diff --git a/tasks/bird2.yml b/tasks/bird2.yml
index 7d363e4..c5d75ba 100644
--- a/tasks/bird2.yml
+++ b/tasks/bird2.yml
@@ -27,3 +27,9 @@
     loop_var: "peer"
   notify: reload bird
 
+- name: Ensure bird service is enabled and started
+  systemd:
+    name: "bird.service"
+    enabled: yes
+    state: started
+