Introduction

Many people want to attract bluebirds to their backyard, but they often struggle because they do not know the right food to offer. Feeding the wrong foods or placing feeders in the wrong location can discourage bluebirds from visiting. The good news is that learning about bluebird food is simple. By choosing healthy foods, using the right feeders, and understanding bluebirds’ natural diet, you can create a safe and welcoming environment that encourages these beautiful birds to visit your yard throughout the year.

Bluebirds are among the most colorful and beneficial birds found in North America. They help control insects naturally and add beauty and life to gardens, farms, and backyards. Although bluebirds mainly eat insects and berries in the wild, many people successfully attract them with carefully selected foods. This guide explains everything you need to know about feeding bluebirds, including what they eat, the best foods to offer, seasonal feeding tips, and common mistakes to avoid.

What Do Bluebirds Eat?

Bluebirds are omnivores, meaning they eat both insects and fruits. Their diet changes depending on the season.

During spring and summer, bluebirds mainly eat insects because they need protein for nesting and raising their young. Common insects include:

Beetles
Grasshoppers
Crickets
Caterpillars
Spiders
Ants

As temperatures become cooler, insects become less available. During fall and winter, bluebirds switch to fruits and berries.

Some favorite berries include:

Elderberries
Dogwood berries
Holly berries
Juniper berries
Sumac berries
Wild grapes

This natural seasonal diet helps bluebirds stay healthy throughout the year.

Best Bluebird Food for Backyard Feeders

If you want to attract bluebirds, offering the right foods is very important.

Mealworms

Mealworms are considered the number one food for bluebirds. They are rich in protein and closely resemble the insects bluebirds naturally eat.

Both live and dried mealworms work well.

Benefits include:

High protein
Easy to digest
Excellent for nesting season
Attracts bluebirds quickly

If using dried mealworms, soak them in warm water for several minutes before serving.

Suet

Suet provides extra energy during cold weather.

Choose suet made specifically for insect-eating birds.

Avoid suet containing excessive artificial ingredients.

Soft Fruits

Fresh fruits are another excellent option.

Good choices include:

Blueberries
Chopped apples
Grapes
Raisins soaked in water
Cherries
Mulberries

Always cut large fruits into small pieces.

Berries

Natural berries are among the healthiest foods bluebirds can eat.

Planting berry-producing shrubs provides a long-term food source.

Foods Bluebirds Should Never Eat

Not every bird food is suitable for bluebirds.

Avoid feeding:

Bread
Salty snacks
Chocolate
Sugary foods
Moldy fruit
Avocado
Highly processed foods

These foods provide little nutrition and may even be harmful.

Why Mealworms Are a Favorite Bluebird Food

Mealworms closely match what bluebirds naturally search for in the wild.

They contain:

Protein
Healthy fats
Vitamins
Minerals

Mealworms are especially valuable during:

Nesting season
Cold winter months
Migration periods

Many bird lovers notice bluebirds visiting within a few days after offering mealworms consistently.

Best Feeders for Bluebirds

Bluebirds prefer open feeding stations instead of enclosed tube feeders.

Popular feeder types include:

Platform Feeders

Easy for bluebirds to land on.

Provide excellent visibility.

Mealworm Feeders

Specially designed to hold live or dried mealworms.

Many include protective covers that reduce competition from larger birds.

Tray Feeders

Simple to clean and ideal for fruit and berries.

Place feeders about five feet above the ground in open areas where bluebirds can easily spot them.

Where Should You Place a Bluebird Feeder?

Location matters almost as much as the food itself.

Choose a location that is:

Quiet
Open
Near trees
Away from heavy foot traffic
Safe from cats

Bluebirds like open spaces because they can easily watch for predators.

Avoid placing feeders deep inside dense bushes.

Seasonal Feeding Guide

Spring

Spring is breeding season.

Offer:

Live mealworms
Dried mealworms
Fresh water

Protein helps adults feed growing chicks.

Summer

Continue offering insects.

Natural insects become plentiful, so feeder visits may decrease.

This is completely normal.

Fall

Begin adding fruits and berries.

Bluebirds prepare for cooler weather by increasing energy intake.

Winter

Winter can be difficult because insects are scarce.