Eastern Bluebird

Adult males have striking bright blue upperparts and a rich rufous/chestnut breast and flanks with a white belly. Females are duller, with grayish-blue upperparts, a paler grayish-orange breast, and a whitish belly. Juveniles are grayish-brown with speckled breasts and faint blue in the wings and tail.

Bright blue upperparts contrasting with a rich rufous-chestnut breast and white belly, combined with a relatively short, thin bill and upright perching posture.

Length: 16-21 cm (6.3-8.3 in); Wingspan: 25-32 cm (9.8-12.6 in); Weight: 27-34 g (0.95-1.2 oz)

A soft, musical warble often described as 'chur-lee' or 'tru-ly'. The call is a clear, descending, liquid note.

Primarily feeds on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates during the warmer months, switching to wild berries, fruits, and seeds during the fall and winter.

Open country, farmlands, forest edges, pastures, and suburban parks with scattered trees and sparse ground vegetation.

Partial migrant. Northern populations migrate south for winter, while southern birds are permanent year-round residents.

Secondary cavity nesters, utilizing natural tree hollows, old woodpecker holes, or artificial nest boxes. Lays 3 to 6 light blue (occasionally white) eggs. Females incubate for about 12-14 days.

Western Bluebird (which has a blue throat and gray back patch) and Mountain Bluebird (which is largely turquoise-blue overall without a rusty breast).

Acts as an important natural pest control by consuming large quantities of insects. They also help disperse seeds through the fruits and berries they eat.

Least Concern, with stable or increasing populations largely aided by widespread nest-box programs.

Attract them to your yard by setting up specialized bluebird nest boxes and offering mealworms in open platform feeders. Look for them perched on fence lines, utility wires, and open fields.

Eastern Bluebirds are often seen as symbols of happiness and hope in North American folklore. They have benefited immensely from conservation efforts, particularly the North American Bluebird Society's trail nest-box initiatives.