Eastern Bluebird: A Colorful and Cheerful Songbird
The Eastern Bluebird is a small bird that belongs to the thrush family, which includes robins and blackbirds. It is one of the three bluebird species in North America, along with the Western Bluebird and the Mountain Bluebird. The Eastern Bluebird is the most widespread and common of the three, and can be found in a variety of habitats, such as forests, meadows, parks, farms, and gardens.
The Eastern Bluebird has a distinctive appearance, with a blue back, head, and tail, a rusty-orange breast, and a white belly. The male is brighter and more colorful than the female, who has a grayish-blue back and a paler breast. The Eastern Bluebird is about 6.75 inches (17 cm) long, and weighs about 1 ounce (28 grams). It has a short, straight bill, and a round head.
The Eastern Bluebird is a songbird, and has a sweet and melodious voice. It sings different songs for different purposes, such as attracting a mate, defending a territory, or communicating with other birds. The male may sing up to 1,000 songs per hour during the breeding season, which lasts from April to July. The Eastern Bluebird also makes various calls and sounds, such as chirps, whistles, and trills.
The Eastern Bluebird is an insectivore, and feeds mainly on insects, such as grasshoppers, ants, spiders, and beetles. It hunts by perching on a branch or a fence post, and then dropping to the ground to catch its prey. It also eats small fruits and berries, especially in the fall and winter, when insects are scarce. The Eastern Bluebird may visit bird feeders that offer mealworms, suet, or sunflower seeds.
The Eastern Bluebird is a cavity-nester, and builds its nest in a hole in a tree, or in a bird box. The nest is made of grass, pine needles, feathers, and other materials. The female lays 3 to 7 eggs, which are bluish-white in color, and sometimes have dark spots. The female incubates the eggs for about two weeks, while the male brings her food. The chicks hatch naked and blind, and are fed by both parents. They fledge after about three weeks, and may stay with their parents for another month. The Eastern Bluebird may raise two or three broods per year.
The Eastern Bluebird is a popular and beloved bird, and has been chosen as the state bird of Missouri and New York. It is also a symbol of happiness, hope, and peace. The Eastern Bluebird has faced many threats, such as habitat loss, competition from invasive species, such as starlings and house sparrows, and predation from cats, raccoons, snakes, and other animals. However, thanks to the efforts of conservationists and bird lovers, who have provided nest boxes and protected habitats, the Eastern Bluebird population has increased in recent years, and is now considered to be of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The Eastern Bluebird is a beautiful and charming bird, that brightens up any landscape with its colorful plumage and cheerful song. It is a joy to watch and listen to, and a valuable member of the ecosystem. The Eastern Bluebird deserves our respect and admiration, and our help to ensure its survival and prosperity.
