Table of Contents
How can you tell a male from a female bluebird?
The tail of a young bluebird female in the nest is perhaps the most telling sign of her sex. Young females have gray tail feathers with a distinct whitish margin, more noticeable on outer feathers. Males have blue tail feathers.
Does the male or female eastern bluebird build the nest?
After a male Eastern Bluebird has attracted a female to his nest site (by carrying material in and out of the hole, perching, and fluttering his wings), the female does all the nest building.
Are bluebirds friendly?
Bluebirds are friendly. They seem to almost enjoy human company. They display no fear of nesting near human habitation. They tolerate monitoring of their nests as we peek in to see their fuzzy-headed hatchlings.
What’s the difference between Eastern and Western bluebird?
Western Bluebirds look VERY similar to Eastern Bluebirds, only their blue is slightly brighter and a blue band wraps under their chin, touching their buffy orange chest. Western Bluebirds have a bright blue neck and chin, a distinct color difference from the Eastern Bluebird’s chin.
What color should a bluebird house be?
Bluebirds prefer earthy tones, such as the colors of grass and dirt. For this reason, shades of brown and green are good choices. Bright colors attract other birds and predators, which is detrimental to bluebirds.
What is the life cycle of a Blue Bird?
A bluebird’s life cycle begins in the form of eggs that are laid in early spring, followed by an incubation period of 12 to 14 days and a nurturing period of up to 20 days after hatching.
Are eastern bluebirds aggressive?
Eastern Bluebirds become aggressive and may fight between them, during breeding season. Eastern bluebird male utters a song like a warning cry, when an intruder approaches. If female is alone, she begins to sing, hoping a protective male. Both adults also flick wings and warble when predator is nearby.
When is mating season for Blue Birds?
Eastern bluebirds are very social birds. At times, they gather in flocks of a hundred or more. However, they are territorial during the breeding season and may continue to defend a feeding area throughout the winter. Mating occurs in the spring and summer.
What is the incubation period for Blue Birds?
Bluebirds usually lay 4 to 5 light blue eggs, but may lay as many as 6 or 7. A small percentage of their eggs may be white. The incubation period for bluebird eggs is 12 to 14 days. Nestlings remain in the nest 18 to 21 days before they fledge.