Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis

Description:  The Eastern Bluebird is a medium sized songbird.  Its back, wings, and the top of its head are bright blue, the chest is a reddish-orange color, and its belly is white.  Females and males have the same color patterns, but females are drab in color compared to the males.

Size:  Adult bluebirds weigh 1-1.2 ounces (27-34 grams), and average about 7 inches (7.75 centimeters) long.

Individual animal information:  The Eastern Bluebird at Cosley Zoo was received from Willowbrook Wildlife Center in 2009.  He has an injury to his right wing and is unreleasable into the wild.

Adaptations: 

• Bluebirds sit on perches such as tree branches or fence posts in open areas in order to better see food on the ground.
• Male bluebirds sing a distinctive song that helps them to attract females.

Diet:  The diet of the Eastern Bluebird changes depending on the season.  In the summer, bluebirds eat mostly insects, including caterpillars, beetles, crickets, and grasshoppers.  In winter, when insects are more difficult to find, the bluebirds consume fruits and plants.

Reproduction:  Eastern Bluebirds mate in the spring and summer.  They make their nests in tree cavities and lay 3-7 eggs at a time.  Males choose the location of the nest, and females are responsible for building the nests and incubating the eggs.  Eggs are white or light blue in color and must be incubated by the female for 13-15 days before hatching.  Females are able to raise two broods (groups of young) per season.   

Shelter and space needs:  Bluebirds are typically found in habitats with open areas where they can perch to look for food.  They also need trees or hollow fence posts in which to make their nests.  Eastern Bluebirds are found throughout the eastern half of the United States, and may or may not migrate for the winter, depending on the availability of food. 

Life expectancy:  Eastern Bluebirds live about 7 years in the wild, and can live up to 10 years in captivity.

Relationship with man:  Bluebirds are useful to humans because they help to control the populations of certain insects.  Birdwatchers also enjoy the bright colors and distinct song of the bluebird, so much so that they played a pivotal role in helping to save the species.  In the mid 1900s, Eastern Bluebirds were suffering from serious population declines due to loss of habitat, pesticide use, and nest predation.  This species was able to increase  its numbers when people started putting out nest boxes and watching the boxes to make sure other birds did not get in.

Fun Facts:

• If a lone female bluebird is approached by a predator, the bluebird will sing in order to lure a male into the area to protect her.
• Bluebirds are considered by many to be a symbol of happiness.