A Bluebird’s Magic Trick 

Ready to be amazed? What would you say if we told you that bluebirds are not blue? No, we have not gone crazy with cabin fever just yet! Yes, it is true, bluebird feathers contain no blue pigment. The blue color is from an optical illusion that is created by some special cells found in their feathers. These prism-like cells absorb or scatter all of the sunlight’s wave lengths except the color blue…thus, almost like magic, they appear blue to us, too.  Can you name any other blue colored birds that share this type of feather magic, too? 

How to Attract Bluebirds
Habitat

There are three species of bluebirds found in North America, including Eastern, Western and Mountain Bluebirds. They prefer open spaces with few trees like suburban lawns, golf courses and parks. Bluebirds use nest boxes, and they can be attracted to feeders.

Recommended Housing

To entice bluebirds to nest in your yard, we recommend using the Wild Birds Unlimited Bluebird House. Officially approved by the North American Bluebird Society, this house provides protection from weather and extreme temperatures and features the proper dimensions and other amenities bluebirds desire. In addition, the roof opens for viewing eggs and babies, and the side opens for easy cleaning. Available in durable wood or recycled plastic.

Using the Wild Birds Unlimited Advanced Pole System®, place the house at a safe, desired height of about five feet. This height is optimum for bluebirds, and it allows you to easily monitor their progress.

Use the Wild Birds Unlimited Raccoon Baffle to prevent squirrels, raccoons, snakes or other predators from getting to the nest.

Recommended Foods

To attract the most bluebirds to your feeders, we recommend offering mealworms, Wild Birds Unlimited Bark Butter® Bits and Jim’s Birdacious® Bark Butter®. We carry a variety of feeders that you can use to offer these foods to your birds.

Mealworms are ideal for providing the necessary protein and nutrients to adult bluebirds and their babies.

Jim’s Birdacious Bark Butter is the perfect blend of protein and fat, and it will keep them going regardless of the weather.