Introduction
It is challenging to disagree that nature can surprise humans with beautiful animals and birds, more like magical creatures from fantasy books and movies than from the real world. It is common for many of them to become an integral part of the culture or acquire symbolic meanings and characteristics. Unfortunately, due to various circumstances, many species require people’s help not to decrease in number. Bluebirds are extremely beautiful and attractive to backyard birders as they are a part of American culture. Still, people should make certain conservation efforts because some concerns about this species exist.
Overview of Bluebird Subspecies
To begin with, one should mention that bluebirds are divided into three main subspecies: Eastern, Western, and Mountain. It is only accessible to distinguish a Mountain bluebird because it is mostly all blue, with a whitish or gray-blue lower abdomen and duller underpants (Mayntz, 2022a). It is relatively rare that this subspecies has sightly rufous shades on the chest, as the primary colors are bright blue, grayish, and whitish. At the same time, it is challenging even for mastered backyard birders to say at once whether a bluebird is Western or Eastern because they are very similar, with the latter being slightly brighter.
Physical Characteristics of Bluebird Subspecies
According to Mayntz (2022b) and Kaufman (n.d.), these subspecies’ plumage is also mainly blue, but their flanks, chest, throat, and chin are rusty red. Additionally, “the lower belly and undertail coverts are white, and the wingtips may appear darker blue or blue-gray” (Mayntz, 2022b, para. 2). Female birds in the three subspecies are much paler in their plumage but still look similar to the male birds. Referring to the overall shape of bluebirds, it is a classic passerine with a round head and an upright posture.
Bluebird Behavior and Social Structure
Further, as if these birds’ beauty and brightness are not enough, they are rarely solitary and prefer traveling in pairs or groups, attracting backyard birders. In winter, several flocks tend to band together close to places rich in food, but in warmer seasons, their flocks are smaller (Mayntz, 2022a; Mayntz, 2022b). All three subspecies are insectivorous, eating many different crawling and flying insects, being able to catch them both in the air and by flying down to the ground. They also like berries and fruits and eat them during colder seasons.
Diet and Feeding Habits
Moreover, as stated by Mayntz (2022b), Eastern bluebirds can also rarely eat lizards and small amphibians. Mountain bluebirds “beat larger insects on rocks or branches not only to kill their prey but to help dismember it before eating” (Mayntz, 2022a, para. 8). While these dietary patterns are not only typical to this species, it might be challenging to imagine such a beautiful sky-colored bird to be eating lizards.
Cultural Significance and Conservation Challenges
Interestingly, this species is an integral part of American culture. The Mountain bluebird is “the official state bird of Idaho and Nevada,” and Eastern bluebirds are given this honor by the states of New York and Missouri (Mayntz, 2022a, para. 13; Mayntz, 2022b). They are perceived as a symbol of joy, happiness, and prosperity, but the species itself faces some concerns as the subspecies’ populations decline. This happens because more aggressive birds may often kill the representatives of the bluebird species and take their nesting sites (Mayntz, 2022a; Mayntz, 2022b). Therefore, it is of increased importance for people to build birdhouses just for bluebirds to enter them and ensure that they always have something to eat and are not at risk of pesticide poisoning.
Conclusion
To conclude, one can be confident that Eastern, Western, and Mountain bluebirds are worthy of discussion. These incredibly distinctive birds attract humans because they are sky-colored, while their behavior patterns are not unique. This species is a valuable part of American culture, being the official bird of several states and having bright symbolic meaning. To prevent the decline in populations, humans should take an active role in helping bluebirds find safe nesting sites.
References
Kaufman, K. (n.d.). Western bluebird. Audubon. Web.
Mayntz, S. (2022a). Sialia currucoides. The Spruce. Web.
Mayntz, S. (2022b). Sialia sialis. The Spruce. Web.