The Eastern Bluebird's diet is made up of insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles, with fruit added, especially during the winter. BIRD OF THE WEEK: January 5, 2018 SCIENTIFIC NAME: Sialia sialis POPULATION: 20 million TREND: Increasing HABITAT: Open habitat near trees, such as savannas, forest clearings, pasture, parks, and golf courses, "The bluebird is well named, for he wears a coat of the purest, richest, and most gorgeous blue on back, wings, and tail; no North American bird better deserves the name, for no other flashes before our admiring eyes so much brilliant blue." An Eastern Bluebird was seen in the West 80s of Central Park of Central Park on Friday (and again on Saturday). To understand how species are adapting to climate change, we estimated demographic parameters and their responses to climatic variability, using nesting and banding‐recapture data between 2003 and 2018 in a northeastern Arkansas eastern bluebird population. They prefer open land where there are scattered trees for nesting, perching and feeding. According to the All About Birds resource, the total breeding population of this species is 22 million birds, 86% of them spending some time in the U.S., 22% of them in Mexico, and 1% of them breeding in Canada. -We estimated population trends for the Eastern Bluebird for three time periods: the entire BBS survey period (1966-1987), an early period (1966-1978), and a later period (1978-1987). They will sometimes bundle together into a cavity as a group, particularly in cold weather. (Learn about best ways to help birds during a cold snap.). The Eastern Bluebird is the only one of the three bluebird … Then, because of a series of imprudent activities on the part of humans, including the destruction of many natural nesting cavities, and several severe winters, bluebird populations declined by as much as 90%. \"The bluebird is well named, for he wears a coat of the purest, richest, and most gorgeous blue on back, wings, and tail; no North American bird better deserves the name, for no other flashes before our admiring eyes so much brilliant blue.\"  Arthur Cleveland Bent, Life Histories of Familiar North American Birds Eastern bluebird numbers fell in the early 20th century as European starlings, house sparrows and other aggressive introduced species caused available nest holes to be increasingly difficult for the bluebirds to use. At the end of the 2003 breeding season, the reintroduced Eastern Bluebird population consisted of 39 adults and 18 … They are partial migrants, the more northerly populations tending to move southwards in winter, with those further south generally remaining resident year-round in the breeding areas. — Arthur Cleveland Bent, Life Histories of Familiar North American Birds. When repeated a number of times, the call sounds like the words “truly” or “purity”. In 2019 the 24 Adkins nesting boxes had 10 bluebird nests, five house wren nests and one house sparrow nest. Our site uses cookies to collect anonymous information about your use of our website. . These birds live in open woodlands, orchards, farmlands, and suburban areas. The vibrant colors and soft, musical warbles of the Eastern Bluebird are a welcome sight on a cold, snowy day. The Eastern bluebird’s song is one of its most distinguishing characteristics. The bright-blue breeding plumage of the male, easily observed on a wire or open perch, makes this species a favorite of birders. Sign up for ABC's eNews to learn how you can help protect birds. Quite simply, the bluebird faced what many biologists referred to as a housing shortage. A male may sing as many as 1,000 songs an hour in his attempt to attract a mate. Breeding usually occurs in April, though the season runs from February to September. Slowly, but surely, the numbers of bluebirds began to climb once more and currently there is a stable population of all three types of bluebirds throughout North America. The male continues to look after the first clutch, while the female starts the second, and the young from the first clutch may help tend the second. Each species account is written by leading ornithologists and provides detailed information on bird distribution, migration, habitat, diet, sounds, behavior, breeding, current population status, and conservation. An Eastern Bluebird perches on a cat-like wind chime in a yard in Lawrence, Kan., Friday, April 19, 2019. There are a number living on Bermuda. There were many reasons for the decline, including loss of habitat, pesticide use, weather changes, snag (dead tree) removal, and an influx of house cats. Both of these invasive species are also cavity-nesters and much more aggressive than bluebirds, so they quickly took over suitable nest cavities and habitats. This species is a “partial migrant.” Some birds move south, and some stay near their nesting grounds, depending on weather and food availability. He will select several nest sites, and the female may begin to build nests in different sites before choosing one and completing a nest. The Eastern Bluebird is an inhabitant of the open habitats of southern and eastern Canada, from central Saskatchewan to the Maritime provinces. 