Adult male Eastern Bluebird. Photo Credit: Keith Kennedy.

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)

The Eastern Bluebird is common in most of North America and is present year-round in Texas. They are recognized easily by their namesake color, with the males displaying distinct true blue coloring, a vivid rust-colored throat, and white underbelly. The female by comparison is paler in color, painted in more subdued shades than her counterpart.

The species can grow to between 6 and 7 inches in length and can be found primarily in rural and suburban areas. As a ground forager, the Eastern Bluebird dines on an array of insects, wild fruits, and berries. If unable to spot visually, try listening for the brief, low-pitched but commanding “tu-a-wee” call that is most common in the species.

Adult Eastern Bluebird feeding fledgling. Photo Credit: David Kineer.

The Eastern Bluebird actually has a bit of bird world drama with Eastern Starlings and House Sparrows, who it shares nesting habits with. All three species prefer to nest in cavities, such as those found in trees. From the 1930s to the 1970s, the Eastern Bluebird species began to decline, with this increase in nesting competition being a substantial contributing factor.

In many areas there were “bluebird trails” introduced to help halt the species’ decline through manmade birdhouses specially designed to keep out their competitors. The Eastern Bluebird population has since stabilized thanks to these conservation efforts. If you’re interested in adding a nestbox to your own yard to attract this beautiful bird, check out the Texas Bluebird Society or North American Bluebird Society.

Compiled by Lainee Hooks.

Sources include: Texas Parks & Wildlife, Bluebird in Texas. The Cornell Lab, All About Birds. Reader’s Digest North American Wildlife, 1982.