Quick Facts
- The Eastern bluebird can see an insect 100 feet away!
- In the fall, roosting flocks of up to 50 birds huddle together at night to stay warm.
- Bluebirds are one of the first birds to return north in the spring.
- The Eastern Bluebird was named New York's state bird in 1970.
What to Watch for
Size
Bluebirds are about 7 inches long.
Appearance
The male is bright blue with white undersides and a rust-colored breast. The female is grayish blue, but otherwise similar to the male.
Where to Watch
Bluebirds nest in cavities in standing dead trees and in nesting boxes.
Nesting boxes are set on posts five to six feet off the ground and come in pairs (one for the bluebirds, the other for the competition). Bluebirds eat insects, seeds, and berries, so look for them in fields, meadows, and orchards.
What to Listen for
A musical "chur-wi" or "tru-ly".
When to Watch
Bluebirds may be present year-round. Most migrate to southern states in the fall, but they will winter in New York State if they can find enough food.
The Best Places to See Bluebird
Click on the links below to get more information about each site.
- Five Rivers Environmental Education Center - Delmar, NY
- Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center
Return to the Watchable Wildlife main page.