Bluebirds of North America
Eastern, Western And Mountain Bluebirds: Bluebirds of Happiness
Mar 8, 2009
In the early 20th century the bluebirds habitat decreased dramatically due to increased farming, modernized construction methods and the introduction of aggressive bird species from Europe. Because of this reduction, many people have not witnessed the unexpected delight of seeing a bluebird elegantly swoop into their hurried world.
Species and Habitats of Bluebirds
There are three species of bluebirds as follows:
- Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) - Breeding east of the Rocky Mountains from southern Canada through the mideastern Gulf of Mexico to the east coast of North America. The Eastern Bluebird is mostly seen in open and rural areas.
- Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) - Breeding west of the Rocky Mountains; the Western Bluebird can be found year-round in the midsections of southern British Colombia and Western Alberta to Baja, central Mexico to western Texas. Winters, for the eastern Bluebird are spent in the far southern range. Similar to it eastern cousin, the Western Bluebird is spotted in meadows and at the edges of open areas (especially with older trees).
- Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) - Found in the west at altitudes over 5000 feet. Its habitat is restricted to mountains and meadows, winters are spent in the lowlands. Mountain Bluebirds are found from Alaska, northern British Columbia and Alberta, and central Manitoba south to southern California and western Oklahoma.
Bluebird Identification
Not only striking hues of blue are seen across the species, added colors of red, orange and purple are present in many (dependent on the sex) with markings as follows:
- Eastern Bluebird (Male) - Bright blue head, back, wings and tail (red throat and breast).
- Eastern Bluebird (Female) - Light blue head, back, wings, tail (red/orange throat and breast), similar but duller than the male.
- Western Bluebird (Male) - Bright blue/purple head, back, wings and tail (rusty red throat and breast), crescent mark on upper back with a white belly.
- Western Bluebird (Female) - Sooty gray upper with light (dull) blue head, back, wings and tail (pale red/orange throat and breast).
- Mountain Bluebird (Male) - Brilliant turquoise blue upper body, lighter in lower body with some white.
- Mountain Bluebird (Female) - Grayish pale blue body throughout (darker back and wings).
Attracting Bluebirds - Proper Food And Nesting Boxes
Bluebirds hunt insects from the air, dropping down to capture them. In addition to insects, an optimal bluebird buffet would include the following:
- Mealworms
- Berries
- Raisins
- Peanut Butter
Nesting boxes should be placed prior to spring strategically as follows:
- Place boxes at the edges of open space.
- Keep boxes at least 100 yards apart and in pairs (the other box is often occupied by a wren, swallow or a chickadee).
- Place boxes above grassy areas (bluebirds will perch on boxes and seek insects in the grass below).
- Visit boxes every seven days until nestlings are 14 days old, after this point keep the box closed in order to prevent a premature departure.
- Clean boxes after the young depart, allowing for new nest preparation to begin.
With simple, but diligent education, observation and conservation; the bluebird of happiness will once again thrive in North America.
Additional Source:
The Audubon Society Field Guide To North American Birds - Eastern and Western Regions
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