Bluebirds are medium-sized songbirds in the thrush family. These familiar birds are much more than just beautiful backyard visitors – they boast a fascinating array of fun facts! Here are some FAQs about this small family of birds.

Three Different Bluebirds

There are three distinct species of bluebirds in North America: Eastern; Western; and Mountain. While all share the iconic blue coloration on the male's back and wings, females and juveniles have more muted tones of brown and orange.

Where Bluebirds Live

Eastern Bluebirds have the widest range of the three species, covering most of the eastern United States with some reach into both Canada and Mexico into Central America. Western Bluebirds, who are similar in appearance to their Eastern cousins, have a large range in the western part of the United States and Canada/Mexico. While these two species have little overlap in range, the range of Mountain Bluebirds overlaps with Westerns in several places.

What Bluebirds Eat

Bluebirds are insectivores, voracious insect eaters, consuming hundreds of insects daily, including beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers. This makes them valuable natural pest controllers for gardens and agricultural lands. Their keen eyesight and acrobatic skills allow them to catch insects on the fly or glean them from leaves and branches. Mountain Bluebirds even hover like hummingbirds on occasion to reach hidden prey!

Cavity Nesters

Bluebirds are cavity nesters, preferring existing holes in trees or birdhouses. They readily accept human-provided nesting boxes, making them easy birds to attract and observe in backyards. Bluebirds often raise two to three broods per season, with both male and female participating in nest building, incubation, and feeding the young.

Conservation

Bluebird populations faced significant decline in the 20th century due to habitat loss and competition from other cavity nesters. However, conservation efforts like nesting box programs have led to a heartening comeback in recent years.

Symbols of Hope

Bluebirds are often associated with happiness, optimism, and renewal. Their vibrant colors and cheerful songs bring joy to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. Have you heard of the Bluebird of Happiness? The bluebird as a harbinger of joy is found in several different cultures, including China and Europe.

Old Bluebirds

Eastern Bluebirds have a natural lifespan of 6 to 10 years. The oldest Eastern Bluebird was 10 years and 6 months old, known from bird banding records. This bird was banded in New York in 1989 and found dead in South Carolina in 1999. The longevity record for Western Bluebirds is 8 years and 8 months; for Mountain Bluebirds 9 years.

The Eastern Bluebird was added to Birdorable on August 5, 2007.

The Western Bluebird and Mountain Bluebird were both added to Birdorable on November 8, 2010.

It's that cozy time of year again, and we want to send our warmest wishes to you this Christmas. 🌟

During this festive season, let's remember our feathered friends who bring so much joy into our lives. Birds, with their cheerful songs and bright colors, remind us to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. If you can, put out a feeder or a fresh birdbath for the birds in your yard. It's a small way to give back to our bird friends during these chilly months.

Looking ahead, we're excited for another year full of bird-loving fun. We can't wait to share more adorable Birdorable birds with you! So, here's a big Merry Christmas 🎄 from the Birdorable team! We hope your holiday is full of happiness, love, and of course, birds! ❤️

As we count down to Christmas, we’re excited to bring a little extra sparkle to your holiday season with our Birdorable Christmas Coloring Pages!

At Birdorable, we believe that the beauty of nature, especially our feathered friends, can add a special touch to your festive celebrations. That's why we've crafted a unique collection of coloring pages featuring some of our most beloved birds, all dressed up for the holidays in their Birdorable style. From the majestic California Condor to the charming Cockatiel, the historic Passenger Pigeon to the long-distance flyer Bar-tailed Godwit, the adorable Atlantic Puffin, and the ever-jolly Laughing Kookaburra – each bird brings its unique charm to your coloring experience.

Coloring isn't just for kids! It's a wonderful family activity and a perfect way to unwind and express creativity. Our Birdorable coloring pages are designed to appeal to bird lovers of all ages. They’re a great way to introduce the little ones to the fascinating world of birds while also offering a fun challenge for adults who love to color.

Download for Free

Ready to start coloring? These delightful pages are available for free on our website. Simply download, print, and start coloring! Share your creations on social media using the hashtag #Birdorable and let's spread the joy and beauty of birds this holiday season.

So, grab your coloring tools, gather your family, and let the Birdorable birds add an extra dash of color and joy to your Christmas celebrations. Happy coloring and happy holidays! View all our coloring pages here.

Imagine a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary, or an AI-rendered, unreal-looking image: flocks of birds, normally seen only in remote northern forests, suddenly descend upon your backyard, filling the air with their calls and vibrant plumage. 

A dramatic, seasonal shift in bird populations is known as an irruption. Let's explore the meaning of this interesting bird term!

What causes irruption?

Bird irruptions are often triggered by fluctuations in food availability. When their usual food sources, like berries, insects, or lemmings, become scarce in their northern habitats, the birds embark on mass southward migrations in search of sustenance. This can happen due to factors like:

Mast years: When certain tree species produce a large, synchronized crop of seeds, it attracts irruptive species like crossbills and grosbeaks.

Insect outbreaks: A boom in insect populations in the north can lead to a subsequent decline as predators flourish, forcing birds to move south for alternative food sources.
Harsh winters: When winter weather arrives early, birds may be forced south to escape the harsh conditions and find food.

What species are affected?

While irruptions can occur with many different bird species, some are more prone to this behavior. Common irruptive birds include:

Finches: Common Redpolls, Pine Siskins, and Evening Grosbeaks are just a few of the species known for their dramatic southward surges in search of seeds and berries. Each year the Finch Research Network reveals a "Winter Finch Forecast" to discuss possible irruptive behavior of native finches and other species.

Owls: Snowy Owls, Northern Hawk Owls, and Great Gray Owls may irrupt southward when their prey populations decline in the north.

