Missouri State Bird: Blurbird

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Bird

Bluebird

(Sialia sialis)

Adopted on March 30, 1927.

On March 30, 1927, the native bluebird became the official state bird of Missouri. The bluebird, considered a symbol of happiness, is usually 6 1/2 to 7 inches long. While its upper parts are covered with light blue plumage, its breast is cinnamon red, turning rust-colored in the fall. The bluebird is common in Missouri from early spring until late November.

Official state bird. 10.010. The native "bluebird" (Sialia Sialis) is selected for and shall be known as the official bird of the state of Missouri.

(RSMo 1939 § 15439, RSMo 1949 § 10.070, A.L. 1957 p. 726)

Identification

Length: 6 inches

Thin bill

Most often seen in open habitats

Adult male

Bright blue plumage; brightest on upperparts

Lacks any brown coloration

Female:

Blue wings and tail-duller than male

Remainder of plumage gray

Eye ring

Juvenile

Blue wings and tail-duller than male

White eye ring

Spotted underparts

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom Animalia -- animals

   Phylum Chordata -- chordates

      Subphylum Vertebrata -- vertebrates

         Class Aves -- birds

            Order Passeriformes -- perching birds

               Family Muscicapidae -- old world flycatchers

                  Genus Sialia Swainson, 1827 -- bluebirds

                     Species Sialia currucoides (Bechstein, 1798) -- Azulejo pálido, mountain bluebird