Missouri is considered the “Show-Me” State, located in the Midwestern United States. It is a relatively large state, ranking 21st in size, covering 69,704 square miles, and a population of over 6 million people.
The state is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the Ozark Mountains to the grassy plains in the north. Along with its beautiful scenery, Missouri is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the state’s official animal, the Missouri Mule, and the state’s official bird, the Eastern Bluebird.
But why did Missouri choose the Eastern Bluebird as their state bird, and what makes it so special? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this decision, the significance of the Eastern Bluebird, and what sets it apart from other birds.
Why the Eastern Bluebird? Missouri might seem like an odd place for a bird to become so important, but the Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is actually common in Missouri.
The bird is typically found in open spaces like fields, pastures, and golf courses, where it is easier to spot it. It is a relatively small bird, with males displaying blue feathers on their backs and wings, a rusty-red breast, and a light blue belly.
Females have a similar appearance but with less vibrant colors. One of the reasons why the Eastern Bluebird was chosen as Missouri’s state bird is its association with happiness.
The bird’s cheerful song and vibrant colors have long been seen as symbols of joy, renewal, and hope. People in Missouri, therefore, associate the Eastern Bluebird with happiness and positivity.
Moreover, the Eastern Bluebird has a well-known association to famous writer and philosopher, Henry David Thoreau. He wrote that the bluebird is “the symbol of the Southlands – of sunshine and happiness.” Thus, the Eastern Bluebird stands out as a symbol of peace and prosperity in Missouri.
Bluebird boxes throughout the state
Another reason why the Eastern Bluebird was chosen as the state bird is its significance in the state’s history. Due to habitat loss and other factors, the Eastern Bluebird population in Missouri had declined over the years.
However, concerned citizens have been working to conserve the bird species, including the establishment of bluebird boxes throughout the state. Bluebird boxes are designed specifically to provide nesting habitats for Eastern Bluebirds.
Conserving these birds through bluebird boxes has become a widespread practice in Missouri, and it is something the state is proud of. The boxes’ presence and the conservation efforts help in keeping the Eastern Bluebird population thriving and is an example of how humans can help protect and preserve nature.
Final thoughts
The Eastern Bluebird is an integral part of Missouri’s history and culture. It symbolizes happiness, optimism, and prosperity in the citizens of the state, and their efforts to conserve it have become a sign of true environmental stewardship.
Indeed, the Eastern Bluebird is more than just a bird in Missouri; it is an ambassador of hope and conservation. 3) History of Eastern Bluebird as Missouri’s State Bird
In 1927, a group of Missouri women came together to push for legislation that would make the Eastern Bluebird the official state bird.
The bill passed, and the Eastern Bluebird became the state bird of Missouri on March 30th of that year. Its selection was partially a response to a request for a unique emblem that would highlight the state’s values and individuality.
Missouri wasn’t the only state making the Eastern Bluebird an official symbol. New York also adopted the Eastern Bluebird as their official state bird in 1970.
Both states recognized the bird’s outstanding characteristics, especially its beauty and unique behaviors, making it a logical choice for the state bird.
4) Appearance and Behavior of Eastern Bluebirds
Eastern Bluebirds are small birds, measuring about six to seven inches in length and weighing only about an ounce. They have a plump build, a large head, short wings, and a medium-length tail.
Bluebirds are sexually dimorphic, which means that the males and females have differing feather colors. The males sport a bright blue head, neck, wings, and back with an orange-red breast.
Meanwhile, the females have a more subdued look with brownish-blue feathers on their backs and wings, and light blue chests. Eastern Bluebirds have adaptable habitat preferences, but they require an area with short grasses and trees or shrubs near the ground.
They prefer open land, such as fields, clearings, meadows, and agricultural lands. They also tend to gravitate to areas that provide ample insect food sources, such as berries and fruits.
Breeding season for Eastern Bluebirds starts in the early spring and lasts until August. Bluebirds form monogamous pairs, and the male typically chooses the nest site in a cavity such as a tree hole, fence post, or birdhouse.
They use grass, twigs, and pine needles in the, cup of the nest. The female then lays four to six light blue eggs, which both parents incubate for about two weeks.
