The best feeder for bluebirds
Bluebirds hunt from perches over short grass. Put mealworm feeders in the open, near a low perch, and offer small amounts at the same time each day.
Feeder styles that work
A shallow, smooth-sided dish holds mealworms where bluebirds can see them.
Admits bluebirds while excluding larger jays and starlings.
What to fill it with
- Live or dried mealworms
- Suet nuggets / insect-suet dough
- Chopped native fruit
Sizing the feeder to the bird
The Eastern Bluebird measures 6.3–8.3 in and weighs 0.9–1.1 oz. Perches, ports and landing surfaces need to fit that frame — too small and the bird can't feed comfortably, too open and larger birds and squirrels dominate.
Keep it clean
Scrub feeders every two weeks in hot soapy water, soak 10 minutes in a 1:9 bleach solution, rinse and dry before refilling. Rake up hulls underneath.
Frequently asked
What kind of feeder is best for bluebirds?
Mealworm dish or tray feeder. A shallow, smooth-sided dish holds mealworms where bluebirds can see them.
What should I put in a feeder for bluebirds?
Live or dried mealworms, Suet nuggets / insect-suet dough, Chopped native fruit.
Where should I place a feeder for bluebirds?
Bluebirds hunt from perches over short grass. Put mealworm feeders in the open, near a low perch, and offer small amounts at the same time each day.
Sources
- Eastern Bluebird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Eastern Bluebird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Eastern Bluebird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.