General

Eastern Bluebird: Small thrush with bright blue upperparts, rust-brown throat and breast, and white belly and vent. Female is similar but much duller. Juvenile has gray-brown upperparts, white spots on back, brown breast with white scaling, white belly and eye ring, and blue-tinged wings and tail.

Range and Habitat

Eastern Bluebird: Breeds east of Rockies from southeast Canada to Gulf of Mexico; winters in southern portion of breeding range. Inhabits open woodlands, clearings, farmlands, parks, orchards, gardens, fields; often seen along roadsides on utility wires and fences.

Breeding and Nesting

Eastern Bluebird: Four to six light blue or white eggs are laid in a loose cup of grass and plant stems built in a natural tree cavity, old woodpecker hole, fence post or bird box; 2 to 50 feet above the ground. Incubation ranges from 12 to 14 days and is carried out by the female.

Foraging and Feeding

Eastern Bluebird: Feeds on insects, earthworms, snails, and other invertebrates, and is highly dependent upon berries during winter; forages from low perches, usually hawking insects.

Readily Eats

Raisins, Currants, Nut Meal

Vocalization

Eastern Bluebird: Call is a liquid and musical "turee" or "queedle." Song is a soft melodious warble.

Similar Species

Eastern Bluebird: Western Bluebird has gray throat and belly. Female Western Bluebird has a rust-brown tinge on nape and back.