Gardening for Bluebirds

As the bluebird’s primary diet in the spring and summer consists of insects, it is critical not to spray insecticides or pesticides. Additionally, choosing native plants provides more and a greater diversity of insects for bluebirds and other species. In the winter months, bluebirds shift to a diet of berries and if you provide bluebirds with the right combination of helpful native plants, you’ll be able to support and enjoy bluebirds all year round. Plants to help bluebirds thrive: 
  • Flowering Dogwood
  • Holly
  • Eastern Red Cedar
  • Elderberry
  • Viburnum
  • Bayberry
  • Blueberry
  • Serviceberry
Plants that cause damage to the bluebird habitat:
  • Russian and autumn olive
  • English Ivy
  • Barberry
  • Boxwood
  • Japanese Honeysuckle
  • Multiflora Rose
  • Porcelain Berry
For more information on the benefits of native plants, visit the Midwest Native Plant Society. To learn more about the kinds of native plants that grow in your area, visit Audubon’s native plant database.