When I think of the beautiful birds in Wisconsin, bluebirds immediately come to mind. Their vibrant colors and sweet songs capture attention every time. With their presence becoming a more common sight, these birds bring a splash of blue to our landscapes.
I want to share what I’ve found about the bluebirds of Wisconsin, focusing on the two primary species and their unique characteristics. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or just curious about these lovely creatures, there’s always something new to learn about them.
1. Eastern Bluebird
We often see Eastern Bluebirds in Wisconsin’s open fields and backyards. They love hunting for insects, which make up most of their diet during warmer months. When insects are scarce, they switch to a variety of fruits.
The males are easy to spot with their bright blue backs and heads, paired with a warm red-brown chest. Females are a bit paler, with grayish-blue feathers and a softer orange on their chests.
Eastern Bluebirds often perch on wires or fence posts, waiting to catch sight of their next meal. They are also known for nesting in birdhouses, especially those designed for them along bluebird trails. Their gentle, chortling calls are a sweet sound of spring and summer.
Identification features
Male Eastern Bluebirds are striking with royal blue feathers on their backs and heads. They also have vibrant reddish-orange breasts and white bellies. Female bluebirds are more subdued in color. They have a grayer appearance with a hint of orange on their throats and sides. Both sexes are small, measuring around 6.5 to 7 inches in length. They’re often spotted perched on wires, fences, or in open fields.
Breeding and nesting habits
Eastern Bluebirds prefer to nest in natural tree cavities or birdhouses set up in open areas. They are monogamous, often returning to the same nesting sites each year. During the breeding season, which starts in early spring, the female lays 3 to 7 light blue or occasionally white eggs. The eggs hatch in about two weeks, and both parents take part in feeding the chicks until they fledge.
Diet and feeding
Eastern Bluebirds have a varied diet that changes with the seasons. In warmer months, they primarily eat insects like beetles, caterpillars, and spiders. These make up a large part of their diet. In the winter, when insects are scarce, they switch to eating wild fruits and berries. They are often seen foraging on the ground or making short flights to catch insects in mid-air.
2. Mountain Bluebird
I find Mountain Bluebirds to be among the prettiest birds in Wisconsin. Their powder-blue color makes them easy to spot. Male Mountain Bluebirds have an especially bright blue color, while females are grayer with hints of blue on their wings and tail.
Mountain Bluebirds prefer open habitats like fields, meadows, and places where forests meet prairies. They build nests in tree hollows, cliffs, or dirt banks. They often hover low over grass to catch insects.
These birds are cavity-nesters, which means they like nesting in holes. Sometimes, people provide nest boxes to help them find safe places to raise their young. This makes it more likely to see these beautiful birds up close.
Mountain Bluebirds are less common in Wisconsin, so spotting one is always exciting. They bring a touch of the West to our state, and their presence adds to the diversity of our bird population.
Identification features
Male Mountain Bluebirds have a bright, cerulean blue plumage which really stands out. Their heads, backs, and underparts are a vivid blue, while their bellies show a lighter blue shade. Females, on the other hand, have a more subtle beauty. They are mostly gray with hints of blue on their wings and tail. Unlike many other birds, both male and female Mountain Bluebirds have slender bills, which they use to pick up insects.
Breeding and nesting habits
Mountain Bluebirds are cavity nesters. They often settle in old woodpecker holes, nest boxes, or natural cavities. During the breeding season, which starts in early spring, they build nests lined with fine grass and feathers. These birds can lay between four to six eggs, which hatch after about 13-14 days. I’ve seen them fiercely protect their nests from predators and other birds.
Diet and feeding
Mountain Bluebirds feed mainly on insects during the warmer months. They hunt from perches or hover low over fields to spot their prey. We’ve noticed their diet switching in colder months when insects are scarce. Then, they consume berries and small fruits to sustain themselves. Their diet flexibility makes them quite adaptable to different environments.
Overview of Bluebirds in Wisconsin
Bluebirds are loved by bird watchers in Wisconsin. The two main species are the Eastern Bluebird and the Mountain Bluebird.
Habitat and distribution
Eastern Bluebirds thrive in open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards. You can spot them in areas with scattered trees or fields. They often use old woodpecker holes or nest boxes to build their homes.
Mountain Bluebirds, on the other hand, prefer more open and sparsely wooded areas. They are less common but can be found in similar habitats. These birds need spaces with plenty of access to insects and berries.
Conservation status
Eastern Bluebirds faced a decline in the past due to habitat loss and competition for nesting sites. Thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have rebounded significantly. Setting up nest boxes has helped increase their population.
Mountain Bluebirds are not as common in Wisconsin, and their presence here is more sporadic. Their conservation status is stable, but ongoing efforts are needed to ensure they remain protected from future threats.
Related: Wrens of Wisconsin Species, Orioles of Wisconsin Species, Finches of Wisconsin Species, Owls of Wisconsin Species, Falcons of Wisconsin Species