diff --git a/roles/network_plugin/calico/templates/calico-node.yml.j2 b/roles/network_plugin/calico/templates/calico-node.yml.j2
index eb0e89db2..39961002e 100644
--- a/roles/network_plugin/calico/templates/calico-node.yml.j2
+++ b/roles/network_plugin/calico/templates/calico-node.yml.j2
@@ -284,7 +284,9 @@ spec:
               command:
               - /bin/calico-node
               - -felix-live
+{% if calico_network_backend|default("bird") == "bird" %}
               - -bird-live
+{% endif %}
 {% endif %}
             initialDelaySeconds: 5
             failureThreshold: 6
@@ -299,7 +301,9 @@ spec:
             exec:
               command:
               - /bin/calico-node
+{% if calico_network_backend|default("bird") == "bird" %}
               - -bird-ready
+{% endif %}
               - -felix-ready
 {% endif %}
           volumeMounts: