It plays a vital role in maintaining bodily functions and ensuring proper hydration. But what about bluebirds? What do they eat?
Although bluebirds are well-known for their vivid blue feathers and upbeat chirping, some people may be surprised by their nutrition.
These birds primarily eat insects like grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars.
Fruits like elderberries and wild berries are also favourites.
It’s crucial to remember that water is just as crucial to bluebirds as food sources are. In fact, during dry spells or winter months when natural water sources may be scarce, providing fresh water can be crucial for their survival. Bluebirds will often drink from bird baths or shallow pools of water, so it’s essential to keep these resources clean and filled regularly.
Bluebird Feeder Plans
Bluebird feeder plans are essential for attracting these beautiful birds to your backyard. Bluebirds are known for their bright blue feathers and cheerful chirping, and they make a lovely addition to any garden or outdoor space. However, in order to get them to visit regularly, you need to provide them with the right kind of food.
Feeders for Mealworms & Crickets
One option is using live feeders specifically designed for mealworms and crickets. These feeders can be found at many pet stores or online retailers. They typically come in small plastic containers that allow the insects to climb up into the feeding dish where they can be easily accessed by bluebirds.
Another option is creating your own feeder using a shallow dish filled with mealworms or crickets. You can place this dish on a platform feeder or hang it from a tree branch using fishing line or wire. Make sure to keep the feeder clean and replenish the food regularly to ensure your feathered friends always have access to fresh insects.
Feeders for Suet Dough, Nuggets & Shreds
Bluebirds enjoy a variety of foods including insects, berries, and suet dough. Suet dough is a popular bird food that can be served in different ways.
One way to serve suet dough to bluebirds is through the use of feeders designed specifically for this purpose. These feeders typically have small openings that allow birds access to the suet while keeping it contained and protected from the elements. Another option is to offer suet nuggets or shreds directly on feeding platforms or in mesh bags. This allows bluebirds along with other birds such as woodpeckers and nuthatches to easily grab bites of the high-energy food source.
Feeders for Fruits & Berries
One way to offer fruit and berries for bluebirds is by providing them with mealworms, which are a great source of protein for these birds. Mealworms can be offered through specialized mealworm feeders or mixed in with their regular birdseed. Another option is to offer fresh or dried fruits like raisins, currants, and chopped apples in tray feeders that are easy for bluebirds to access.
It’s important to note that while bluebirds enjoy eating fruit and berries, it should not make up more than 10% of their diet.
Feeders for Peanut Hearts, Sunflower Chips, and Eggshells
Bluebirds are charming and colorful birds that can brighten up any garden with their presence. If you wish to attract them, one of the key factors is to provide them with the right kind of food. Bluebirds prefer feeding on insects, fruits, and berries during summer but need additional feeders for winters.
One of the most common foods that bluebirds love is peanut hearts. These are small pieces of peanuts without shells that are high in protein and oil content, which helps keep bluebirds warm during winters. You can provide them in a tube feeder or spread it on a tray feeder for easy access.
Another popular option to attract bluebirds is sunflower chips. These are the heart of sunflowers without shells; they offer an excellent source of nutrition for these birds throughout the year, especially during winter when their natural food sources are scarce.
Feeders for Water
One essential aspect of bird care is providing them with a reliable source of water. Not only does this keep them hydrated, but it also helps to maintain their feathers in good condition. If you want to install the perfect feeder for water, then consider the Burley Clay Butterfly Ceramic Bird Bath.
The Burley Clay Butterfly Ceramic Bird Bath is not just your typical bird bath; it’s an elegant and durable feeder that will add beauty to your backyard while providing a source of hydration for birds. The ceramic material used in making this feeder ensures that it is both sturdy and long-lasting. Additionally, its unique butterfly design makes it aesthetically pleasing, adding charm to any outdoor setting.
Bluebird Feeder Placement
Having a feeding station that is well located for bluebirds’ requirements will help you draw them to your area.
Setting up a bird feeder with these things is an excellent approach to get bluebirds to come to your yard because they devour insects, fruits and berries.
There are a number of things to take into account when placing bluebird feeders.
The position of the feeder is one of the most crucial factors. Make sure the feeder is away from bushes or trees where predators can hide and close enough for you to observe without disturbing their peaceful environment.
Another vital aspect of bluebird feeder placement is height. It should be placed in an area where bluebirds will feel safe and secure. Make sure the feeder is away from bushes or trees where predators can hide and close enough for you to observe without disturbing their peaceful environment.
Another vital aspect of bluebird feeder placement is height.
What Bluebirds Eat Depending on Various Seasons
The answer varies depending on the season, and understanding their dietary needs is crucial for attracting and supporting these beautiful birds.
The majority of the insects that bluebirds eat in the spring include beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and crickets. During this season, they also consume mealworms which are an excellent source of protein for building strong muscles. Bluebirds adapt to a diet of berries like mulberries, elderberries, and raspberries as summer approaches. They also eat fruits like grapes that provide them with essential vitamins and minerals.
In colder months, when insects are scarce, bluebirds rely on wild fruits and berries for sustenance. Some of the fruits they enjoy include hack berry, red cedar, sumac, dogwood, and wild grape. These make up a significant portion of their diet during winter.
Hack berry is one of the most popular foods for bluebirds because it remains on trees long after other berries have fallen off. Red cedar also provides an excellent source of nutrition, as its berries contain high amounts of fat. Similarly, sumac has been known to attract many birds due to its bright red color and sour taste that is irresistible to them.
What Do Different Types of Bluebirds Eat?
- Eastern Bluebirds
- Western Bluebirds
- Mountain Bluebirds
What Do Eastern Bluebirds Eat?
In the eastern regions of North America, you can find eastern bluebirds, which are diminutive and colourful birds.
