U.S. State Bird of Missouri and New York -
Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebird

The Eastern Bluebird is the State Bird of two states: Missouri and New York.

The once-prolific, Eastern Bluebird has been making a comeback from low numbers in the 1950s. The species suffered because natural nesting cavities were in short supply. They have recovered in part because many people provide special nesting boxes along fence rows for bluebirds, to supplement natural nesting cavities.

  • American Ornithologist'Union Common Name: Eastern Bluebird
  • Family: Turdidae, Thrushes
  • Scientific name: Sialia sialis
  • Length: 7" (18 cm)
  • Diet: Insects, fruit, earthworms, snails, other invertebrates; especially berries. Young fed primarily insects. Hawking often from low perch, catching insects near ground. Very dependent on berries in winter.
  • Voice: Song a pleasing soft phrase of mellow whitstles chiti WEEW wewidoo and variations. Call of similar pleasant musical quality: a soft, husky whistle jeew or jeew wiwi; also a short, dry chatter.
  • Habitat: Found in open woodlands, farmlands, orchards.
  • Displays: Courting male sings and flutters in front of female, wings half open, tail spread, then perches beside and preens female, and may offer food.
  • Number of broods: 2, occasionally 3.
  • Nest: Often in woodpecker-excavated cavity; loose cup of grass, weed stems, pine needles, twigs, occasionally with hair or feathers. Built in average of 10-11 days. Female occasionally builds more than one nest.
  • Eggs: Averages 4-5 pale blue, occasionally white, unmarked eggs. 0.8" (21 mm).
  • Incubation period: 12-14 days
  • Fledge: 15-20 days after hatching
  • Longevity Record: 10 Years and 6 months (according to USGS Bird Banding Lab).

Eastern Bluebirds at a Nestbox

Watch for young to fledge.

Eastern Bluebird Live Nest Cam

Missouri Birds

On March 30, 1927, the Eastern Bluebird was officially designated the Missouri State Bird by an act of the Missouri Legislature because it was "common in Missouri" and "a symbol of happiness."

New York Birds

The Eastern Bluebird was adopted as the New York State Bird in 1970.

50 State Birds Page

More information about the The Eastern Bluebird, its life history, song and identification can be found here.

Our Favorite
Bird Watching Binoculars, Squirrel-Proof Feeder & Hummingbird Feeder
Read Our Reviews:
nikon monarch binoculars for birdwatching
Nikon Monarch M5
Best mid-priced bird watching binoculars. Waterproof, shockproof, multi-coated ED-Glass.
best squirrel proof bird feeder no batteries required
Squirrel-Proof
No batteries, adjustable, easy to clean...and no squirrels!
"Best New Product" Award.
use bird bath heaters to defrost ice during the winter
Bird Bath Heater
Keeps your bird baths ice-free down to -20 F. Low-operating costs ~$1/mo
Click Images or Links To View More Info
For the Latest Bird Watching News, Hot Birding Spots, Tips & More,
Subscribe to Our FREE Newsletter: The Birder Alert!
Enter Your Email:

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you The Birder Alert!.
Get Updates...It's FREE!
Enter Your Email:

Join Us On:
birdwatching facebook birdwatching pinterest