Nuthatches: Red-breasted Nuthatches are known for their irruptive movements, often exploring new territories in search of food.

The ecological impact

Bird irruptions can have significant ecological consequences. The influx of birds can disrupt local food webs, benefiting some species and putting pressure on others. Additionally, the introduction of new diseases or parasites from the irrupting birds can pose challenges for resident bird populations.

Despite the potential ecological impacts, bird irruptions offer a unique opportunity to observe birds outside their usual ranges. Many birdwatchers are delighted when seldom-seen species can be spotted regularly during the season.

More about irruptions:

• Irruptions: A Sudden Surge of New Birds in Town
• When birds go roaming: The mystery of avian irruptions

Today we're wrapping up our 2023 Birdorable Bonanza with a highfalutin cutie -- the Crested Pigeon!

The Crested Pigeon, native to Australia, is a striking bird with a notable, namesake crest on its head. Besides the crest, the pretty pidge can be recognized by shimmering spots on its wings that shine green and purple in sunlight

Crested Pigeons are also noted for a sound they make: when they take flight their wings make a whistling sound. This sound serves as more than just a flight signal; it plays a crucial role in their communication, especially as a warning call. The intensity of this whistle varies with the speed of their wing beats - the faster they flap, the more urgent the warning. Check out this video explaining how it works:

Found in lightly wooded and grassy areas across most of mainland Australia, the Crested Pigeon feeds on the ground, primarily consuming seeds and grains. This diet makes it an important player in seed dispersal, aiding in the health of its habitat's vegetation.

And ... that's a wrap!

Thanks for following along on our latest installment of the Birdorable Bonanza! In the last 10 days we added 10 new bird species to Birdorable. We now have 785 species in our flock. 🎉 Wow, that's a lot! You can browse all our 785 cute Birdorable birds on our Meet the Birds page and learn about each one.

Today we're adding a big bird to Birdorable. This bird is so big, it has a big word that means big in its name: it's the Goliath Heron! This massive wader is the world's largest species of heron!

The Goliath Heron is a massive bird, standing up to 5 feet tall with a wingspan that can exceed 7 feet in length! Besides its massive size, this bird has a striking, beautiful plumage.  The body has slate-gray feathers; the chest and belly are chestnut-colored, and streaky black stripes along the long neck are distinctive.

Most Goliath Herons are found in wetland habitats in sub-Saharan Africa, though its range extends to parts of Southwest and South Asia. The Goliath Heron is an expert fisher, and indeed its diet mainly consists of fish, but it also consumes amphibians, small mammals, and other small animals.

Guess tomorrow's bird ...

Get ready for a delightful new addition to our Birdorable family, known for its distinctive and stylish 'hairdo'! Native to Australia, this charming bird is as fashionable as it is fascinating, sporting a unique crest that's always on-trend. Not only is its appearance chic, but its wings make a distinctive whistling sound when it takes to the skies. Can you guess which avian trendsetter is joining our flock? Keep an eye out for tomorrow's reveal of this crested beauty! 

Guess tomorrow's bird ...

Tomorrow, we're unveiling a brand-new addition to the Birdorable family, and it's a real giant in the avian world! This majestic bird, known for its impressive size and striking appearance, is often crowned as the largest heron on the planet. With long legs, a powerful beak, and a statuesque presence, it's a sight to behold in its natural habitat. Can you guess which bird we're talking about? Stay tuned and visit our blog tomorrow for the big reveal of this Goliath addition!

Today a species of Macaw joins Birdorable. The Red-bellied Macaw is our 15th species of Macaw.

The Red-bellied Macaw is a vibrant bird native to South America's tropical rainforests. Known for its bright green plumage, distinctive namesake red belly, and mustard-yellow bare face, this medium-sized parrot blends beautifully into the forest canopy.

This macaw primarily inhabits areas rich in palm trees, as its diet largely consists of the fruits and seeds of two different palm species (the moriche palm and the Caribbean royal palm). The bird's strong beak is especially adapted for cracking the hard, oily nuts of these plants, making it a specialized feeder within its ecosystem. Red-bellied Macaws also rely on palms for nesting -- they nest inside cavities of dead moriche palm trees.

Guess tomorrow's bird ...

This charismatic bird calls the woodlands and scrublands of Mexico and Central America home. It has an extraordinarily long tail, which is nearly the length of its body, making it one of the longest tailed birds in the world. Tomorrow, we'll reveal the identity of this beautiful jay. Can you guess which bird species we're featuring tomorrow?

Today a cutie with a striking look joins Birdorable: it's the White-fronted Chat!

The white-Fronted Chat is a small, eye-catching bird native to southern parts of Australia, notable for its distinctive appearance. The males are easily recognized by their white faces, bordered by a black border at the back of the neck, around the head, and across the bib.The black and white of the head contrasts nicely with their grey and white bodies. Females, though less vivid, share the characteristic white front which gives the species its name.

These birds inhabit open spaces like saltmarshes and coastal dunes across southern Australia, preferring open grasslands near water. They avoid dense forests, favoring areas where they can easily forage for their primary diet of insects and arthropods. This diet positions them as important players in controlling insect populations in their habitats.

Guess tomorrow's bird ...

This vibrant avian wonder hails from the lush rainforests of South America. It's known for its striking appearance, featuring a captivating mix of colors, including shades of red and green. Tomorrow, we'll reveal the identity of this tropical gem and share more about its habitat and habits. Can you guess which marvelous macaw we're featuring?

Guess tomorrow's bird ...

Are you ready to guess tomorrow's new Birdorable? This charming avian resident of southern Australia has a striking white face. It's often found in specific habitats, including open woodlands and grassy areas. Can you guess what bird it might be?