State History Guide

State Symbols: Official State Bird Designations of the 50 States

State Birds

New York State Bird: Bluebird

Bird

Bluebird

(Sialia sialis)

Adopted in 1970.

Once common throughout the Northeast, the bluebird fell prey to changing land use practices. Until the 1920s, the countryside was a patchwork of small farms with apple orchards and fields separated by overgrown fencerows. Bluebirds nested in holes in fenceposts or apple trees and patrolled orchards, fields and gardens for insect food. A great many of these small unprofitable farms were abandoned when their tenants abandoned the land for jobs in the cities. Fenceposts rotted and field gave way to trees - inhospitable to bluebirds.

In more recent years, the bluebird has staged a comeback largely due to efforts of the North American Bluebird Society and its state and local affiliates. Together, these organizations and other concerned individuals have waged an educational campaign about the bluebird, encouraging the proper construction, placement and care of nesting boxes. The result is that the bluebird once again graces open spaces and its beautiful plumage and sweet song are enjoyed across the Northeast.
 

Identification

• Length: 5.5 inches
• Thin bill
• Most often seen in open habitats: agricultural areas, wood edges, et al
• Southwestern United States birds are paler

Adult male

• Bright blue upperparts
• Orange-red throat, breast and sides
• White belly and undertail coverts

Female

• Blue wings and tail-duller than male
• Gray crown and back
• White eye ring
• Brownish throat, breast and sides
• White belly and undertail coverts

Juvenile

• Blue wings and tail-duller than male
• Gray crown and back
• White eye ring
• Spotted underparts

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