Western Bluebird

Turidae: Thrush and Bluebirds American Robin Hermit Thrush Townsend's Solitaire Varied Thrush Wood Thrush Types of Birds

Even absent songs touting their popularity, the songs of the three bluebird species found in the United States, would be enough to please anyone's ears.

Their popularity is apparent from Coast to Coast. Missouri and New York call the Eastern Bluebird their official state birds. Nevada and Idaho awarded the same designation to the Mountain Bluebird.

The top picture shows a juvenile Western Bluebird, with a white eye ring and blue wings. The spotted patch on the breast will eventually turn the typical bluebird rust color.

Despite their popularity, a combination of factors, including disruptive weather patterns, the introduction of habitat competing species (house sparrows and starlings) and loss of habitat contributed to significant declines in all bluebird populations.

Today bluebird enthusiasts promote the placement of nesting boxes in open areas sites to help re-establish or rebuild populations. In many areas those efforts are successfully paying off.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels