Eastern Bluebrd (Sialia sialis)

 Photos by BarrytheBirder

The Eastern Bluebird's population 

declined by more than 

90% in the 20th century.

Historically, Eastern Bluebirds were affected by severe winters and competition from European Starlings and House Sparrows  plus other competitors at nesting sites, but the historical trend is reversing noticeably.   Bird boxes have helped recovery, particularly those with proper hole sizes and predator guards.

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Bluebirds normally inhabit fields, meadows, farmland, parks and open woodlands.   They perch in the open, drop to the ground for insects, and perch in trees  and shrubs to eat berries.   In addition to berries, they also eat insects, earthworms and spiders, even snails, small lizards and small frogs.

They are bright, beautiful blue above, reddish brown on throat, neck and chest with white bellies.   Females are paler and duller than males.

They nest in holes in trees and posts, as well as nest boxes.  They traditionally faced competition from starlings and House Sparrows for nesting sites, however the provision of specially designed nest boxes has resulted in a comeback. 

Normally they are found across south-central Canada and the eastern U.S., and winter as far south as Mexico and parts of central America.

Please comment if you wish.

BarrytheBirder