eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• Length: 5.5 inches

• Thin bill

• Most often seen in open habitats: agricultural areas, wood edges

• Southwestern United States birds are paler

Adult male:

• Bright blue upperparts

• Orange-red throat, breast and sides

• White belly and undertail coverts

Female:

• Blue wings and tail-duller than male

• Gray crown and back

• White eye ring

• Brownish throat, breast and sides

• White belly and undertail coverts

Juvenile:

• Blue wings and tail-duller than male

• Gray crown and back

• White eye ring

• Spotted underparts

Similar species:

The eastern bluebird is most likely to be confused with other bluebirds.
Male western bluebirds have blue throats while male easterns have
orange-red ones. Male mountain bluebirds lack any reddish coloration
on their underparts. Females are more difficult to separate. Both
western and mountain bluebirds have gray throats and gray bellies
while the eastern bluebird has a brownish throat and white belly.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Short distance migrant
Breeding Habitat: N/A
Nest Location: Mid-story/canopy nesting
Nest Type: Cavity
Clutch Size: 3-6
Length of Incubation: 12-14 days
Days to Fledge: 15-20
Number of Broods: 2, occasionally 3
Diet: Mostly insects; lesser quantities of fruit

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May C
      Su - Summer: June, July, August C
      Fall: September, October, November C

      Winter: December, January, February C

 

 

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