Eastern Bluebird: a two-minute wildlife lesson

Show-offs · day 7 of 7

Five facts

1. When a predator comes near, a male bluebird makes a song-like warning cry. A lone female sings too, hoping to call a protective male back.
2. Bluebirds watch from a high perch, like a branch or fence post, then drop down to grab insects on or near the ground.
3. Eastern bluebirds nest in old woodpecker holes or other tree cavities. The female does most of the building, which takes about 10 days.
4. Females lay three to seven light-blue eggs, rarely white, and they hatch after 13 to 16 days.
5. Both bluebird parents feed their chicks almost entirely insects, and some young stay near the nest to help raise another brood.

The quiz

1. What does a male bluebird do when a predator approaches?

• Dives silently into a bush
• Builds a new nest
• Hides the eggs
• Makes a song-like warning cry (correct)

He gives an alarm call that sounds almost like a song.

2. How do bluebirds hunt?

• They perch high, then swoop down (correct)
• They chase insects in long flights
• They dig in the soil with their beak
• They hover over water

They perch on a high point, then swoop down to catch insects.

3. How long does it take to build an eastern bluebird nest?

• About 2 days
• Around 10 days (correct)
• About 30 days
• Around 3 months

Building the nest takes around 10 days.

4. What colour are eastern bluebird eggs?

• Speckled brown
• Pure white
• Light blue (correct)
• Bright green

The eggs are light blue, rarely white.

5. What do some young bluebirds do after fledging?

• Stay near the nest to help raise another brood (correct)
• Leave right away for good
• Take over the nest
• Migrate alone

Some young stay near the nest to help raise another brood.

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