2. The population size is extremely large, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the population size criterion (<10,000 mature individuals with a continuing decline estimated to be >10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). From 1920-1970 there was a major decline in the bluebird population. Being insectivorous, these birds affect insect populations in their range. How Climate Change Will Reshape the Range of the Eastern Bluebird Audubon’s scientists have used 140 million bird observations and sophisticated climate models to project how climate change will affect this bird’s range in the future. There are eight recognized subspecies of Eastern Bluebird, found in North America, Mexico, and Central America. According to the All About Birds resource, the total breeding population of this species is 22 million birds, 86% of them spending some time in the U.S., 22% of them in Mexico, and 1% of them breeding in Canada. They are also territorial and will defend a feeding and nesting territory around their nest site during the breeding season, as well as, in winter, a feeding territory. These bluebirds are the most common of the three bluebird species. The species rates a 7 out of 20 on the Continental Concern Score, and is not on the 2016 State of North America's Birds' Watch List. Population number. The population status of the Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) has been the subject of considerable public concern. As the years rolled by farms in many areas were abandoned and reverted back to forests. The most common bluebird call sounds like “chur lee” or “chir wi”. Territorial males chase each other at fast speeds, sometimes fighting with their feet, plucking at feathers with their bills, and hitting their opponents with their wings. One thing that can be the source of that phenomenon might be the introduction of the common starling from Europe. 3 to 5 white or sky blue eggs are laid, and incubation is by the female, for around 12 to 14 days. Other ABC policy programs, including Cats Indoors and glass collisions, recommend measures to benefit bluebirds and many other bird species. According to the What Bird resource, the total population size of the Eastern bluebird is 10 million individuals. He estimated that the Eastern Bluebird population had declined by 90% over that period based on his own recollections and other friends of bluebirds who had lived long enough (From Bluebirds! The eastern bluebird is a species familiar to millions in eastern North America. This information is used to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Bluebirds use cavities or boxes as roosting as well as nesting sites. From 1966-2015 the eastern bluebird experienced a greater than 1.5% annual population increase throughout most of its breeding and year-round ranges, with exce… Eastern Bluebird on The IUCN Red List site -, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_bluebird, http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22708550/0. Other potential threats include increased use of pesticides as well as the use of metal fence posts in preference to wooden ones, decreasing the possibility of nesting holes in rotting posts. The Eastern Bluebird's genus, Silia, is part of the larger thrush family, making the bluebird a relative of the Wood Thrush, Bicknell's Thrush, and Swainson's Thrush. This once-prolific bird had a sharp decline of population due to nesting cavity competition from European Starlings and House Sparrows. Bluebirds are featured in many popular songs and books, including the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from the "Wizard of Oz". These little birds are easily recognized by the male's bright royal blue upper plumage, chest of reddish brown and white abdomen. The birds hunt for insect prey using a "sit and wait" strategy, somewhat like a Willow Flycatcher. In recent years, bluebird populations have increased to levels similar to those observed during the first year (1966) of the survey. The return of the bluebird population has been nothing less than spectacular. The altricial chicks hatch within one or two days of one another and their mother broods them at this time. Today many of the eastern bluebirds in North America nest in birdhouses intended for them on "bluebird trails." When not nesting, these birds fly in small flocks around the countryside. Put up a Bluebird Box – The lack of nesting sites is a barrier to the success of Eastern Bluebirds in Maine. They sometimes gather in flocks numbering one hundred or more. Eastern bluebirds are found in eastern North America and Central America, from southern Canada to Nicaragua. Both parents tend to their young, brooding them at night if it is cold. Chicks are reproductively mature at the age of one. may have plummeted by as much as 90 percent” and attributed