Sialia sialis

If you see a flash of cobalt blue in the treetops this time of year, it may be an eastern bluebird. In February and March, brightly colored males flutter near nest boxes and nest cavities, inviting their mates to check out prospective nesting locations. The paler female chooses a site and builds a nest with pine needles. She incubates five pale blue eggs for 12 to 14 days before they hatch, but both parents care for the young. In North Carolina, bluebirds have up to three broods each year. To attract this gorgeous bird, plant dogwoods, holly, and winterberry and put up a bluebird box in an open area.

Cool Link:

North American Bluebird Society - information and resources about bluebirds and bluebird recovery efforts.

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