True Blue (Sialia sialis)

Written By: 
Grand Strand Magazine Staff
Photographs by: 
Grand Strand Magazine Staff

A symbol of spring, joy and hope, the Eastern bluebird is a stunning area favorite

- The bluebird’s song is one of its most distinguishing characteristics. Their most common call sounds like “chur lee” or “chir wi.” When repeated a number of times, the call sounds like the words “truly” or “purity.” 

- These birds are found in our area year-round. South Carolina bluebirds do not migrate, but are joined by migrant northern bluebirds in the winter months. 

- The birds like an open habitat near trees, such as savannas, forest clearings, pastures, parks and golf courses.

- To attract bluebirds, keep your bird bath full and set out mealworms. (Dried works, but live is best!)

- Bluebirds perch erect on wires, posts and low branches, scanning the ground for prey. They eat mostly insects, wild fruit and berries, and can spot insects in tall grass at the remarkable distance of over 50 yards.

- Males are a vivid deep blue with a rusty throat and chest. 

- Bluebirds are cavity nesters and also love nest boxes. They are not strong enough to make the holes inside trees to build their nests, so they often take up abandoned nest cavities of other birds, such as woodpeckers.

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