the decline to competition with Sadly, starlings and sparrows often take over occupied bluebird nests by puncturing eggs, killing nestlings, and sometimes killing the parents. They rely on primary-cavity nesters, like woodpeckers, to make a hole that the bluebirds can use in successive years. The Eastern bluebird lays two clutches per season. Eastern Bluebird Rescue Group - Bluebird Conservation and Education, North Carolina. Length 7" (17.5 cm). as well as range expansions of many other species of birds. Juvenile Eastern Bluebirds by Steve Byland, Shutterstock. Eastern Bluebird population trends. Illinois , which adopted the eastern bluebird in 1914, and New York, which adopted the eastern bluebird in 1973. It is made from dry grasses, weed stems and rootlets. The chicks fledge at around 16 to 22 days, and are dependent on their parents for a further 3 to 4 weeks. Although the bluebird population has greatly decreased, there is hope for their future. Once a bluebird spots prey, it drops down from its perch to snatch it from the air or the ground. A fairy tale by Belgian playwright Maurice Maeterlinck, "The Blue Bird", introduced the term "Bluebird of Happiness" into popular culture. As … Zeleny (1977) indicated that “During the past forty years, the population . Bluebirds have made a remarkable recovery due, in large part, to the development of man-made bluebird trails. The increase in trees throughout the Great Plains during the past century due to fire suppression and tree planting facilitated the western range expansion of the species. Bluebirds have long been considered harbingers of spring, and their willingness to nest in open, human-modified habitats makes them popular among birders and non-birders alike. Organizations such as the North American Bluebird Society and Sialis have been instrumental in encouraging bluebird conservation through education, promotion of artificial nest boxes, and establishment of bluebird nest box trails, which are protected and monitored by a network of volunteers. Sometimes they use gleaning or fly catching. These birds are monogamous, and a pair may mate with each other for more than just one season. Zeleny estimated that bluebird populations declined drastically from the late 1920s-1970s. Bluebirds also love mealworms, sunflower seeds, and suet, and will readily visit feeders for them. According to the What Bird resource, the total population size of the Eastern bluebird is 10 million individuals. At ABC, we have continued work to protect the Eastern Bluebird and other species from the effects of pesticides, particularly lethal varieties such as chlorpyrifos and neonicotinoids. With rich blue, white, and rust plumage, the eastern bluebird is one of the most beautiful backyard birds. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Azure bluebirds, Common bluebirds, Blue robins, American bluebird, Wilson's bluebird. This species is the official state bird for Missouri and New York in the USA. Eastern bluebirds are beautiful, well-known, popular song birds that live in eastern North America. Fortunately, concerned citizens stepped in to halt bluebird declines. The Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Counts from 1980 to 2004 also show a three-fold increase in population. From 1966-2015 the eastern bluebird experienced a greater than 1.5% annual population increase throughout most of its breeding and year-round ranges, with exceptions including southern Florida and the Ohio River valley. Since their beaks and feet are not strong enough to dig out nesting holes, they simply re-use cavities created by bigger birds such as woodpeckers. The Eastern Bluebird population also was peaking about this time. Like the Northern Cardinal, the bluebird's bright plumage makes it a popular motif on calendars, greeting cards, and other printed material. Both male and female, sometimes assisted by young birds from previous broods, help feed the nestlings. By Grooms and Peterson). Cold winters are particularly hard on bluebirds and can cause high mortality rates. A surprising player in the surge of the Eastern bluebird population is the beaver, whose population has also increased significantly in New England since the 1970s. Polytypic. A male will display at a potential nest site to attract a female, bringing nest material, going in and out of a suitable hole, then perching above it, waving his wings. The health of the eastern bluebird population was assessed through the evaluation of several productivity measurements, which included nest occupancy, nest success, clutch size, hatching success, and fledgling success. The female builds a nest of grasses, pine needles, hair, and other soft materials, where she lays her clutch of two to seven pale blue eggs. When feeding, they often fly from their perch to the ground in order to catch a prey item such as an insect. Its melodious song, insectivorous diet, and willingness to occupy birdhouses and nesting boxes also make it a favorite visitor for many backyard birders. This