Bluebird

The bluebird is a small and brightly colored bird belonging to the thrush family (Turdidae). It is well-known for its striking blue plumage, which varies in intensity depending on the species. 

Bluebirds are typically small to medium-sized birds, with a plump, rounded body and a short tail. They have short, slender beaks and strong legs that are well-suited for perching and foraging. The most distinguishing feature of bluebirds is their vibrant blue color, which is most prominent in the males. Females tend to have slightly duller colors, often with more gray or brown mixed in.

Bluebirds prefer open habitats with scattered trees and ample grassy areas. They are commonly found in meadows, farmlands, parks, and suburban areas with adequate nesting sites.

Bluebirds are cavity nesters, meaning they build their nests inside natural or human-made cavities, such as tree hollows or birdhouses. They are known for using nesting boxes provided by bird enthusiasts. Bluebirds lay several eggs, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young.

Bluebirds primarily feed on insects, such as grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. During the winter months, they also include fruits and berries in their diet.

Bluebirds are often associated with happiness, joy, and good luck in many cultures. They are featured in songs, poems, and folklore, symbolizing hope and positive change. In the United States, bluebirds have been a symbol of optimism and prosperity, and the phrase "bluebird of happiness" is a popular expression.

Vera Lynn famously sang of "bluebirds over the white cliffs of Dover in her 1940 hit "The White Cliffs of Dover." This is a factual inaccuracy as bluebirds are an American bird and can't be found in the vicinity of Dover.

Al Larson is a self-taught conservationist who since 1978 has dedicated his life to saving North American bluebird populations, building and monitoring 350 nest boxes all across southeast Idaho. In part from his conservation efforts, bluebird populations have significantly rebounded.

The bluebird is the quintessential helpful garden bird. Gardeners go to extreme lengths to attract and keep them in the garden for their beneficial properties. Bluebirds are voracious insect consumers, quickly ridding a garden of insect pests

If a birdbath is available, the Eastern Bluebird will find it. If the water is moving, so much the better. Their bath time antics can be heard from quite a distance.

Bluebirds love mealworms and can be drawn in with a small dish filled with them.

A bluebird can spot caterpillars and insects in tall grass at a distance of over 50 yards.

The Eastern Bluebird is an extremely social creature. They will gather in large flocks of a 100 or more.

Males carry nest material to the nest, but they do not participate in the actual building.

Adult bluebirds tend to return to the same breeding territory year after year, but only about 4 percent of young birds return to where they hatched.

Bluebirds can’t see the color blue.

Source Wausau Daily Herald