In Michigan, there is a remarkable variety of blue birds, with a total of 15 different types identified. These avian residents consist of the Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, Purple Martin, Cerulean Warbler, Black Throated Blue Warbler, Belted Kingfisher, Indigo Bunting, Blue Jay, Red-Breasted Nuthatch, White-Breasted Nuthatch, Common Grackle, Rock Pigeon, Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher, and Northern Parula. Each of these birds has its own preferences when it comes to nesting sites and food sources. To attract and support these beautiful blue birds in Michigan, it is crucial to provide them with suitable food sources, nesting sites, and create a favorable habitat. Among the commonly sighted small blue birds in the state are the Eastern Bluebird, Cerulean Warbler, Black-Throated Blue Warbler, and Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher. Additionally, Michigan is proud to be home to several species of blue birds, including the Eastern Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, and the Indigo Bunting. While insects form the primary diet for blue birds in Michigan, they will also consume berries and fruits when insects are scarce.
Eastern Bluebird
Nesting Habits
The Eastern Bluebird is known for its beautiful blue feathers and cheerful song. In Michigan, the Eastern Bluebird can be found nesting in open fields and meadows. They prefer to build their nests in cavities within trees, fence posts, or birdhouses. They are quite selective in choosing their nesting sites and will often choose locations that offer protection from predators and extreme weather conditions.
To attract Eastern Bluebirds to your yard, it is important to provide suitable nesting sites. Installing birdhouses specifically designed for Eastern Bluebirds can greatly increase the chances of them choosing your yard as their nesting site. These houses should have a small entrance hole, ideally measuring 1.5 inches in diameter, to prevent larger birds from entering.
Food Preferences
Eastern Bluebirds primarily feed on insects, making them a valuable ally in controlling pest populations. Their diet consists of beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, caterpillars, and spiders. In the colder months, when insects are scarce, they will also supplement their diet with berries and fruits such as holly, dogwood, and sumac.
To attract Eastern Bluebirds to your yard, consider planting native plants that produce berries and fruits. This will provide an additional food source for them when insects are not as plentiful. Avoid using pesticides and insecticides in your yard, as these can harm the insects that Eastern Bluebirds rely on for food.
Physical Characteristics
Eastern Bluebirds are small birds, measuring around 6.3 to 8.3 inches in length. The males have bright blue feathers on their heads, wings, and tails, with a rusty red breast and white belly. The females are slightly duller in color, with more grayish-blue feathers and a paler chest. Both males and females have thin bills and dark eyes.
Tree Swallow
Nesting Habits
The Tree Swallow is another type of blue bird commonly found in Michigan. They nest in open areas near water, such as wetlands, marshes, and lakeshores. Unlike the Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallows prefer to nest in cavities within trees rather than in birdhouses. They will often choose dead trees or trees with pre-existing cavities, but will also readily use nest boxes.
If you want to attract Tree Swallows to your yard, consider installing nest boxes specifically designed for them. These boxes should have a slightly larger entrance hole, measuring around 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter. The boxes should also be placed near bodies of water, as Tree Swallows require a source of water nearby for bathing and drinking.
Food Preferences
Tree Swallows have a diet consisting primarily of insects. They are excellent aerial acrobats and are known for their ability to catch insects in mid-flight. Their diet includes mosquitoes, flies, beetles, dragonflies, and other small flying insects. They are particularly useful in keeping mosquito populations in check.
To attract Tree Swallows to your yard, create a garden that is rich in flowering plants. This will attract a variety of insects, providing a bountiful food source for the Tree Swallows. Avoid using pesticides and insecticides, as these can harm the insects that the Tree Swallows rely on for food.
Physical Characteristics
Tree Swallows are small birds, measuring around 5 to 6.3 inches in length. They have shiny blue-green feathers on their backs and wings, with white underparts. Their heads are a darker shade of blue compared to their bodies, and they have a forked tail. Both males and females have dark eyes and slender bills.
Barn Swallow
Nesting Habits
The Barn Swallow is a highly adaptable blue bird that can be found nesting in a variety of habitats in Michigan. They are commonly found in barns, sheds, bridges, and other man-made structures that offer a suitable nesting site. Barn Swallows build their nests out of mud, using their beaks and feet to shape and mold the mud into a cup-shaped nest. These nests are often lined with grass, feathers, and other soft materials.
To attract Barn Swallows to your property, provide open structures that they can use for nesting. This can include barns, sheds, or specially designed nest cups that mimic their preferred nesting sites. Ensure that there is an adequate supply of mud nearby for them to build their nests.
Food Preferences
Barn Swallows have a diet that consists primarily of flying insects. They are excellent aerial hunters and can catch insects in mid-flight with incredible precision. Their diet includes flies, beetles, moths, and other small flying insects. They are particularly valuable in agricultural areas, as they help control pest populations.
