25 Mart 2013 Pazartesi

Missouri State Bird

Missouri State Bird

Eastern Bluebird (common name) 
Sialia sialis 
(scientific name)

Overview

The eastern bluebird is a small blue thrush with a soft, pleasant warbling song. It was designated the state bird of Missouri in 1927, and New York followed suit in 1970. Bluebird populations fell precipitously in the early 20th century because of competition from starlings and sparrows for nest holes. The male bluebird has blue wings and tail and a reddish-orange chest. The female is grayer with a lighter orange chest. Both males and females have a stocky body, a round head, and a short black bill. Their diet consists of insects in spring and summer fruit and berries in fall and winter.

Close-up

STATUS
Official
ALSO KNOWN AS
American bluebird, blue redbreast, common bluebird, Wilson's bluebird
PHYSICAL DETAILS
  MaleFemale
 SizeLength to end of tail: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)
Wing from flexure: 9.8-12.6 in (25-32 cm)
Length of tail: 2.5 in (6 cm)
Length to end of tail: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)
Wing from flexure: 9.8-12.6 in (25-32 cm)
Length of tail: 2.5 in (6 cm)
 Weight1-1.1 oz (28-32 g)1-1.1 oz (28-32 g)
BEHAVIOR
Bluebirds perch on wires, fence posts, and low branches in open country, scanning the ground for prey. During the courtship season the male bluebird will sing while quivering its wings.
HABITAT
Open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards.
Range: East of the Rocky Mountains, north to southern Canada and south to Central America.
Migration: Non-migratory populations live from southeastern Arizona south to Nicaragua. Populations in southern Canada are migratory, wintering in the southeastern United States. Some fly as far as 2,000 miles from western Manitoba to Texas.
Conservation Status: Least concern (LC)
NESTING
Nesting Period: March to August
Size of Clutch: 2-7 eggs
Incubation Period: 11-19 days
Egg Description: Pale blue or white
Egg Length: 0.7-0.9 in (18-23 mm)
Egg Width: 0.6-0.7 in (15-18 mm)
SIMILAR SPECIES
Western bluebird, mountain bluebird, indigo bunting
TRIVIA
  • Birds that live in the northwest of the bluebird's range tend to lay more eggs than eastern and southern birds. 
  • The male Eastern Bluebird will display his nest cavity to attract females. He brings nest material to the hole, goes in and out, and waves his wings while perched above it. The female bluebird who accepts the male's invitation will then build the nest and incubate the eggs.

Click to enlarge an image
State Bird
Male Eastern Bluebird
State Bird
Female Eastern Bluebird
State Bird
Eastern Bluebird Nesting Site
State Bird
Eastern Bluebird
Distribution Map (pdf)

CLASSIFICATION
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Passeriformes
Family:Turdidae
Genus:Sialia
Species:S. sialis
Author: World Trade Press


Hiç yorum yok:

Yorum Gönder