Bluebirds are a cherished sight in many backyards, known for their vibrant plumage and gentle nature. Their presence often brings a sense of tranquility and connection to the natural world. For their young, a specific diet is crucial for proper growth and development. Parental feeding ensures nestlings receive the nourishment needed to thrive.
Natural Diet
The diet of baby bluebirds consists almost entirely of soft-bodied insects and other invertebrates. Parents forage to meet the high caloric demands of their growing young. This insect-rich diet provides protein, essential for developing feathers, muscles, and bones. Insects also provide hydration for nestlings, as they do not consume water directly.
Caterpillars, which are soft and easily digestible, provide substantial protein. Grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles are also significant components of their diet. Spiders are a valuable food source, especially for young nestlings. While adult bluebirds may consume some berries when insects are scarce, insects remain the cornerstone of the baby bluebird diet.
Feeding Stages
The feeding process for baby bluebirds evolves through different developmental stages. Initially, hatchlings and nestlings are entirely dependent on their parents for food. Parents bring a continuous supply of insects to the nest, often every 15 to 20 minutes, feeding their offspring. This feeding schedule supports the nestlings’ fast growth, with young bluebirds typically leaving the nest between 16 and 22 days after hatching.
Once they leave the nest, baby bluebirds become fledglings. While they are still primarily fed by their parents for about three weeks, fledglings begin to learn essential foraging skills. They follow their parents, observing and mimicking how to locate and capture prey. This period of parental guidance helps fledglings transition to nutritional independence, taking less food as their own foraging abilities improve.
When Human Intervention is Needed
Encountering a baby bluebird might prompt a desire to help, but healthy fledglings on the ground often do not require human intervention. These young birds are learning to fly and forage, and their parents are typically nearby, providing care from a distance. If a featherless baby bird with closed eyes (a nestling) has fallen from a nest, it can be gently placed back into its nest if found.
It is important to avoid feeding a baby bluebird common human foods. Items like bread, milk, seeds, or worms from a garden are nutritionally inadequate and can cause digestive issues or even choking hazards. Mealworms, while sometimes offered as a supplement, are high in phosphorus and low in calcium, which can negatively impact bone development if overfed. If a baby bluebird appears injured, cold, or orphaned, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. These professionals possess the necessary expertise and permits to provide proper care.