Eastern Bluebird, Sialis sialis
Turdidae or Thrush Family

Adult in tree, side

A beloved bird of the countryside. Males are vivid sky blue to royal blue on the head and back; females are gray tinged with blue. The sides and upper breast are chestnut colored, and the lower belly and rear are pure white. The blue color is due to the way the feathers reflect light, rather than to any pigment, so even the males can look plain gray in the wrong light. May be seen year round, but, in my experience are uncommon in the winter.

They swoop around and drop down onto insects, their main food. They are also fond of berries. They are cavity nesters, and appreciate the bluebird boxes that various people and groups have built for them, inlcuding in Wildwood.

They prefer woodland edges, so are likely to be seen along the bikeway and in the Great South Meadow. Also very common along the Park edge near the High School.

Western bluebird species are similar, but would be very lost if they turned up in Wildwood. Indigo Buntings are nearly all blue and rare in Wildwood. Blue Jays are larger, differently shaped, and paler, so might only be confused for Bluebirds if glimpsed briefly.

More information 

Adult, from back
 

Bird on post

 

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