Eastern Bluebird

Sialia sialis

HOW TO IDENTIFY:

* Length: 5.5 inches
* 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.