All through the year, these birds consume a wide range of items as part of their varied diet.
The Eastern Bluebird eats primarily insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, crickets, and spiders.
In addition to insects, Eastern Bluebirds also feed on wild fruits and berries such as sumac, elderberry and grapes. During winter months when insects are scarce or non-existent in their habitat, Eastern Bluebirds rely mainly on fruits for their daily sustenance. They also occasionally feed on seeds from sunflowers or other plants that provide an easy source of nutrition.
Providing food sources for these lovely birds might be a terrific way to draw them to your backyard.
What Do Western Bluebirds Eat?
Western Bluebirds are little, vividly colourful birds that inhabit western North America.
These birds are beautiful to see and are recognised for their unique blue feathers and orange-red breasts.
Western Bluebirds are mostly insectivorous, which means that they eat insects for food.
They frequently consume beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars, among other insects. Occasionally, they also consume spiders and snails.
In addition to insects, Western Bluebirds also eat fruits and berries when available. They particularly enjoy ripe elderberries and wild grapes. During the winter months, when there is scarcity of food sources such as insects or fruits; bluebirds mainly survive by feeding on seeds like sumac berries or sunflowers seeds that have been left untouched by other birds or animals.
What Do Mountain Bluebirds Eat?
Mountain bluebirds are one of the most beautiful birds you can spot in North America. Their vibrant blue feathers and chirpy calls make them a favorite amongst birdwatchers. But have you ever wondered what these delightful creatures eat? Let’s take a look at their diet and find out what mountain bluebirds eat.
During the summer, when they are most active, mountain bluebirds primarily eat insects. Their diet consists of grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, ants, spiders, and other small invertebrates that they catch in flight.
These birds get a lot of protein from insects, which is crucial to their existence.
During the winter months or when insect populations diminish, mountain bluebirds shift their diet to berries and seeds. They tend to prefer small fruits such as juniper berries, chokecherries, currants, and elderberries.
What Bluebirds Don’t Eat
Firstly, bluebirds do not eat seeds or grains. Unlike other bird species, bluebirds have a specialized beak that is designed for catching insects and snatching fruits from trees rather than cracking open seeds or grains. Secondly, bluebirds avoid consuming anything with a high fat content such as suet or mealworms. This is because they cannot digest fats properly and it can lead to health problems.
Lastly, bluebirds stay away from any food item that has been contaminated with pesticides or chemicals.
Firstly, bluebirds do not eat seeds or grains. Unlike other bird species, bluebirds have a specialized beak that is designed for catching insects and snatching fruits from trees rather than cracking open seeds or grains. Secondly, bluebirds avoid consuming anything with a high fat content such as suet or mealworms. This is because they cannot digest fats properly and it can lead to health problems.
Lastly, bluebirds stay away from any food item that has been contaminated with pesticides or chemicals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do bluebirds eat dried mealworms?
One popular question is whether or not bluebirds eat dried mealworms. The answer is yes! Dried mealworms are a fantastic source of nutrition for bluebirds, who are insectivores, meaning they eat mostly insects.
Bluebirds also consume live insects like beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and caterpillars in addition to dried mealworms. They may also feed on berries and fruits during the winter months when insects are scarce. Providing a mix of live and dried food options can help attract bluebirds to your backyard bird feeder.
It’s crucial to use high-quality food sources free of pesticides and other dangerous chemicals while feeding bluebirds.
Do bluebirds eat earthworms?
Contrary to popular belief, bluebirds consume a variety of foods in addition to insects and berries.
Earthworms are one of the unexpected meals that bluebirds consume.
Earthworms can offer these birds a wholesome snack, even though they might not be among their top food preferences.
The bluebird is one of many bird species that heavily relies on earthworms as a food source.
These squirming organisms are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, such as amino acids and other building blocks for normal growth and development. While bluebirds typically prefer to catch insects on the wing or pluck berries from bushes, they will readily gobble up earthworms if they come across them while hunting.
What does it mean if my bluebirds don’t go into the feeder I provide them?
The first thing to understand is what bluebirds eat. Although they do occasionally consume seeds, grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars make up the majority of their diet. It’s possible that your feeder simply isn’t offering the types of food that bluebirds are looking for. Try providing mealworms or suet cakes specifically designed for insect-eating birds like bluebirds. Additionally, make sure that any seed mixes you offer also contain some small insects or mealworms.
Another factor to consider is the location of your feeder.
If I place a nest box for bluebirds, do I have to feed them?
Setting up a nest box in an ideal position is one of the finest methods to draw bluebirds to your yard. However, many people wonder if they have to feed the birds once they start nesting. The answer is no, but providing food can help ensure their survival and increase your chances of seeing them around.
Most bluebirds are insectivores, which implies that insects are their main source of nutrition.
Among other things, they like to consume mealworms, crickets, caterpillars, spiders, and beetles. They will also eat berries and fruits when insects are scarce or during the winter months when other food sources are limited. Providing these foods in a feeder or on a dish can help supplement their diet and keep them healthy throughout the year.
If you choose to provide food for bluebirds, it’s important to do so correctly.
Final Words
Bluebirds are a sight to behold, with their bright blue feathers and cheerful chirps. If you’re lucky enough to have these feathered friends in your backyard, you might be wondering what they like to eat. Bluebirds are insectivores, which means their diet consists mainly of insects and other small creatures. They particularly love mealworms, crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, and earthworms.
But that’s not all they eat. During the winter months, when insects are scarce, bluebirds will also eat fruits such as berries and grapes. They have a sweet tooth too and love sugary nectar from flowers or feeders. However, it’s important to note that bluebirds should never be fed bread or any processed human food as it can harm them.
