Species Name: Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)

Length: 7" WS 13"

Description: Bright almost iridescent blue above and on wings, tail, rusty orange throat and breast, white belly and undertail coverts, female similar but duller. Similar to Western Bluebird but smaller overall and slightly thicker-billed.

Range: Breeds east of Rockies from southeast Canada to Gulf of Mexico, winters in southern portion of breeding range. Nests contain 4-6 pale blue eggs in a loose cup of grasses and plant stems in a natural tree cavity, old woodpecker hole, fence post or bird box.

Habitat: Open woodlands, clearings, farmlands, parks, orchards, gardens, fields, along roadsides on utility wires and fences. Numbers declined due to competition from starlings and house sparrows for cavity nest sites.

Odd Facts: Making a comeback as people erect bluebird houses; often successfully defend nest hole against swallows or House Sparrows (but not starlings), although sparrows occasionally kill bluebird adults and nestlings, female broods, winter flocks to 100 + ; often roost singly or in small groups in nest boxes. Their diet consists of mainly insects, earthworms, snails, other invertebrates; especially berries. Young fed primarily insects. Hawking often from low perch, catching insects near ground and very dependent on berries in winter.

Related or Similar Species: Similar to Western and Mountain Bluebirds. Eastern Bluebirds resident in southeast Arizona mountains average slightly larger and distinctly paler. Range and general description vary according to species.

Identification: Familiarity in its range and tolerance of people in open country settings makes this an easy bird for almost everyone to identify. Their iridescent blue coloring, especially on the male, is unique to the Eastern Bluebird. Their easy to recognize call, a liquid and musical turee or queedle and song a soft melodious warble aid in identification.

Advice on Finding and Photographing: Eastern Bluebirds are not particularly wary of people. I have no trouble shooting them at distances well under 20'. I set perches in my yard, and the birds take to them easily. I set up, and as long as I don't make noise or rapid moves, the birds accept me. At least one pair and often more nest in my yard each year. They enjoy my bird bath and dripper daily. They love mealworms! You can buy mealworms in feed stores, and you will be an instant hit with the Eastern Bluebirds in your area.

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