Got the blues?

 
Have you ever wondered why we use the word “blue” to describe feeling sad? After some etymological study, I am not convinced anyone truly knows the origin. It has never made sense to me, especially since blue is my favorite color. I like blue skies, blue waters and blue birds. And of the blue birds, I find the eastern bluebird, Sialia sialis, among the prettiest.
 
There are three varieties of bluebirds native to the U.S. The eastern bluebird is the one we find here. It ranges from Canada to Central America, but generally stays in the eastern half of the continent. The mountain bluebird and the western bluebird primarily live in the western half of North America and also range from Canada or even Alaska, south to Central America. The birds are pretty similar but do have some differences in appearance and behaviors.
 
Daniel Island’s bluebirds can be found in wooded areas without thick underbrush or on wires, fences or tree branches overlooking yards or fields because they prefer insects to vegetables for their dinner. The bluebird has excellent vision and can see potential prey from quite a distance. They have even been known to grab flying insects right out of the air. The birds also need trees or man-made nest boxes to reproduce. They are hole nesters and require a cavity of some kind to build their nest in. When courting, a male will identify a hole and parade in and out with nesting materials while flapping his wings in hopes of attracting a female. Once paired with a male, the female will actually build the nest. The two birds may have as many as three broods of several young birds each in just one season. Placing bluebird nesting boxes helps these birds compete with other hole nesters and should ensure some good viewing and photographic opportunities. They may return to the same boxes again and again and have been documented to live at least 10 years.
 
True to their name, male bluebirds have vivid blue heads, backs and wings and have copper or rust-colored chests and necks. Females’ colorations are more subtle, but they still have bluish wings and tails. On their heads, backs and wings, some of the vibrant blue of the males is replaced with grays and browns, making them less colorful but also better camouflaged. The birds will eat seeds and fruits in addition to insects and will occasionally visit conventional bird feeders. But feeders offering mealworms or suet will attract them more regularly than birdseed.
 
The bluebird’s song is nearly as pleasant as the bird is pretty, although I find the melody hard to describe. The soft, chirping whistles can be heard online at allaboutbirds.com.
 
Now you know how to identify eastern bluebirds as well as how to attract them. With a little time and effort, and maybe a little luck, you might just find that getting the “blues” isn’t so bad after all.
 

Daniel Island Publishing

225 Seven Farms Drive
Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

Office Number: 843-856-1999
Fax Number: 843-856-8555

 

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