The Best Way To Attract Bluebirds To Bird Feeders

Bluebirds are among the most striking of backyard birds, known for their beautiful blue feathers and charming personality. It's no wonder that many birdwatchers want to attract bluebirds to their gardens and backyards. While bluebirds are a common bird, it may be surprising to learn that they're actually somewhat picky eaters when it comes to traditional birdseed blends. This can make it tricky to attract bluebirds to your feeders with common options like sunflower or safflower seeds.

However, there is a secret ingredient that is sure to convince bluebirds to dine at your feeder — live mealworms. The mealworm is the larva of the yellow mealworm beetle and a favorite food of bluebirds. You can purchase live mealworms from local or online farms, or from pet supply stores like Chewy or PetSmart. The main drawback to offering live mealworms for bluebirds is the price. Because they're alive, this option will cost more than dried mealworms or most regular birdseed blends. However, you may be able to start with live mealworms and slowly transition to dried once your local bluebird population has gotten used to visiting your bird feeder.

It's important to note that mealworms don't provide all the nutrients that mother and baby bluebirds need, so you should avoid overfeeding mealworms to bluebirds. You can supplement with other foods that bluebirds enjoy, like fresh fruit, berries, and small amounts of crushed, roasted eggshells for calcium. Bluebirds are also naturally adept at foraging and finding their own food. Planting native berry bushes in your yard and avoiding using pesticides are ways to encourage bluebirds to find other food sources that they need to thrive.

If you want to try offering live mealworms to attract bluebirds, you'll need the right kind of bird feeder. There are a variety of different types of bird feeders, but you should find one with an edge or wall that prevents the mealworms from crawling out. You can find bird feeders with simple trays that work well for live mealworms online or at your local garden or hardware stores. Some options include a dome above the tray to deter larger birds and protect the food from harsh weather.

Placing your bird feeder in the right spot is also important. Bluebirds prefer open spaces with a good mix of grassy areas and trees. You should place the bird feeder in a sunny spot in your yard that has easy access to trees, bushes, and open areas. Also, avoid installing the bird feeder too close to your windows, as bluebirds are known for "window strikes," where they crash into glass because they can't see it or for territorial reasons. Good luck and happy birding!