The Eastern Bluebird: Delighting bird watchers with its brilliant hue, the Eastern Bluebird showcases its superb visual acuity by spotting tiny caterpillars and insects in tall grass even from a stunning distance of over 50 yards. The construction of their nests is an interesting affair. The male initiates the process, gathers materials, and attracts a female by fluttering his wings to signal her. The nests are generally constructed at a low altitude, ranging from 2-20 ft. above the ground. Ideal nesting locations include cavities such as disused woodpecker holes in dead pine or oak trees and ɱaп-made birdhouses.
Indigo Bunting: Wrapped in a deep, vibrant blue plumage, the Indigo Bunting is a surprising member of the cardinal family. A nocturnal navigator, this bird often embarks on night-ᴛι̇ɱe migrations, using the star-studded sky as its guide. The Indigo Bunting gravitates towards brushy habitats, finding comfort in grasslands, shrubs, and brushy forest edges. The nest building responsibility is solely undertaken by the female, who carefully selects a concealed location within a dense shrub or a low tree, typically about 1-3 ft. above the ground.
Blue Grosbeak: Bearing a striking resemblance to its namesake with its large bills and distinctive color, the Blue Grosbeaks make their homes in thickets and overgrown fields. Their proximity to water bodies enhances their habitat. The female bird single-handedly constructs the nest, choosing a location that’s about 3-10 ft. off the ground. The nest comprises a blend of natural materials such as twigs, weeds, animal hair, bark strips, and leaves, often interspersed with ɱaп-made objects like pieces of paper or rags.
Blue Jay:
Commonly mistaken for the bluebird, the Blue Jay is an entirely different creature. Its vibrant colors, distinct vocalizations, and preferred habitats set it apart. These birds prefer to make their abodes in the heart of forests, constructing their nests in the forks of trees where branches meet the trunk, often as high as 20 feet off the ground. Their high-altitude nesting preference starkly contrasts with the low-lying habitats of bluebirds.
Tree Swallow:
The Tree Swallow, an iridescent blue-green bird, cuts a striking figure as it perches on fences or gracefully skims over water surfaces while foraging for insects. These birds also find habitats in grassy fields, lakes, and marshes appealing. Their nests, fashioned by the female, are typically built within cavities. Quite often, they make use of nest boxes designed for bluebirds, as the hole size matches their preference perfectly. These nests are filled with a selection of plant materials and are usually lined with feathers from other bird species.