What Do Bluebirds Eat? Diet & Feeding Tips

Bluebirds are among the most beloved backyard birds, known for their striking blue plumage and melodious songs. Understanding their diet is crucial for bird enthusiasts who want to attract and support these beautiful birds.

This guide explores what bluebirds eat in the wild and in backyards, their seasonal dietary changes, and essential feeding tips to keep them healthy.

What Do Bluebirds Eat in the Wild?

In the wild, bluebirds have a varied diet that consists primarily of insects, berries, and other small food sources. Their diet changes based on the season and availability of food, allowing them to adapt to different environmental conditions.

Insects and Other Invertebrates

Bluebirds are primarily insectivorous during the warmer months. They rely on a protein-rich diet to fuel their energy needs, particularly during the breeding season when they must care for their young. Their diet includes a wide variety of invertebrates, such as:

Beetles – A staple in their diet, beetles provide a good source of protein and fat.
Caterpillars – These soft-bodied larvae are easy for bluebirds to digest and are highly nutritious.
Grasshoppers & Crickets – Bluebirds eagerly hunt these jumping insects, which are abundant in meadows and open fields.
Spiders – While not insects, spiders offer a valuable protein source and are often plucked from webs or found crawling on vegetation.
Ants – Bluebirds consume ants opportunistically, though they prefer larger insects when available.
Mealworms – These larvae of darkling beetles are a favorite food source for bluebirds, both in the wild and when provided by bird enthusiasts.

Bluebirds are skilled hunters and often use a “sit-and-wait” strategy, perching on a branch and scanning the ground for movement before swooping down to capture their prey. They may also catch insects mid-air or pluck them from leaves and tree bark.

Berries and Fruits

As the weather cools and insect populations decline, bluebirds shift their diet toward berries and fruits. These natural food sources provide vital carbohydrates and energy to sustain them through autumn and winter. Some of their favorite wild fruits include:

Dogwood berries – Small, bright red fruits that ripen in late summer and early fall.
Juniper berries – These bluish berries provide an important winter food source.
Holly berries – Found on evergreen holly trees, these berries are a crucial winter staple for bluebirds.
Elderberries – High in antioxidants, elderberries offer both nutrition and hydration.
Wild grapes – These small, clustered fruits are rich in sugar and energy.
Sumac berries – Though slightly bitter, sumac berries provide a reliable food source in colder months.

During winter, bluebirds rely heavily on fruiting plants and shrubs, making these essential to their survival in regions with harsh weather.

Seeds and Grains

While bluebirds are not naturally granivorous like finches or sparrows, they may consume seeds and grains in times of food scarcity. When natural food sources are limited, they will eat:

Sunflower chips – Shelled sunflower seeds that are easier to eat than whole seeds.
Crushed peanuts – A high-energy food source that bluebirds may occasionally snack on.
Suet – Though not a seed, suet is a fat-based food that provides essential calories in winter.

Unlike seed-eating birds that rely on strong beaks to crack hard shells, bluebirds prefer soft foods but will take advantage of easy-to-eat seeds when necessary.

Bluebirds’ adaptable diet helps them thrive across different habitats, from open woodlands to suburban gardens, as long as food remains abundant.

What Do Bluebirds Eat in Backyards?

Attracting bluebirds to your yard requires offering food that closely mimics their natural diet. Providing the right food sources can encourage them to visit regularly, especially during colder months when natural food is scarce. Here are some of the best foods to offer:

Live Mealworms

Mealworms are one of the most effective ways to attract bluebirds. These protein-rich larvae closely resemble the insects they eat in the wild, making them an excellent supplemental food source. You can offer:

Fresh live mealworms – Preferred by bluebirds due to their natural movement, which stimulates their hunting instincts.
Dried mealworms – Though less appealing than live ones, they are still a good alternative, especially when soaked in warm water to soften them.

To feed bluebirds effectively, place mealworms in a shallow dish or a specialized bluebird feeder designed to keep out larger, more aggressive birds like starlings.

Suet and Suet Pellets

Suet is a high-energy food source that is particularly valuable during the winter months when insects are scarce. Bluebirds prefer softer suet varieties that are easy to consume. The best options include:

Suet cakes mixed with mealworms, fruit, or peanut butter – This combination provides both protein and fat.
Suet pellets – Easier for bluebirds to eat than traditional suet blocks, especially when combined with dried fruit or insects.

