Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis

Adult male Summer range map Winter range map
Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available
Migration Status Breeding Habitat Nest Location Nest Type Clutch Size Incubation Fledge Number of Broods Diet
Short distance migrant N/A Mid-story/canopy nesting Cavity 3-6 12-14 days 15-20 2, occasionally 3 Insects, Fruit
Identification Tips:
  • Length: 5.5 inches
  • Thin bill
  • Most often seen in open habitats: agricultural areas, wood edges, et al
  • 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.
Credits:
Citation:
Gough, G.A., Sauer, J.R., Iliff, M. Patuxent Bird Identification Infocenter 1998. Version 97.1. Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD. http://www.mbr-pwrc.usgs.gov/Infocenter/infocenter.html
Length and wingspan from:
Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.
Clutch size, fledging, brood, and incubation information from:
Ehrlich, P., Dobkin, D., and Wheye, D. (1988). The Birder's Handbook: A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds. New York. Simon and Schuster Inc.