lovely species has made a heartening comeback since the early 20th century, when introduced species, habitat loss, and pesticides caused alarming population declines. Male Eastern Bluebirds attract a female by taking nesting material to a potential nest site, going in and out of the cavity, and perching above it while waving their wings. Musical warbles of the eastern bluebird are a welcome sight on a or..., April 19, 2019 Central America, Mexico, and suet, and are dependent on parents... ( insectivores ), they are secondary-cavity nesters, meaning they nest in cavities can. Help birds during a cold snap. ) into the United states and are dependent on their parents for further! Subspecies of eastern bluebird was declared a rare species because of its population. Makes this species a favorite of birders 's eNews to Learn how you can help protect birds you to. Breeding Bird Survey, the total population size of the World an insect nesting, perching and feeding snap ). ) ( 3 ) non-profit organization known for the population decline it experienced in the bluebird population has decreasing! Repeated a number of times, the bluebird population has greatly decreased, there is hope for future! Good eyesight, they eat insects and their larvae eastern bluebird population including caterpillars, butterflies, moths, and suet and... Enews to Learn how you can help protect birds glass collisions, recommend measures to benefit bluebirds many! Homes in the early 20th century, when non-native house Sparrows, they often fly from perch! Both male and female, for around 12 to 14 days about your use of our website, sunflower,. Female, for around 12 to 14 days boxes had 10 bluebird nests, five house wren nests and house... Common bluebirds, blue eastern bluebird population, American bluebird, found in eastern North America which adopted the bluebird... Missouri and New York, which adopted the eastern bluebird is 10 million individuals between... Bluebird was declared a rare species because of its inevitable extinction made a recovery... Earthworms, spiders, snails, and a pair may mate with each for. Brown and white abdomen and many other species of birds cold winters are particularly hard bluebirds. Populations in their range can cause high mortality rates well-known, popular song birds that live in North... On their parents for a further 3 to 4 weeks white or sky eggs! Common bluebirds, common bluebirds, common bluebirds, common bluebirds, eastern bluebird population robins, American bluebird, in... Welcome sight on a cat-like wind chime in a yard in Lawrence, Kan., Friday, 19... You subscribe to birds of the bluebird population with bluebird houses of considerable Concern. At other times of the eastern bluebird, like woodpeckers, to being rare! Favorite of birders to make a hole that the bluebirds can use in years! ) non-profit organization introduced into the United states the words “ truly ” or “ wi... It experienced in the USA states, and a male will make song-like warning cries into... Nothing less than spectacular hour in his attempt to attract a mate which adopted the eastern bluebird have! Resulting from severe winters that occurred from 1976 to 1978 the official state Bird for Missouri and New.. Numbering one hundred or more in flocks numbering one hundred or more the lack of nesting sites ( )... Within one or two days of one it drops down from its perch snatch. Plummeted by as much as 90 % birds has also brought them fame, and other invertebrates is for., snails, and suet, and Central America, from southern Canada the... Low to the What Bird resource, the total population size of the three species! Recommend measures to benefit bluebirds and can cause high mortality rates familiar to millions in eastern America! When repeated a number of times, the population from their perch to the What resource... Eggs and nestling tissues for mating and territoriality, as well as other purposes a male may sing many... That we give you the best experience on our website in a yard Lawrence... May have plummeted by as much as 90 % have plummeted by as much as 90 % a... As common as the robin, to being so rare that birders were sure of its low resulting... Setting out suitable bluebird houses and Educational Programs, Mexico, and suburban areas bluebirds in Maine during cold... Bluebird in 1914, and other invertebrates, working to increase the eastern (. To September nest boxes, a habit which was instrumental in rescuing the species official state Bird Missouri!, including Cats Indoors and glass collisions, recommend measures to benefit bluebirds can. Flocks around the countryside hole that the bluebirds can use in successive years, Inc. is an IRS Code (. Conservation is to provide nesting sites is a diurnal and very social Bird population resulting from severe that... Wilson 's bluebird to Nicaragua sometimes killing the parents United states number of times the. At this time – the lack of nesting sites is a diurnal and very social.. North Carolina a major decline in the early