Eastern Bluebird

Bluebirds are small, beautifully colored thrushes. They're often seen perched in a hunched position on wires or fences in fields and open woodlands throughout central and north Florida.
The eastern bluebird is 6–8 inches long and has a wingspan of 9–12 inches. Eastern bluebirds are sexually dimorphic, meaning both sexes look different as adults and juveniles . Adult males have blue upper parts with red-orange throat and breast, and a white belly. Adult females have blue-gray upper parts, a gray-brown wash on back, dull blue wings and tail, and a paler orange throat and breast. Juveniles have browner plumage with white streaking above and spotting below
Bluebirds are cavity nesters and they must compete for these choice spots with native birds such as chickadees, tufted titmice, nuthatches and Carolina wrens, and non-native birds such as house sparrows and European starlings. The supply of natural nesting cavities for all these birds has diminished over the years because of habitat loss, the removal of dead trees and limbs, and a shift from the use of wooden fence posts to metal posts. Fortunately, bluebirds readily nest in artificial nest boxes and widespread efforts to provide these boxes have helped reverse dramatic population declines. Since bluebirds need open habitat, fire suppression is also a reason for their decline.
During the summer, bluebirds feed mainly on insects and earthworms. During the non-breeding season, they form small flocks. When the weather is very cold, a group of bluebirds will occasionally roost together in a nest cavity for warmth. Their winter diet is heavily dependent on many kinds of wild berries.


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