EASTERN BLUEBIRD
Sialia sialis
DESCRIPTION
The Eastern Bluebird is a small, migratory songbird known for its vibrant blue plumage and warm orange-brown chest. It is often found in open fields and woodlands across North America.
FUN FACTS
- Eastern Bluebirds are the state bird of New York and Missouri | They can eat up to 100 insects in a single day | Their population has benefited from the installation of nesting boxes
QUICK INFO
Lifespan6-10 years in the wild
Average Weight70-100 g
Average Length16-21 cm
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structurepair, typically monogamous during the breeding season
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (March-June)
- Habitat
- They prefer open habitats such as fields, meadows, and edges of woodlands. Eastern Bluebirds often nest in tree cavities or man-made birdhouses.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Grassland
- Native Range
- Eastern North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- United States, Canada, Mexico
- Diet
- Eastern Bluebirds primarily feed on insects and berries. They are known to catch insects in mid-air and forage for fruits on the ground.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- insects, berries
- Social Structure
- pair, typically monogamous during the breeding season
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
CR
LC
70-100 g
Weight
16-21 cm
Length
- Coloration
- bright blue upperparts with a rusty orange throat and chest
- Sexual Dimorphism
- males are more brightly colored than females
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 3-6
- Sexual Maturity
- 1 year
- Breeding Season
- Spring (March-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, though local declines have been noted in some areas.
- Wild Population Estimate
- 1,000,000-2,000,000
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Habitat loss and competition for nesting sites with invasive species are the main threats to Eastern Bluebirds.
- Predators
- hawks, cats, snakes
- Defense Mechanisms
- they may dive or swoop at predators to defend their nests
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon