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For other uses, see Bluebird (disambiguation).

? Bluebirds
Eastern Bluebird
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae Genus: Sialia
Species
Sialia sialis Sialia mexicana Sialia currucoides

The bluebirds are medium-sized, mostly insectivorous or omnivorous birds in the genus Sialia of the thrush family Turdidae.

These are one of the relatively few thrush groups to be restricted to the New World. As the name implies, these are attractive birds with blue, or blue and red, plumage. Female birds are less brightly colored than males, although color patterns are similar and there is no noticeable difference in size between genders.

Bluebirds are territorial and will clash with other songbirds competing for nesting and food resources. They prefer open grassland with scattered trees and are cavity nesters (similar to many species of woodpecker). Under optimal conditions in springtime bluebirds will produce two broods of young averaging four to five eggs per clutch. Males build several nests for the female of the pair to review; it is the female that decides on the final nesting location.

Individuals wishing to build and mount nesting boxes for bluebirds should place predator baffles at least 36" in length on poles to prevent predation of young by snakes, cats and raccoons. Also, birdhouses should be placed at least several hundred yards apart, avoiding overhanging limbs which might provide springboards for predators. Non-native bird species competing with American bluebirds for nesting locations include the house wren and house sparrow, both of which have been known to kill young bluebirds.

Bluebirds are attracted to platform bird feeders, filled with grubs of the darkling beetle - sold by many online bird product wholesalers as "mealworms." Some bluebird enthusiasts report the birds will eat raisins soaked in water as well. Birdfeeders with clear sides and small holes drilled to prevent food raids by larger birds are available at websites like Best Nest or Wild Birds Unlimited. In addition, in winter many birders report bluebirds frequenting backyard heated birdbaths.

Bluebird numbers declined by estimates ranging to 70% in the 1970s due to a decline in habitat. However, in late 2005 Cornell University's Lab of Ornithology reported bluebird sightings at many locations in the southern U.S. as part of its yearly Backyard Bird Count, a strong indication of the bluebird's return to the region.

Species:

• Eastern Bluebird, Sialia sialis
• Western Bluebird, Sialia mexicana
• Mountain Bluebird, Sialia currucoides

The two species of Fairy-bluebird found in Southeast Asia and the Philippines, genus Irena, are not closely related to the American species.

More info

Cornell BLUEBIRD-L email list - Caution: this is a high traffic list. However, users are welcoming and eager to provide information on a range of subjects to bluebird enthusiasts with diverse levels of birding experience.

Cornell descriptions, including range, calls and physical description

Eastern Bluebird
Western Bluebird
Mountain Bluebird

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