Eastern Bluebird




Eastern Bluebird


Eastern Bluebird
(Sialia sialis)

Order:  Passeriformes
Family:  Turdidae





Eastern Bluebird - Male
Photo by Ken Thomas

Eastern Bluebird Information

Length:  6.5 - 7 "

Habitat:  Open grassy areas with scattered trees; fields, meadows, orchards, and farmlands; woodland edges.

Diet:  Insects, esp. grasshoppers, katydids, beetles, crickets, and caterpillars; spiders and earthworms; wild fruit.

  Songs and calls of the Eastern Bluebird

Additional Information

Eastern Bluebird
Photos, description, range, habitat, reproduction, lifespan, behavior, communication, food habits, and predators. (From Animal Diversity Web)


Eastern Bluebird at Nest Cavity

Eastern Bluebird at Nest Cavity

© NNE & licensors

Eastern Bluebird
Identification Tips

  • Thin bill
  • Most often seen in open habitats: agricultural areas, wood edges, et al
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

(Credit: U. S. Geological Survey)


Breeding Bird Survey Map,
2011-2015

Eastern Bluebird Breeding Map

(Image credit: USGS)


Range in New England

The Eastern Bluebird breeds throughout the region.

This bird can also be found sporadically in New England during the winter. These sightings tend to be more common in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island, but also occur further north.


Eastern Bluebird
Range Maps from Cornell

Eastern Bluebird breeding, year-round, and nonbreeding range.

Includes separate map of sightings.


Eastern Bluebird
Christmas Bird Count Map

Historical CBC Map from USGS