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    Male Female  Size 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) 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)  Weight 1-1.1 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 Male Eastern Bluebird Female Eastern Bluebird Eastern Bluebird Nesting Site 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