Posted March 11, 2020
Written by Kyla Isakson
The Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a migratory bird that breeds in the northeastern U.S. and Central America. Their wintering grounds stretch south as far as Nicaragua, and they do not winter in the NE U.S. or Canada. Eastern bluebirds eat insects, fruits, and berries. These birds tend to live in open spaces, making them easily visible and able to be studied. Eastern bluebirds also exhibit sexual dimorphism, which is when males and females within the same species have different physical characteristics, making it easy to study behavioral ecology and evolution. Males are usually bright blue with a rusty-colored chest and white stomach. Females usually have duller colors like a pale blue body and light blue wings.
Eastern bluebirds build small cup nests in the hollowed potions of trees or in artificial nest boxes. Before nest boxes became popular, the eastern bluebird population was declining quickly; but with the help of community members, the population grew with an increase in places to build their nests and breed. Nest boxes are a great example of how members of the community can positively affect the environment through citizen science projects like this one.
Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for bluebirds migrating back to the area to breed!
To learn more and to hear their calls click here.