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Which Bluebird is not Like the Others?
Author: Michael RascoThere are three species of bluebird, all occurring in North America. Distinguishing the Western blue bird from the Eastern bluebird can sometimes prove difficult; thankfully, there is little overlap in their ranges, so location provides the best clue. The Mountain bluebird, though its range overlaps with the Western and the Eastern bluebirds', presents less of a problem for identification because its plumage is more distinctive.
The Western bluebird carries its own distinction from the other bluebird species, in that it prefers open forests and parkland as a nesting site, shunning the field and pasture edges favored by Eastern and Mountain bluebirds. Unfortunately, the Western bluebird has not seen the same kind of population recovery that the other species have, due to changes in pine habitats. Human encroachment led people, quite logically, to protect their homes and property by using various forms of fire suppression, such as clearing out dry brush, for example. Those burned out wooded areas are ideal for Western bluebirds. There is still much hope for these wonderful birds, but they need a bit more help.
The ethereally lovely Mountain bluebird has a breeding range that occupies much of the western half of the U.S. and Canada, extending through northern British Columbia into Alaska. They nest in cavities, including bluebird houses, around the edges of fields and meadows, or anywhere there are trees from which to hunt and open ground in which to forage.
The Eastern bluebird, that symbol of happiness, would likely be on the verge of extinction were it not for the efforts of so many concerned individuals. Over the last three decades, individuals put up scores of bluebird houses. Many individuals create bluebird trails by installing bluebird houses in a series, often along the side of a road. The Eastern and Mountain bluebird population experienced a very encouraging comeback in that time, although more still needs to be done.
Telling the Eastern bluebird apart from the Western is not always an easy proposition. Again, a worthy first hint is location. If the bluebirds are in Utah, they are Western or Mountain bluebirds, which are more easily distinguished from one another. If the bluebirds are in Connecticut, they are Eastern bluebirds. Both Eastern and Western species have an orange chest, but the Eastern bluebird has an orange throat, as well. The Western bluebird's head is all blue, including its throat. The Western will often display some orange to red on its scapular region, whereas the Eastern bluebird is quite blue-backed.
All three species of bluebird will take to bluebird houses. In many areas, they will face stiff competition from other birds, primarily the English house sparrow. The house sparrow is not protected by law as our native songbirds are; house sparrow nests should be removed from bluebird houses and destroyed.
Bluebirds will usually breed at least twice during each summer breeding season, laying from five to seven eggs each time. As long as there are caring individuals providing and monitoring bluebird houses, bluebirds have a chance to thrive once again.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/nature-articles/which-bluebird-is-not-like-the-others-95006.html
About the Author:Michael Rasco is the owner of UtopiaBirdHouses.com, a website committed to providing high quality birding products and wild bird information.
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Keywords:
bluebird western eastern bluebirds houses species mountain people more