The eastern bluebird is Missouri’s state bird, known for its blue wings, white belly, and rusty brownish-red breast. They live in areas with little ground cover, feed on fruit and insects, and nest in tree holes or nests. The population declined in the 1960s and 1970s due to aggressive species, but has stabilized thanks to the introduction of bluebird-specific nests.
Missouri’s state bird is the eastern bluebird. Declared the state bird in March 1927, the bluebird is considered a symbol of happiness. Although it migrates in the winter months, this bird is common in Missouri during the rest of the year. The scientific name of the eastern bluebird is Sialia sialis.
The eastern bluebird has short wings and a plump body. Its wings, along with its back, head and tail, are blue. A white belly and rusty brownish-red breast make this bird easy to identify. Females and males have the same basic color pattern, but the coloration of females is considerably muted. Medium-sized songbirds, bluebirds are about 6.3-8.3 inches (16-21 cm) long and weigh about 1 ounce (28 g).
Living in areas with little ground cover, the Missouri state bird is often seen in orchards, meadows, parks, or on large lawns. It generally feeds on fruit and hunts insects. Perched on wires, poles, or branches, the bluebird will search the ground for its prey. When it spots an insect, it dives from its perch and plucks it from the ground.
Although their natural nesting sites are in tree holes, including those left by woodpeckers, they are increasingly found in nests. Nests are made of grass and pine needles. Only the female builds the nest, but the male contributes as part of a courtship display by bringing nesting material to the nest site. Once completed, the female will line the nest with soft grass and feathers.
The Missouri state bird normally has two broods in a year. The female lays two to seven eggs, which are incubated for 11-19 days for each clutch. The first clutch stays in the nest for only 17-21 days. The second brood remains throughout the winter. Young bluebirds have the same color pattern as adults, but also have spots on their chests and backs.
During the 1960s and 1970s, the eastern bluebird population declined. Aggressive species, such as starlings, which were introduced to Missouri in the 1960s, began driving bluebirds out of their homes, making it difficult for the Missouri state bird to make nests. Thanks in part to the introduction of nests, however, populations have stabilised. Nests designed for bluebirds are too small for larger starlings to use, and so bluebird homes are safe again.
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