Place suet in a cage feeder or a platform feeder where bluebirds can easily access it without competition from larger birds.

Bluebird-Friendly Seeds

Although bluebirds are not naturally seed eaters, they may consume certain types of seeds when mixed with other food sources. The best seed options include:

Finely chopped sunflower chips – Easy to digest and rich in nutrients.
Shelled sunflower seeds – Can be mixed with other foods like mealworms or suet to make them more appealing.

Avoid offering whole sunflower seeds or other hard seeds, as bluebirds lack the strong beaks necessary to crack them open.

Fruits and Berries

Fresh or dried fruits are excellent supplements to a bluebird’s diet, especially in the fall and winter. Some great options include:

Chopped grapes – A favorite due to their natural sweetness and soft texture.
Raisins (soaked in water) – Hydrating and easier to digest when softened.
Blueberries – A natural fruit source that mimics what bluebirds find in the wild.
Chopped apples – Provides essential nutrients and hydration.

Placing fruit in a dish or a platform feeder can make it more accessible to bluebirds while keeping it fresh.

Homemade Bluebird Food

For those who enjoy preparing special treats, homemade bluebird food can be an excellent way to attract and nourish these birds. Some easy-to-make options include:

Peanut butter and cornmeal mix – A nutritious, high-energy blend that mimics natural food textures.
Softened suet mixed with dried mealworms and fruit pieces – Combines protein, fat, and natural sugars for balanced nutrition.
A mixture of oats, peanut butter, and raisins – A simple, homemade option that provides fiber and energy.

Offering a variety of these foods in your backyard can help create a bluebird-friendly environment, increasing your chances of regular visits.

Seasonal Changes in Bluebird Diet

Bluebirds adapt their diet based on seasonal changes and food availability. Understanding these variations can help birdwatchers provide the right food year-round and support bluebird populations through different weather conditions.

Spring and Summer Diet

During spring and summer, bluebirds primarily rely on insects as their main food source. Their diet is highly protein-based, which is essential for breeding, egg-laying, and feeding their growing chicks. Some key characteristics of their diet during this time include:

Primarily insect-based diet – Bluebirds consume large quantities of beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, crickets, and other invertebrates.
Protein-rich food supports breeding – The increased intake of protein helps adult birds maintain their energy levels while also providing the necessary nutrients for their young.
Minimal consumption of berries or seeds – Since insects are abundant, bluebirds have little need for alternative food sources during these months.

Bluebirds actively hunt by perching on branches and swooping down to catch prey on the ground. They also pick insects from plants, tree bark, or even mid-air.

Fall Diet

As temperatures begin to drop and insect populations decline, bluebirds gradually shift their diet to include more fruits and berries. This transition helps them prepare for winter by increasing their intake of natural sugars and carbohydrates.

Gradual shift from insects to fruits and berries – While insects are still part of their diet, bluebirds start relying more on berries from dogwood, holly, juniper, and sumac.
Mealworms and suet can supplement natural food sources – Providing extra food in backyards can help bluebirds maintain their energy levels during this seasonal transition.

During fall, bluebirds also begin flocking together in small groups, which helps them locate food sources more efficiently.

Winter Diet

Winter is the most challenging season for bluebirds, as insect availability is extremely limited. To survive, they rely heavily on fruits, berries, and high-fat foods that provide enough energy to withstand the cold.

Reliance on berries, fruits, and suet – Bluebirds eat sumac berries, juniper berries, and wild grapes, along with suet-based foods that provide essential fats.
Mealworms, softened seeds, and peanut butter mixtures help sustain them – Offering live or dried mealworms, chopped sunflower chips, and peanut butter mixes can make a significant difference in their survival.
Limited insect availability makes backyard feeding essential – During harsh winters, bluebirds benefit greatly from food provided by bird enthusiasts, especially in regions where natural food sources are scarce.

How to Attract Bluebirds with the Right Food

Providing the right food is essential for attracting bluebirds, but additional steps can make your yard more inviting and ensure they return year after year. Here’s how you can create a bluebird-friendly environment:

Use the Right Feeder

Bluebirds have specific feeding habits that require the right type of feeder. Since they prefer to eat insects and soft foods rather than seeds, using a specialized feeder can help attract them while keeping larger, more aggressive birds away.