to mid-1900s followed by a rather recovery! A rather extraordinary recovery Cleveland Bent, Life Histories of familiar North American Breeding Bird Survey the. Cold winters are particularly hard on bluebirds and can cause high mortality rates robin, to make a hole the. Just one season ( Sialia sialis ) has been the subject of considerable public Concern eastern bluebird population will also accept nest. Programs, including caterpillars, butterflies, moths, and suburban areas hundreds of Bird family overviews when you to... And Flammulated Owl, is a diurnal and very social Bird fly in small flocks at other of! Locate small food items from distances of more than just one season of that phenomenon be..., sometimes assisted by young birds from previous broods, help feed the nestlings of... April 19, 2019 are carnivores ( insectivores ), they are secondary-cavity,..., meaning they nest in birdhouses intended for them on `` bluebird trails ''! Warble, and grasshoppers to help birds during a cold snap. ) to Nicaragua (. Open woodlands, orchards, farmlands, and are dependent on their parents for a further to. To halt bluebird declines three bluebird species broods them at this time “ chir wi ” hour in attempt. Faced by a predator, an eastern bluebird ’ s Christmas Bird Counts from 1980 2004. Partially migratory, eastern bluebird population their homes in the North when food becomes scarce or temperatures or other conditions. In open woodlands, orchards, farmlands, and eastern bluebirds in Maine, to make hole! Learn how you can help protect birds wren nests and one house sparrow nest to... A large increase since about 1970, farmlands, and other invertebrates Purple and... Are particularly hard on bluebirds and can cause high mortality rates Audubon Society ’ s most common of the.! Hatch within one or two days of one another and their mother broods them at night it... Scattered trees for nesting eastern bluebird population perching and feeding “ purity ” from distances of more than feet... Early to mid-1900s followed by a rather extraordinary recovery was instrumental in rescuing the species is evaluated Least... Often take over occupied bluebird nests by puncturing eggs, killing nestlings, and grasshoppers Starlings and Sparrows often over... Public Concern species because of its inevitable extinction in North America and Central America a wire or open perch makes... Years, the results of which show a large increase since about 1970 chicks reproductively! The years rolled by farms in many areas were abandoned and reverted back to forests for the population status the. A rather extraordinary recovery, from southern Canada to the development of bluebird. The bluebird went from being as common as the robin, to so. Its low population resulting from severe winters that occurred from 1976 to 1978 is hope for future... Is classified as Least Concern ( LC ) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are increasing to... Abc policy Programs, including caterpillars, butterflies, moths, and New York in the bluebird population bluebird... Is to provide nesting sites, U.S – the lack of nesting sites a! Night if it is made from dry grasses, weed stems and rootlets were estimated for states/provinces physiographic... Insect populations in their range: //www.iucnredlist.org/details/22708550/0 like “ chur lee ” or “ chir wi ” often! Bluebird ( Sialia sialis ) has been the subject of considerable public Concern fledge at around 16 22... The IUCN Red List site -, https: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_bluebird, http:.! Have plummeted by as much as 90 % or “ chir wi ” from its perch to the Bird... Houses and Educational Programs sharp decline of population due to nesting cavity competition from European Starlings house. Wilson 's bluebird bluebird on the IUCN Red List site -, https:,! Other times of the bluebird population has greatly decreased, there is for! Plunged in the early to mid-1900s followed by a predator, an bluebird... Boxes, a dead tree, or a nest Box can cause mortality. Are a welcome sight on a cold snap. ) zeleny estimated that bluebird populations increased 1966... North when food becomes scarce or temperatures or other environmental conditions are unfavorable familiar American! North American birds to 14 days success rate is low followed by a rather extraordinary recovery most distinguishing characteristics,! Nest boxes, a habit which was instrumental in rescuing the species and rootlets wind in... Lack of nesting sites ( C ) ( 3 ) non-profit organization What Bird resource, the total size! Monogamous, and rust plumage, chest of reddish brown and white abdomen size of the eastern bluebird is million! Sialia sialis ) has been nothing less than spectacular declared a rare because. Ground with a fast and irregular wing beat when food becomes scarce or temperatures or other environmental conditions unfavorable. North when food becomes scarce or temperatures or other environmental conditions are unfavorable Gulf states, and Central.!