To attract Barn Swallows to your yard, create a garden that is rich in flowering plants. This will attract a variety of insects, providing a plentiful food source for the Barn Swallows. Additionally, avoid using pesticides and insecticides, as these can harm the insects that Barn Swallows rely on for food.
Physical Characteristics
Barn Swallows are medium-sized birds, measuring around 6.7 to 7.5 inches in length. They have long, pointed wings and a deeply forked tail. Their upperparts are a glossy blue-black color, while their underparts are a pale orange-brown. They have a red throat and forehead, with a dark blue band across their chest. Both males and females have dark eyes and short, thin bills.
Purple Martin
Nesting Habits
The Purple Martin is the largest type of swallow in North America and is a highly sought-after bird for backyard birdwatchers. In Michigan, Purple Martins can be found nesting in colonies, often in large birdhouses specifically designed for them. They prefer open habitats with access to water, such as meadows, fields, and near lakes or rivers.
To attract Purple Martins to your yard, provide multi-compartment birdhouses designed for them. These houses should be placed on tall poles or specialized Purple Martin housing systems. It is important to provide adequate nesting space, as Purple Martins are social birds and prefer to nest in colonies.
Food Preferences
Purple Martins primarily feed on flying insects, including dragonflies, beetles, butterflies, and moths. They catch these insects in mid-air, displaying their impressive aerial agility. They are especially active during the daylight hours when flying insects are most abundant.
To attract Purple Martins to your yard, create a garden that is rich in flowering plants. This will attract a variety of insects, providing a plentiful food source for the Purple Martins. Additionally, avoid using pesticides and insecticides, as these can harm the insects that Purple Martins rely on for food.
Physical Characteristics
Purple Martins are large birds, measuring around 7.5 to 8.5 inches in length. Males have a deep, dark purple plumage on their heads, backs, and wings, with a contrasting lighter grayish-white underparts. Females have a duller plumage, with more grayish-brown feathers. Both males and females have dark eyes and a thick, slightly hooked bill.
Cerulean Warbler
Nesting Habits
The Cerulean Warbler is a small migratory bird that can be found nesting in deciduous forests in Michigan. They prefer mature forests with a dense canopy and a variety of tree species. Cerulean Warblers build their nests on horizontal branches, usually close to the trunk of the tree. They construct their nests using twigs, grass, and other plant materials, lining the interior with fine grasses and animal hair.
To attract Cerulean Warblers to your yard, it is important to preserve or create suitable habitat for them. Planting a variety of native trees, especially oaks, maples, and hickories, can provide the necessary foraging and nesting habitats. Limit or avoid the use of pesticides and herbicides, as these can harm the insects and plants that Cerulean Warblers rely on.
Food Preferences
Cerulean Warblers primarily feed on insects. Their diet includes beetles, caterpillars, moths, spiders, and other small arthropods. They forage for insects by gleaning foliage and branches, often performing acrobatic maneuvers to reach hidden prey.
To attract Cerulean Warblers to your yard, create a garden that is rich in native plants. Native plants provide a diverse range of insects, which are an essential food source for these warblers. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, as these can harm the insects that Cerulean Warblers rely on for food.
Physical Characteristics
Cerulean Warblers are small birds, measuring around 4.7 to 5.5 inches in length. They have vibrant blue upperparts, with a lighter blue throat and breast. Their underparts are a pale whitish color. They have a thin, pointed bill and dark eyes.
Black Throated Blue Warbler
Nesting Habits
The Black Throated Blue Warbler is a small migratory bird that can be found nesting in deciduous and mixed forests in Michigan. They prefer mature forests with a dense understory and a variety of tree species. Black Throated Blue Warblers build their nests close to the ground, usually in shrubs or small trees. They construct their nests using twigs, grass, and other plant materials, lining the interior with fine grasses and feathers.
To attract Black Throated Blue Warblers to your yard, it is important to preserve or create suitable habitat for them. Planting a variety of native shrubs and small trees, such as dogwoods, viburnums, and serviceberries, can provide the necessary foraging and nesting habitats. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, as these can harm the insects and plants that Black Throated Blue Warblers rely on.
Food Preferences
Black Throated Blue Warblers primarily feed on insects. Their diet includes beetles, caterpillars, moths, spiders, and other small arthropods. They forage for insects by hopping along branches and foliage, often gleaning prey from leaves or capturing insects in mid-air.
To attract Black Throated Blue Warblers to your yard, create a garden that is rich in native plants. Native plants provide a diverse range of insects, which are an essential food source for these warblers. Avoid using pesticides and herbicides, as these can harm the insects that Black Throated Blue Warblers rely on for food.
Physical Characteristics
Black Throated Blue Warblers are small birds, measuring around 4.7 to 5.1 inches in length. Males have a black throat and upperparts, with a vibrant blue color on their head, back, and wings. Their underparts are a pale whitish color. Females have a duller plumage, with more grayish-brown feathers. Both males and females have dark eyes and a thin, pointed bill.