Eastern
Bluebird, Sialia sialis
The Eastern Bluebird,
a species of concern, is now on the road to a healthy population.
The Lycoming Audubon Society decided to make this "sign of spring"
one of our top priorities. For the past two years the LAS has
devoted a spring meeting to conduct a Bluebird workshop.
Through this workshop we have educated the public on the biology, history
and future of this wonderful bird. |
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| Concerns
Bluebird populations severely declined up until the 1970's due to
the loss of nesting cavities and nesting competition from House Sparrows
and European Starlings. In 1978, the North American Bluebird Society
was formed. This society, along with many others, has placed
bluebird nesting boxes all across the country creating a new source of
nesting cavities for these colorful birds. |
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| Feeding
Bluebirds feed from perches, dropping down to the ground to catch insects
such as crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and spiders. They will come
to feeders for peanut butter mixes, berries, mealworms, and raisins. |
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| Identification
-The male has a brilliant blue head, back, wings, and tail. Its
throat and breast are a rusty, brick
red.
-The female has a bluish-gray head and back with lighter blue wings and
tail. The breast and throat are a buff rust color. Also look
for a white eye ring. |
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| How you can help
Anyone can start a Bluebird trail! You can
have one box or as many as you want. Boxes can be easily bought at
retail stores, online, or from organizations such as the PA Game
Commission or the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania. Boxes should be
placed in an open area such as a field or open backyard. They should
be 5-6 feet off the ground and spaced at least 100 yard apart. Boxes
should also have a predator guard and be monitored once a week in the nesting
season. |
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| Nesting
Bluebirds build their nests in natural cavities or nest boxes
provided by humans. Nests are made of grass, plant stems, pine
needles lined with hair, feathers and fine grasses. They usually
nest 3-20 ft above the ground and lay 3-6 pale blue eggs, usually 5 eggs
the first nesting and 4 the second nesting. Incubation lasts 12-18
days and fledging occurs 16-21 days after hatching. |
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