I love attracting birds to my property. My garden is filled with different things that attract birds, like bird feeders, bird houses, plenty of bushes and trees to land on and nest in, and most of all: I keep my garden organic, meaning there are plenty of healthy bugs and things for birds to eat. I no longer live in their native range, but when I did, I loved to attract bluebirds to my property. Bluebirds are not only beautiful to look at, but they are also known for their melodious songs. The males sing loud and clear to attract a mate and to stake out their territory. The female has a softer, more murmuring song. Bluebirds have a wide variety of vocalizations that are used for communication, from short chirps to long, melodious warbles.
Eastern Bluebirds are medium-sized songbirds that have a bright blue upper body, reddish-brown breast, and a white belly. They have short wings and a short, rounded tail. They typically measure 6-7 inches in length and weigh around an ounce. They are known for their melodious and loud whistles, which they use to communicate with their mates and claim territories. Their diet consists of insects, berries, and other fruits. They can be found in open meadows, grasslands, pastures, and forest edges. They often nest in cavities of trees or man-made nesting boxes. Eastern Bluebirds are a popular bird species and are considered a symbol of happiness and joy.
Where do bluebirds live?
Eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) are a species of small songbirds native to eastern North America. They are noted for their bright blue plumage and melodious songs and are a beloved part of many ecosystems. Eastern bluebirds occupy a wide range of habitats from the east coast of Canada to the west coast of Mexico. They typically inhabit open woodlands, grasslands, and fields, as well as suburban gardens. Despite their wide range, they are most common in the eastern United States and the Great Lakes region.
If you live outside of this range, you won’t have a lot of luck attracting bluebirds to your property. But inside of its native range, there are things you can do to draw these lovely birds into your property!
How to attract bluebirds
Aside from enjoying their plumage and song, there’s another reason to provide a good habitat for bluebirds. Eastern bluebirds are considered a species of least concern by the IUCN due to their large population and wide range. However, their populations have declined in recent years due to habitat loss and competition from invasive species. At one point, the Eastern Bluebird was on its way to total extinction, but conservation efforts to protect their habitat and provide nest boxes have helped reverse this trend in some regions.
Provide lots of perches to attract bluebirds
Bluebirds need perches for a variety of reasons. Firstly, perching is a vital part of a bluebird’s life. Perching allows the bird to survey its surroundings and spot potential food sources or predators. Secondly, perching helps bluebirds to rest, as they tend to be very active birds. Perching also provides a safe place to sleep, as it allows the bird to be off the ground. The more perches you have available, the better!
Leave dead trees be
Bluebirds can make use of dead and decomposing trees. They will often use dead trees to build their nests in. These trees provide support for their nests and also offer protection from predators. Dead trees also often have more cavities for nests than living trees. In addition to nesting in dead trees, bluebirds will use dead trees as perch, as they can provide a great lookout point. Finally, dead trees can provide food for bluebirds because they attract insects and other invertebrates that bluebirds can feed on.
Plant native plants
Planting native plants for bluebirds is a great way to help conserve the environment. Native plants are adapted to the local environment, so they require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance to thrive. As a result, they can help provide habitat for birds and other wildlife, in addition to helping conserve resources. By planting native plants for bluebirds, we can do our part to help protect our environment and provide essential habitats for these beautiful birds.
Provide a birdbath
Providing a bird bath for bluebirds is an excellent way to entice these beautiful creatures to your yard or garden. Bluebirds prefer shallow water with a gradual slope so they can walk in and out of the water. The bird bath should also be wide enough that they can perch when they are not bathing. Position the bird bath in a sunny spot and make sure it is easily accessible to the birds. Keep the water clean by changing it regularly and scrubbing the bird bath with a brush. Doing so will help attract bluebirds to your yard and keep them coming back for more.
Don’t use chemicals
Not using chemicals in your garden will attract bluebirds as they are sensitive to the chemicals found in pesticides and herbicides. Bluebirds are attracted to natural areas and will feed on the insects and larvae that live in the grass and plants of a chemical-free garden. The lack of chemicals ensures that the bluebirds will have a safe and healthy place to live and reproduce. The lack of chemicals also increases the likelihood of attracting other desirable wildlife, like hummingbirds, creating a more diverse garden.
Keep your cats indoors to attract bluebirds
Cats are a common source of harm to bluebirds and other wild birds. When cats are allowed to roam outdoors, they can hunt and kill wild birds, either for food or simply for sport. This can be especially damaging to bluebirds, which are already in decline due to the destruction of their natural habitat. Cats also spread diseases to wild birds, including parasites and viruses, which can cause severe illness and can even be fatal. To help protect wild birds, it is important to keep cats indoors or to use a leash when they are outdoors. This will help protect bluebirds and other wild birds from the threat of cats.
Add mealworms to your feeder
Adding mealworms to your birdfeeder for bluebirds is a great way to provide them with the nutrition they need. Mealworms are high in protein and essential vitamins, making them an ideal food for bluebirds. They are also easy to find at most pet or outdoor supply stores. When you put the mealworms out in your birdfeeder, bluebirds will flock to them and enjoy the extra nutritional boost. Just remember to change the food in the feeder regularly to keep the mealworms fresh, and keep in mind that you should always provide a variety of different types of food for the birds. Bluebirds also like to eat suet, sunflower hearts, and soft fruits.
Install a bluebird nestbox to attract bluebirds
Installing a bluebird nestbox is a great way to help the declining bluebird population. It is a simple process that anyone can do. You will need to buy or build a nestbox that is the correct size for bluebirds and is made of durable material. Place the nestbox in an open area with no trees nearby. It sounds odd, but bluebirds prefer to nest in wide open spaces, so placing a nestbox on a post in the middle of a grassy section of your yard will be enticing. With the right placement and regular maintenance, you can help provide the perfect home for a bluebird family.
Have bluebird nesting materials available
Bluebird nesting materials are easily found and provide a safe and comfortable home for the bluebirds. Bluebirds prefer to use natural materials such as grasses, pine needles, and straw. Keeping some of these materials around may encourage bluebirds to nest and raise their young on your property.
