The Bluebird is the embodiment of all the virtues we hold in high esteem in a wild creature.  Other birds are more strikingly marked and may even boast more variety of color.  But none can match the simple perfection of the Bluebird's blue coat and rusty skirt.  His friendly and trusting disposition ranks him at the top of our avian neighbors.

The Bluebird is a thrush; a member of the same family as the Robin, Wood Thrush and four other thrushes which are usually seen in our southwest Ohio area only briefly during migration. All thrushes lay blue eggs and while most retain breast spots at all ages only the Robin and Bluebird lose them as adults. The spots are lost by early autumn.

The Bluebird is unique among thrushes in that it nests in holes. Hollow fence posts were once common nesting sites and old orchards used to provide many tree hollows. Such "natural' sites are few today, but Bluebirds quickly take up residency in nest boxes. In recent years the great effort to save the Bluebird by providing thousands of boxes throughout the country has been highly successful.

Most Bluebirds migrate, but some remain to brave the winter if enough fruits and berries can be found.

Length: 7 inches