Bluebirds have a variety of vocalizations, including whistling and trilling songs. They use their songs to communicate with each other during courtship and territorial disputes.
Male bluebirds are known for their courting antics, like fluffing their feathers, clicking their beaks, and picking up grass blades or flower petals in their beaks to present to the female. Both parents care for the eggs and chicks.
Chicks fledge in about 2-3 weeks, and parents continue to feed them for several weeks until they are independent enough to find food on their own.
Conclusion
Overall, the Eastern Bluebird is an integral part of Missouri’s culture, and their contributions to the environment are priceless. Through preservation efforts and their significance as a symbol of happiness and environmental preservation, these beautiful birds continue to thrive and live on in Missouri’s history.
Understanding their physical makeup, habitat, and breeding habits reminds us why it is vital to adhere to conservation efforts to continue preserving the natural world’s beauty and wonders.
5) Social Behavior of Eastern Bluebirds
Eastern Bluebirds are social birds that tend to flock with other bird species, especially during the winter months. They are known to form groups with other birds that have similar diets, such as Waxwings and Robins.
During the breeding season, however, Eastern Bluebirds become solitary due to their territorial nature. Bluebirds mate for life and breed monogamously.
The male’s role in the pair is to find a suitable nest site and defend the territory surrounding it. Females build the nest out of grass and other materials, and lay around four to six eggs.
Both parents take turns incubating the eggs, protecting the nest, and feeding the chicks. The breeding season of Eastern Bluebirds varies depending on location.
In southern states, breeding starts as early as February, while in northern and higher altitude areas, it can start as late as May. However, most breeding activity occurs from March through August.
6) Eastern Bluebird Diet
Eastern Bluebirds are insectivorous birds, primarily eating insects such as caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders. They also enjoy larger fruits, such as blueberries and elderberries.
During the winter months, when insects are scarce, Eastern Bluebirds switch to a diet of fruits and berries. Bluebirds play a crucial role for farmers as natural pest control agents, especially during the breeding season.
They consume significant amounts of insects that affect agricultural crops, making them a friend to farmers. Eastern Bluebirds typically forage on the ground, in shrubs, and in trees.
When searching for insects, they perch on a branch and fly down to the ground or a nearby plant to snatch their prey. They also use a perch and scan technique, hovering over grasses to locate prey before pouncing.
In the winter, Eastern Bluebirds rely more on feeders as their primary food source. They enjoy mealworms, blueberries, raisins, and suet during this season.
In the spring when the breeding season starts, Eastern Bluebirds rely heavily on insects, as they provide the necessary protein required where they are still actively growing young.
Conclusion
Eastern Bluebirds are fascinating birds with a unique social structure and dietary habits. Their partnership with farmers to control pests is an example of how nature can be harnessed to benefit everyone.
Similarly, understanding their habitat and breeding habits provides insight into the importance of conservation. Eastern Bluebirds have a significant role in Missouri’s environment and culture, as a symbol of hope and environmental preservation, along with their unique beauty and habits.
In conclusion, the Eastern Bluebird is a symbol of prosperity, happiness, and environmental preservation in Missouri, recognized for its physical beauty, unique social structure, and dietary habits. Efforts to conserve the Eastern Bluebirds through bluebird boxes and natural habitat preservation benefit wildlife and humans alike.
Through understanding this special bird’s characteristics, we strive towards a better understanding of the environment, harmoniously preserving nature’s wonders for generations to come. FAQs:
1.
How do Eastern Bluebirds mate? Eastern Bluebirds mate for life and breed monogamously.
2. What is the Eastern Bluebird’s diet?
Eastern Bluebirds are insectivores, primarily consuming insects such as caterpillars, beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders, along with larger fruits. 3.
When is Eastern Bluebird’s breeding season? The Eastern Bluebird breeding season starts as early as February in southern states and as late as May in northern and higher altitude areas, with most breeding activity occurring from March through August.
4. What is the significance of the Eastern Bluebird to Missouri’s culture?
Eastern Bluebirds symbolize happiness, prosperity, and environmental preservation, reinforcing the state’s values and individuality.
5.
How important are Eastern Bluebirds for farmers? Eastern Bluebirds play a crucial role for farmers as natural pest control agents, helping to consume significant amounts of insects that affect agricultural crops.