Eastern bluebird
Sialia sialis
Identification Tips:
- Thin bill
- Most often seen in open habitats: agricultural areas, wood edges, et al
- Southwestern United States birds are paler
Adult male:
- Bright blue upperparts
- Orange-red throat, breast and sides
- White belly and undertail coverts
Female:
- Blue wings and tail-duller than male
- Gray crown and back
- White eye ring
- Brownish throat, breast and sides
- White belly and undertail coverts
Juvenile:
- Blue wings and tail-duller than male
- Gray crown and back
- White eye ring
- Spotted underparts
Similar species:
The Eastern Bluebird is most likely to be confused with other bluebirds.
Male Western Bluebirds have blue throats while male Easterns have orange-red
ones. Male Mountain Bluebirds lack any reddish coloration on their
underparts. Females are more difficult to separate. Both Western and
Mountain Bluebirds have gray throats and gray bellies while the Eastern
Bluebird has a brownish throat and white belly.