Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)--
This little 7-inch thrush is bright blue on top, as well as the wings and tail with a burnt orange throat and breast, white belly and undertail coverts. The female is similar, but on the dull side. The voice is a liquid and musical chur-lee or tru-ly; the song a soft gurgling sound.
Bluebirds frequent open woodlands and farmlands with scattered trees where they build their nest in holes in trees using loose grasses and plant stems. They will also use old woodpecker holes, fence posts and nest boxes. They lay 4 to 6 pale blue eggs. Incubation period is from 12 to 14 days. Days to fledge is about two to three weeks. There are generally 2 broods, sometimes three.
The diet of the bluebird is mostly insects and to a less extent fruit.
Eastern bluebirds can be found on the east side of the Rockies from southeastern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. They are also found in the mountains of southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico. They winter in the southern part of their range. They are also found in Mexico.
Order: | Family: | Species: Sialia sialis
