Bluebirds are a group of small to medium-sized birds that are known for their vibrant blue plumage. Texas is home to three species of bluebirds, the eastern bluebird, western bluebird, and mountain bluebird.
All three species are close in size, measuring about 6-1 inches in length. In this article, we will take a closer look at these three types of bluebirds found in Texas, their physical characteristics, and their behavior.
You are reading: 3 Types Of Bluebirds In Texas
3 Types Of Bluebirds In Texas
Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is one of the three species of bluebirds found in Texas. According to the Texas Breeding Bird Atlas, Eastern Bluebirds are present all year in Texas, and they breed from mid-February to late July. They are common to uncommon as migrants and winter residents east of the Pecos River.
Eastern Bluebirds breed in Texas from near sea level to about 1200 m (4000 ft) in a wide variety of habitats, excluding treeless prairies and deep forest interiors. They are found in open woodlands, farms, highway medians, and orchards in Texas. The estimated population of
Eastern Bluebirds in 2019 was 23 million, according to Partners in Flight. The Texas Bluebird Society is an all-volunteer grassroots organization helping bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting birds by providing information on Texas cavity-nesting birds.
Western Bluebird
The Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) is another species of bluebird found in Texas. This species is very similar to the Eastern Bluebird, except that it has a straighter, less hunched posture.
The Western Bluebird sports a deep purple-blue throat and upper parts. According to the Texas Breeding Bird Atlas, the Western Bluebird is found in Texas during various times of the year. They prefer a warmer habitat than the other bluebird species.
Western Bluebirds may wander or withdraw from northern breeding areas during the winter, and some move to higher elevations in the fall. The estimated population of Western Bluebirds in 2019 was 5.8 million, according to Partners in Flight.
The Texas Bluebird Society is an all-volunteer grassroots organization helping bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting birds by increasing nesting sites while sustaining and increasing their food supply.
Mountain Bluebird
The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is the third species of bluebird found in Texas. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife, this species winters in the Trans-Pecos and breeds in the Guadalupe Mountains.
Read more : How Often Should I Change My Birds Food
Mountain bluebirds can be found in a variety of grassland-like and even savannah-like habitats, as long as trees and nesting sites are dispersed loosely. They breed in high mountain meadows with scattered trees and bushes and short grass and winter at lower elevations in plains and grasslands.
The male Mountain Bluebird is a deep sky blue above and a paler blue below with a white stomach, while the female is a duller blue-gray on her wings and has a gray throat, back, and crown. The estimated population of Mountain Bluebirds in 2019 was 1.5 million, according to Partners in Flight.
The Texas Bluebird Society is an all-volunteer grassroots organization helping bluebirds and other native cavity-nesting birds by increasing nesting sites while sustaining and increasing their food supply.
FAQS
1. What are the three types of bluebirds found in Texas?
The three types of bluebirds found in Texas are the Eastern Bluebird, Western Bluebird, and Mountain Bluebird.
2. What is the difference between the Eastern Bluebird and Western Bluebird?
The Eastern Bluebird and Western Bluebird are very similar in size and shape, but the Western Bluebird has a straighter, less hunched posture and a deep purple-blue throat and upper parts.
3. Where can I find Mountain Bluebirds in Texas?
Mountain Bluebirds are a rare winter visitor to Texas and are usually found in the western part of the state.
4. What is the estimated population of each bluebird species in Texas?
According to Partners in Flight, the estimated population of Eastern Bluebirds in 2019 was 23 million, Western Bluebirds was 5.8 million, and Mountain Bluebirds was 1.5 million.
5. How can I help bluebirds in Texas?
You can help bluebirds in Texas by providing nesting sites and sustaining and increasing their food supply. The Texas Bluebird Society is an all-volunteer grassroots organization that provides information on Texas cavity-nesting birds and helps increase nesting sites while sustaining and increasing their food supply.
Source: https://petstutorial.com
Category: Birds
