Species Spotlight: Eastern Bluebird
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.
Food web: 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.
