Attracting Mountain Bluebirds: A Colorado Birder's Guide
Imagine the flash of brilliant blue against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountain foothills. Seeing a Mountain Bluebird in your yard is a treat for any Colorado birder. But attracting these beauties takes more than just luck. Understanding what do bluebirds eat is the first step to creating a bluebird-friendly habitat right here on the Front Range.
What Do Bluebirds Eat Naturally?
Bluebirds are primarily insectivores, especially during the breeding season. This means their diet consists mainly of insects, which provide the protein and energy needed to raise their young. During the warmer months in Colorado, you'll find them feasting on:
- Caterpillars
- Beetles
- Grasshoppers
- Crickets
- Spiders
As the weather cools and insects become scarce, bluebirds switch to a diet of berries. This is crucial for their survival during the harsh Colorado winters. They often rely on:
- Juniper berries
- Mountain ash berries
- Serviceberries
- Dogwood berries
Supplementing Their Diet: What to Offer in Your Yard
While bluebirds forage for their own food, you can supplement their diet and increase your chances of attracting them to your yard. Here's what do bluebirds eat that you can provide:
- Mealworms: These are a bluebird favorite! Offer them live or dried in a dish feeder. At Wild Birds Unlimited Colorado, we carry high-quality mealworms that bluebirds love.
- Berries: Planting native berry-producing shrubs and trees is the best way to provide a natural food source. Consider planting serviceberry or chokecherry bushes.
- Fruit: Small pieces of fruit, like blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apple, can be offered in a dish feeder.
- Suet: While not their primary food, bluebirds will occasionally eat suet, especially during the winter months. Look for suet cakes with berries or insects.
Creating a Bluebird-Friendly Habitat
Beyond just knowing what do bluebirds eat, creating a suitable habitat is essential. Here are some tips:
- Provide a water source: A bird bath or shallow dish of water is crucial, especially during dry Colorado summers.
- Offer nesting boxes: Bluebirds are cavity nesters and readily use nest boxes. Place them in open areas with short grass, away from trees and shrubs where predators can perch. Our team at Wild Birds Unlimited can help you choose the right nest box and placement.
- Minimize pesticide use: Pesticides can kill the insects that bluebirds rely on for food.
Attracting Bluebirds in the Denver Metro Area
Even in urban areas like Denver, Aurora, and Highlands Ranch, you can attract bluebirds to your yard with the right food and habitat. Focus on providing a variety of food sources, especially mealworms and berries. Consider planting native plants that attract insects. And remember, patience is key! It may take time for bluebirds to discover your yard.
Visit Wild Birds Unlimited Colorado Today!
Ready to attract Mountain Bluebirds to your yard? Stop by any of our Wild Birds Unlimited locations in Arvada, Denver, Aurora, or Highlands Ranch. Our knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right feeders, food, and nesting boxes to create a bluebird haven. You can also browse our selection online at [insert website address here]. We can answer any questions you have about what do bluebirds eat and how to best support them in your backyard!
