To
many in the eastern United States, the arrival
of the Eastern Bluebird in early to mid-April indicates
the long, cold winter will soon subside in favor
of spring. The bluebird, who wears the color of
the sky on his back and the color of earth on his
breast, is a common visitor to suburban yards with
open space and scattered trees.
Description: The
male bluebird measures about six inches in length.
Males have a bright blue head, back, tail, and
wings, and a rufous throat and breast. His stomach
and underparts are white. Female bluebirds are
grayish above and rufous below with hints of blue
on the back and wings.
History: Like
many cavity nesters, bluebird populations were
decimated by the explosive growth of non-native
cavity nesters such as the Starling and House Sparrow.
Concerned bird watchers took notice, and soon plans
were put in place to bring the bluebird back. Agencies,
non-profit groups, and even Boy Scouts set up special
trails lined with bluebird houses. The bird houses
were closely monitored, and infiltrating sparrows
and starlings were removed. Gradually, bluebird
populations responded, and today, bluebirds are
once again gracing the eastern spring in substantial
numbers with their bright colors and bubbilng song.
Range/Habitat/Diet: Bluebirds
prefer open spaces, prairies, woodland edges, or
parks with scattered trees. They nest in tree cavities
or bird houses, and will nest in yards with suitable
habitat. Eastern Bluebirds range throughout the
eastern United States. The closely related Western
Bluebird is found west of the Great Plains. Bluebirds
eat insects, berries, and occasionally seeds. The
Eastern Bluebird is the state bird of Missouri
and New York.
Eastern Bluebird Video
Eastern Bluebird Song
