Have you ever wondered what the state bird of Missouri is? Did you know that there’s an official avian symbol representing each US state? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the Eastern Bluebird – the charming and colorful symbol chosen by Missouri.
Keep reading to discover some exciting facts about these beautiful birds!
The Eastern Bluebird – Missouri’s State Bird
The Eastern Bluebird is the official state bird of Missouri, known for its vibrant appearance and melodious songs.
Appearance
The Eastern Bluebird is a sight to behold. It has bright blue feathers on its back and wings. The bird’s chest shows off a deep reddish-brown color. This makes the bird stand out in any crowd.
Its size matches that of a small thrush, just right for perching on tree branches or posts.
Behavior
The Eastern Bluebird has interesting behaviors that make it a joy to observe. These small songbirds are known for their melodious calls, which they use to communicate with each other.
They are social creatures and can often be seen perched on branches or telephone wires in small groups.
Eastern Bluebirds are also great hunters. They have strong eyesight and will swoop down from their perches to catch insects in mid-air. In addition to insects, they also eat berries and fruit, especially during the winter when food is scarce.
During breeding season, male bluebirds engage in courtship displays to attract females. They puff up their feathers and sing complex songs while fluttering near potential nesting sites.
Once a pair forms, they build nests together using grasses, twigs, and feathers.
Habitat
Eastern Bluebirds can be found throughout Missouri in a variety of habitats. They prefer open spaces with short grass, such as fields, meadows, and pastures. They also utilize orchards, parks, and suburban areas with nest boxes or cavities for nesting.
Eastern Bluebirds are cavity nesters and will use natural tree cavities or man-made birdhouses for their nests. Providing suitable habitat is important to support the breeding population of these beautiful birds in Missouri.
By maintaining open spaces and providing appropriate nesting structures, we can help ensure Eastern Bluebirds have a place to call home in our state.
Diet
The Eastern Bluebird’s diet mostly consists of dried or live mealworms, insects and small fruits. They eat a variety of insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, and spiders. During the winter months when insects are scarce, they rely on berries and other small fruits for sustenance.
The Eastern Bluebird is known to perch on branches or wires to spot its prey before swooping down to catch it. Their diet helps control insect populations and aids in seed dispersal through their consumption of fruits.
Origins and Significance of the State Bird
The Eastern Bluebird was chosen as Missouri’s state bird due to its beauty, significance in local folklore, and conservation efforts. Discover the fascinating history behind this avian symbol!
Why the Eastern Bluebird was chosen
The Eastern Bluebird was chosen as the state bird of Missouri because it used to be very common in the state. It was a familiar sight to the people of Missouri, and they wanted to honor this beautiful bird by making it their official avian symbol.
The blue feathers and reddish-brown breast of the Eastern Bluebird also made it an attractive choice. So, in 1927, the Missouri Legislature officially designated the Eastern Bluebird as their state bird.
When it became the state bird
The Eastern Bluebird became the official state bird of Missouri in 1927. The Missouri Legislature made this decision because the Eastern Bluebird was a common sight in the state. It was chosen for its beautiful appearance and melodious song, making it a perfect representation for Missouri.
Since then, the Eastern Bluebird has been cherished as an important symbol of the state’s natural beauty and wildlife diversity.
Observing Eastern Bluebirds in Missouri
Eastern Bluebirds can be found throughout Missouri, from open woodlands and meadows to suburban areas. Their vibrant blue feathers make them easy to spot, and their melodious song is a delight to listen to.
Where they can be found
The Eastern Bluebird can be found in various parts of Missouri. They are commonly seen in open grassy areas, including meadows, fields, and golf courses. They also inhabit parks, gardens, and suburban areas with spacious lawns. Eastern Bluebirds prefer habitats with scattered trees or perches that they can use for hunting insects. They are often seen near fence lines or along the edges of woodlands. These birds are known to nest in cavities, such as old woodpecker holes or specially-made nest boxes.
How common they are
Eastern Bluebirds are relatively common in Missouri. Their population numbers have been stable for many years, thanks to conservation efforts. You can often spot them in open areas with short grass and scattered trees, such as fields, meadows, and golf courses.
They prefer these habitats because they offer a good supply of insects to eat. Although they are not the most numerous bird species in Missouri, Eastern Bluebirds can still be seen frequently if you know where to look.
10 Amazing Facts about Eastern Bluebird
Here are 10 amazing facts about eastern bluebirds:
- Vibrant Plumage: The Eastern Bluebird is renowned for its vibrant blue plumage, which is more prominent in males. The females, on the other hand, sport a more subdued gray-blue hue, which is equally beautiful.
- Omnivorous Diet: These birds have an omnivorous diet, which means they feed on both insects and fruits. During the summer, their diet mainly consists of insects, while in the winter, they switch to a fruit-based diet.
- Excellent Nest Builders: Eastern Bluebirds are known for their nest-building skills. They often choose nest boxes or tree cavities to build their nests, which are made from grass, straw, and other plant materials.
- Monogamous Mating: Eastern Bluebirds are generally monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds. During the breeding season, the male and female work together to raise their young.
- Multiple Broods: These birds are known to have multiple broods in a single breeding season, often raising two to three sets of offspring each year.
- Vocal Communication: Eastern Bluebirds have a rich vocal repertoire, consisting of various songs and calls used for communication. Their song is a series of melodious notes, which is often heard during the mating season.
- Territorial Behavior: These birds are quite territorial, especially during the breeding season. They defend their nesting sites vigorously against intruders and other competing bird species.
- Migration Patterns: While some populations of Eastern Bluebirds are resident, others migrate to warmer regions during the winter months. Their migration patterns can vary significantly depending on their geographical location.
- Beneficial to Agriculture: Eastern Bluebirds are beneficial to agriculture as they help control pest populations. Their insectivorous diet means they feed on a variety of insects that are harmful to crops.
- Conservation Success Story: In the past, the population of Eastern Bluebirds declined due to habitat loss and competition for nesting sites. However, thanks to conservation efforts, including the installation of nest boxes, their numbers have rebounded in recent years.
FAQs
Why was the Eastern bluebird chosen as the state bird of Missouri?
The selection for a state bird was made by following characteristics and history factors related to the area’s conservation needs that were provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Are Eastern Bluebirds Migratory Birds?
Yes, Eastern Bluebirds are partially migratory birds. They migrate to warmer regions during the winter and return to their breeding grounds in the spring.
What Are the Threats to the Eastern Bluebird Population in Missouri?
Threats to the Eastern Bluebird population in Missouri include habitat loss and competition from other bird species. Conservation efforts, such as providing nest boxes, have helped increase their numbers and ensure their survival.
How Do Eastern Bluebirds Communicate With Each Other?
Eastern bluebirds communicate with each other through various behaviors. They use body language, such as posturing and fluffing their feathers, to convey messages. They also engage in vocalizations like chirping and trilling to communicate with their mates and defend their territory.