Bluebirds are some of the most beloved wild birds in North America. Use this simple guide to choose the right bluebird feeder for your backyard and you’ll soon understand why.
Types of bird feeders for bluebirds
Although not really docile, bluebirds can sometimes be thwarted or scared away from feeders by larger birds. As a result, it takes some preparation and patience to attract them to your yard.
Types of bird feeders for bluebirds
Although not really docile, bluebirds can sometimes be thwarted or scared away from feeders by larger birds. As a result, it takes some preparation and patience to attract them to your yard.
Bluebirds will eat a variety of different things but they particularly love suet, mealworms and fruit. Especially in the spring during nesting season. Choose one of these feeders to attract bluebirds to your yard:
- Tray feeders: Versatile platform feeders that can be pole-mounted or hung can attract bluebirds. Particularly if they are used to place pieces of overripe fruit or suet blocks. Bluebirds will also eat seed, but at feeders like this it is often difficult for them to compete with larger birds.
- Mealworm feeders: Mimicking the satisfaction of finding food in the earth, a mealworm feeder is one of the enchanting bluebird’s favorite treats. If you’re new to feeding bluebirds in your yard, using mealworms is one of the easiest ways to attract them. However, this can be more expensive than other forms of bird food.
- Suet feeders: In constant need of protein, bluebirds will gravitate towards suet to fuel their tiny bodies. This is the best food for fall and winter, when additional fuel is needed to help keep their tiny bodies warm. Be careful with suet in the warmest months of the year. It can sometimes begin to melt and coat the bird’s feathers.
- Bluebird specific feeders: Look for hopper-style feeders with small holes on either end. These feeders are made specifically to allow bluebirds in to feed while keeping larger birds out. Using a bluebird feeder often requires a bit of training for the birds first, but is the easiest way to keep bluebirds safe and ensure they come back over and over.
- Fruit feeders: Fruit feeders are simple feeders that allow you to place an orange slice or other fruit out in your yard. These type of feeders are great for attracting Orioles as well, and are typically the most popular during the spring nesting season when energy is most needed.
- Hopper feeders: As long as hopper feeders are filled with high-quality seed and have a place for the bluebird to land, they can work. Just like platform/tray feeders, it sometimes creates issues with other birds.
Whichever type of bluebird feeder you choose, be patient and persistent when working to attract these enchanting wild birds. Make sure to choose high quality bird food and know that it may take a season or two for the bluebirds to begin stopping in your yard.
