Bluebird Food

Description: The bluebird is a small thrush or a medium-sized songbird.



Its head is round and large, with wings and tail which are blue, and a reddish-orange chest. An adult bluebird weighs about 28 to 32 grams, and is about 6 to 8 inches long, with a wingspan of about 10 to 13 inches. The three species of bluebirds are the western, eastern and mountain bluebird.



During nesting they make their nests high above the ground and lay 3 to 6 pale blue eggs, which hatch in about 2 weeks.  

Many people love to entice bluebirds to take up residence near their homes because they look so pretty and they sing so beautifully with a rich musical warbling whistle. Bluebirds easily take to birdhouses built in parks, golf courses and suburban yards.



You can also try putting out some bluebird food to entice them further. Feeding bluebirds can be especially helpful in the long, harsh winter, when the trees are stripped of their leaves, fruits and berries, and the insects get buried under snow, making natural food unavailable for the bluebirds. Putting out food for bluebird may help them to survive. It will also be fun to feed them, since they will come closer to you.

What to Feed Bluebirds

Bluebirds generally eat insects, fruits and berries.

Mealworms make good blue bird food. You can give them fresh live mealworms or dried mealworms which can be bought at pet shops. Place them in a small plastic dish (you can make your own by cutting off the bottom of a plastic soda bottle), or in a brightly colored bowl, and entice your bluebirds to come and feed. You can tack the dish to the roof of a nesting box, or place them near a place where you have seen bluebirds perching (on a clothesline, or telephone wire). If you attach a bright blue cloth it will attract their attention.

You may have to put out the bluebird food inside a special feeder, where squirrels or big birds will not be able to get at them. This will also protect the worms from rain and sun. Depending upon the number of bluebirds in your vicinity, you can put about 15 worms per bird per day. While mealworms are good bluebird food, you need to exercise moderation. They are rich in protein but low in calcium, and young birds find it difficult to digest their tough skeleton. Add some bright red berries or even a few raisins for more variety and nutrition. Suet is another nutritious bluebird food.