Species Spotlight: Eastern Bluebird
In the late 1800s, as agriculture and development surged in the eastern United States, many wild species lost key habitat — including the Eastern Bluebird, which relied on native grasslands to live and breed. The introduction of the European Starling and House Sparrow also took a toll, as these aggressive, non-native birds moved into bluebird nests. By the mid-1900s, the Bluebird population had declined so much that it was listed as a “species of special concern” in New York (and similarly in other states).
Fortunately, Bluebirds got a second chance as eastern forests, including in the Shawangunks, began to regrow. They were assisted by conservation organizations and countless residents, who put out nesting boxes designed just for Bluebirds. This effort has been very successful, and while habitat loss is always a risk, bluebirds are no longer considered threatened. In 1970, the Eastern Bluebird was named New York’s state bird.
Looks like: This small thrush has a plump body, long wings, and short tail and legs. Males are vivid blue with brick-red throats and necks, while females are gray with blue wings and tails and an orange-brown breast.
Lives in: Fields, meadows, and other open areas surrounded by trees.
Niche: Bluebirds eat mostly insects caught on the ground, including caterpillars, beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, and spiders. They also eat a lot of fruit in the fall and winter, such as sumac, blueberries, holly, and juniper berries. They may even catch the occasional salamander, shrew, snake, or frog.
Threats: Black Rat snakes climb trees and eat bluebird eggs or chicks. Nests may become infested with fly larvae, which can kill chicks.
Frequency: Common in spring and fall, uncommon in fall and winter
Reproduction: Mating occurs in early March. Eastern bluebirds build nests by weaving together grass and pine needles and then line it with horse hair or turkey feathers. They usually nest in natural cavities like old woodpecker holes or in nest boxes or other artificial refuges. Eggs are pale blue. Chicks hatch in less than 3 weeks and then fledge 2–3 weeks later.
Fun facts: Female bluebirds don’t leave anything to chance: they often build nests in several holes, but typically only use one. Young born later in the breeding season often stay with their parents over the winter.
