A
favorite summer visitor for many, the Eastern Bluebird is more common in the eastern part of the
state. They will readily nest in man-made bluebird boxes, and have greatly
benefited from the increased placement of these boxes. The photo on the
right depicts a male.
Habitat: Farmyards, open country with
scattered trees, roadsides.
Diet: Mostly insects and berries.
Behavior: Often feeds by observing from a
relatively low perch and flying down to pluck insects from the ground or
foliage, often hovering instead of landing while taking the food item.
They will also sometimes fly out and catch insects in mid-air.
Breeding pairs may perch next to and preen each other.
Nesting: Late April through July
Migration: Winters in the southeastern United States and Mexico,
although small numbers may winter in the state in selected spots. Summers
throughout most of the eastern half of the United States and southeastern
Canada.
Status: Showed sharp decline previously due to
competition for nesting sites with non-native species (European
Starling, House Sparrow). Has been recovering, thanks in large part to
the large numbers of nest boxes erected for their benefit.
2)
Cornell University's "All About Birds - Eastern Bluebird"
3)
eNature.com: Eastern Bluebird
Photo Information: May 18th, 2008 - Beaver Creek
Nature Area near Brandon, South Dakota - Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or
text links below for additional, higher-resolution Eastern Bluebird photos.