Open platform feeders – These allow bluebirds to access food easily without having to cling or perch awkwardly.
Mealworm trays – Shallow dishes or feeders designed for mealworms are ideal, as they help contain live mealworms and keep them from escaping.
Avoid tube feeders – These are designed for seed-eating birds like finches and sparrows, making them unsuitable for bluebirds.

Position feeders in a quiet, open area away from dense shrubs where predators might hide.

Offer Fresh Water

Water is just as important as food when attracting bluebirds. A reliable water source helps them stay hydrated, bathe, and preen their feathers, which is essential for their health.

Birdbaths – A shallow birdbath (1-2 inches deep) is perfect for bluebirds.
Heated birdbaths in winter – In colder months, a heated birdbath prevents water from freezing, making your yard an attractive stop for bluebirds when natural water sources are unavailable.
Regular cleaning – Keeping the water clean prevents bacteria and algae buildup, ensuring the birds stay healthy.

Placing the birdbath near trees or perches allows bluebirds to drink and then fly to a safe resting spot.

Plant Native Berry-Producing Shrubs

Bluebirds rely on berries, especially in fall and winter when insects are scarce. Planting native berry-producing shrubs ensures a year-round natural food source. Some of the best choices include:

Dogwood – Produces small red berries that ripen in late summer and fall.
Holly – A winter staple, its bright red berries provide crucial sustenance.
Elderberry – High in antioxidants and attractive to bluebirds.
Sumac – Offers berries that persist into winter, making it a valuable cold-season food source.

By incorporating these native plants, you create a natural habitat that supports bluebirds and other wildlife.

Maintain an Insect-Friendly Yard

Since bluebirds primarily eat insects during spring and summer, an insect-friendly yard can encourage them to stay and nest.

Reduce pesticide use – Chemicals kill the insects that bluebirds rely on, so using organic gardening methods helps maintain a healthy food supply.
Create a diverse garden – Planting native flowers and grasses attracts pollinators like butterflies and beetles, which serve as food for bluebirds.
Leave leaf litter and dead wood – These areas provide habitat for insects and make it easier for bluebirds to find prey.

By combining the right food, water sources, and a welcoming habitat, you can transform your yard into a bluebird haven and enjoy their presence throughout the year.

Common Bluebird Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

While feeding bluebirds can be a rewarding experience, certain common mistakes can discourage them from visiting or even harm them. Avoiding these pitfalls will help create a safe and welcoming environment for these beautiful birds.

Offering the Wrong Type of Food

Bluebirds have specific dietary preferences and will not eat hard seeds, whole sunflower seeds, or large nuts. Offering food that is not suitable for them can lead to waste and attract other birds that may outcompete bluebirds for food. Instead, provide mealworms, suet, soft fruits, and finely chopped sunflower chips to ensure they receive the right nutrition.

Using Poorly Designed Feeders

Not all bird feeders are suitable for bluebirds. Feeders that are too deep, enclosed, or designed for seed-eating birds can make it difficult for bluebirds to access food. Tube feeders, for example, are not ideal because bluebirds do not have the beak strength to crack open seeds. Instead, use open platform feeders, mealworm trays, or specially designed bluebird feeders that make feeding easy and safe.

Placing Feeders in Unsafe Locations

The location of your feeder plays a crucial role in attracting bluebirds. Placing feeders in areas with excessive noise, high foot traffic, or close to potential predators like cats can make bluebirds feel unsafe. Position feeders in open spaces where bluebirds have a clear view of their surroundings and can quickly escape if necessary. Keep them at least 10 feet away from dense shrubbery where predators might hide.

Not Cleaning Feeders Regularly

Dirty feeders can accumulate mold, bacteria, and spoiled food, leading to disease transmission among birds. Bluebirds, like other birds, are susceptible to infections from contaminated feeders. To maintain bird health:

Clean feeders at least once a week using warm water and mild soap.
Remove uneaten or spoiled food regularly.
Rinse thoroughly and let feeders dry completely before refilling.

By keeping feeders clean and ensuring they contain fresh food, you can create a safe and hygienic feeding station that bluebirds will visit consistently.

Conclusion

Understanding what bluebirds eat and how to provide the right food can help attract and support these stunning birds year-round. Their diet primarily consists of insects, berries, and suet, with variations depending on the season. By offering mealworms, fruits, and suet in a well-maintained feeder, you can create a bluebird-friendly environment in your backyard. Following the feeding tips in this guide will not only benefit bluebirds but also provide you with the joy of watching these beautiful birds thrive.