Discover the Official State Bird of New York

States often celebrate the popular or unique creatures living within their borders through official designations. Official state bird proclamations are common. The official New York State bird is the Eastern bluebird.

Eastern Bluebird Characteristics

Appearance

Male and female Eastern bluebird varieties share similar physical characteristics. Both genders have white undersides and brown or rust-colored breasts. However, bright blue feathers top males. Females possess greyish-blue tops. Regardless of gender, these birds are roughly seven inches long and weigh anywhere from 27-34 grams. Wingspan often ranges between 10 inches to one foot long.

Scientific Name and Family

Sialia sialis is the Eastern bluebird’s scientific name. It is part of the thrush family.

Habitat

Eastern bluebirds prefer less populated locations such as roadsides, farms, and trees. That said, bluebirds also visit more urban settings like parks and even golf courses. Migration to southern states usually occurs during the fall.

Diet

The bluebird’s diet consists mainly of berries and insects. Favored critters include varieties of beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, snails, worms, and spiders. Small lizards and tree frogs also occasionally factor into the bird’s diet. Bluebirds can spot insects from as far as an astonishing 100 feet away. In cases where berry and insect availability is low, bluebirds often consume various seeds.

Reproduction

Bluebirds commence the reproductive process during the spring and summer. They often construct nests in tree cavities far from the ground from natural materials such as grass, twigs, weeds, or animal hairs. Manmade nesting boxes also attract bluebirds.

Typically, both males and females raise two or three broods per year. Females lay between three and seven pale blue or white eggs incubated for approximately two weeks. Both parents and occasionally older siblings care for and supply newborns with food. Nestlings remain with their parents for about three weeks.

Conservation Status

Before the 1950s, Eastern bluebirds thrived and existed in large numbers. However, urban development and industrial advancement eliminated significant portions of their natural habitat. Such events decreased bluebird populations. However, the creature has witnessed a resurgence over the last several decades. The creation of manmade nesting structures now often seen throughout New York State is credited with bringing this uptick.

When Did The Eastern Bluebird Become New York’s Official State Bird?

The flying creature received this designation on May 18, 1970. Then Governor Nelson Rockefeller proclaimed under New York State Law Article Six, Section 78, that the Eastern bluebird shall be the official bird of the State of New York.

Despite Being New York’s official bird for over a half-century, the bluebird was not the state’s first choice. In 1928, citizens bestowed the distinction upon the American robin. However, research by the civic group known as the New York State Federation of Women’s Clubs discovered that the state’s citizens preferred the bluebird.

Interesting Facts About the Eastern Bluebird

• Eastern bluebirds do not always migrate south. Migration is determined by how plentiful their food supply is.
• Bluebirds are social creatures known to fly in large groups and huddle together to maintain warmth during cold temperatures.
• When Eastern bluebirds do migrate, they are typically among the first bird species to return to New York and other places they call home.
• The bluebird is known for its cheerful and melodic “chur-wi” sounding chirp.
• Eastern bluebirds have been credited for helping control New York’s insect population.

Have Any Other States Designated the Eastern Bluebird the Official State Bird?

The Eastern Bluebird’s popularity extends beyond New York’s border. It has received a similar designation in Missouri.