Spotting a bluebird is just the best. Maybe it’s their bright blue feathers or their soft chirps. Maybe it’s how they show up just as the weather’s warming up and bring a little extra joy to spring mornings. Whatever the reason, bluebirds make everything feel a bit more hopeful, and they’re right here in Ontario.
If you’ve ever wanted to know more about these cuties (or maybe even attract them to your own backyard), here’s everything you need to know.
Meet the Eastern Bluebird
In Ontario, the bluebird you’ll most likely see is the Eastern Bluebird. They’re small, round, and gentle little birds with bright blue wings and rusty orange chests. They’re not flashy like cardinals, but there’s something peaceful about them. They’re often found in quiet open spaces—meadows, fields, and large backyards—perched on fences or low branches, scanning the ground for insects.
They usually arrive in Ontario around March or April and stick around through the summer, sometimes even into early fall.
Where Bluebirds Like to Hang Out
Bluebirds aren’t city birds. They like open spaces with short grass, a few scattered trees, and not too much noise or traffic. Think:
- Farmlands
- Orchards
- Country roads
- Nature trails
- Quiet backyards in rural or suburban areas
They like to have a clear view of the ground to spot insects and a cozy cavity to raise their chicks. Old trees with natural holes are perfect—but they’re just as happy with a properly placed nest box.
The Bluebird Family Life
Bluebirds are pretty devoted parents. In the spring, the female will build a neat little nest out of grasses and pine needles in a tree hole or nest box. She’ll lay a few pale blue eggs (usually 3-6), and within two to three weeks, the chicks hatch and will be hungry.
Both parents help out with feeding, bringing insects and small berries until the young are ready to fly. A single pair might raise two or even three broods in one season if the conditions are right.
What Bluebirds Eat (and How to Feed Them)
Bluebirds are mainly insect eaters in spring and summer—beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, even the occasional spider. When the bugs die down in fall, they switch to fruits and berries.
If you want to offer them a treat, mealworms are your best bet. You can leave them in a shallow dish near your nest box or feeder area. They won’t come to typical seed feeders, but they’ll stop by for a protein snack.
You can also plant berry-producing shrubs like:
- Serviceberry
- Dogwood
- Sumac
- Elderberry
Bluebirds in Trouble (and How People Helped)
Not long ago, Eastern Bluebirds were in steep decline. Their natural nesting spots were disappearing, and they were losing out to more aggressive birds like starlings and house sparrows. But then something amazing happened, people stepped in to help.
By putting up thousands of nest boxes, monitoring them carefully, and spreading the word, bluebird numbers started to bounce back. Today, they’re one of Ontario’s best conservation success stories. And you can be part of it.
Moreover, the Eastern Bluebird is currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, reflecting its stable population.
How to Attract Bluebirds to Your Yard
If you have a bit of space and a quiet yard, attracting bluebirds might be easier than you think. Here’s what helps:
- Install a bluebird nest box on a post 5-6 feet off the ground, facing an open area
- Use a predator guard to keep raccoons, snakes, and other threats out
- Keep pesticides out of your yard—bluebirds rely on insects to feed their young
- Add a water source, like a shallow birdbath
- Plant native shrubs for extra cover and late-season food
And remember, bluebirds love peaceful places. Keep things quiet and gentle, and they just might stick around.
One More Thing
Let me tell you about the Canada Hustle app. Looking for all the places you can get a glimpse of these blue beauties? Our app has info about all the areas in Ontario where bluebirds come and go.
Available for both Android and iOS users, whether your vibe is cliff diving or birdwatching, Canada Hustle tailors your trip to fit your passion.
Final Thoughts
There’s a quiet kind of joy that comes with having bluebirds nearby. They’re not the loudest or the flashiest, but they bring a calm, steady kind of beauty to your mornings. And in a world that moves fast and gets loud, that kind of presence is something special.
So the next time you’re walking a country trail or sipping coffee in your backyard, keep an eye out for that flash of blue. Better yet, make your space a little more welcoming, and who knows, you might have a bluebird family of your own by spring.
