Bluebird, Eastern
Sialia sialis L 7–7.25 inches.
Similar to Western, but separable using ranges (barely overlap, exceptslightly in winter in southwest) and plumage differences. Females are very similar, so focus on colors on face and underparts. Nesting and feeding habits are similar to those of Western. Forms flocks outside breeding season, sometimes mixing with other species. Sexes are dissimilar.
ADULT MALE Has mainly deep blue upper parts, including scapulars, but on headcolor forms a cap (hood in male Western). Throat, sides of neck, breast, andflanks are orange-red, while belly and undertail are white.
ADULT FEMALE Has mostly gray-brown upperparts, with blue flight feathers and tail, and orangewash on underparts. Compared to female Western, note that orange wash extends to side of neck, and belly and undertail are cleaner white.
JUVENILE Similar to juvenile West-ern.
VOICE Song is a rapid series of twittering warbling notes; call is asharp tch’ree.
STATUS AND HABITAT Fairly common in west of range. Summer visitor in north (mainly Apr–Sept), but present year-round or just in winter further south. Favors lightly wooded terrain including secondary woodland and large gardens. Has declined, in part due to nest competition with European Starlings and House Sparrows. Nest-box schemes help restore many local populations.
OBSERVATION TIPS Easy to see within range.
Return to two-page spread from Birds of Western North America