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 southeastern Canada south to the Gulf of Mexico; winters in the southern portion of breeding range and into Mexico. Inhabits open woodlands, clearings, farmlands, parks, orchards, gardens, fields; can often be 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
Mealworms
Vocalization
Eastern Bluebird: Call is a liquid and musical "turee" or "queedle." Song is a soft melodious warble.
Similar Species
Eastern Bluebird: Mountain Bluebird is blue overall. Western Bluebird has blue throat and gray belly.