Eastern Bluebird
Did You Know?
Photo: Jeff Nadler
- The Eastern bluebird can see an insect 100 feet away.
- In the fall,roosting flocks of up to 50 birds huddle together at night to stay warm.
- Bluebirds are one of the first birds to return north in the spring.
- The Eastern Bluebird was named our state bird in 1970.
What to look for:
Size:
Bluebirds are about 7" long
Coloration:
The male is bright blue with white undersides and a rust-colored breast. The female is grayish blue, but otherwise similar to the male
Where to watch:
Bluebirds nest in cavities in standing dead trees and in nesting boxes.
Nesting boxes are set on posts five to six feet off the ground and come in pairs (one for the bluebirds, the other for the competition). Bluebirds eat insects, seeds and berries, so look for them in fields, meadows and orchards.
Watch a clip about how to make a bluebird nesting box on DEC TV.
What to listen for:
A musical "chur-wi" or "tru-ly"
When to watch:
Bluebirds may be present year-round. Most migrate to southern states in the fall, but they will winter in New York State if they can find enough food.
The best places to watch:
Click on the link below to get more information about each site.
Five Rivers Environmental Education Center - Delmar, NY
Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
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