The 11th state of the U.S. is none other than New York. The official registration happened on July 26 of the year 1788. The capital city of New York is actually Albany and not New York City, as many would assume.
Of course, the one thing New York is known for and has as its nickname is the Empire State. The state bird of New York is one that’s truly loved by us all.
What is the state bird of New York?
The Eastern Bluebird has been designated the New York state bird since 1970. Each spring, these birds make their way back to the North, often faster than other bird species. The Eastern Bluebird has a distinct blue plumage, as you can guess from the name.
However, it is the red chest that helps differentiate them from its cousins. The Eastern Bluebird might also have a more brick color chest when they are young.
What makes the state bird of New York unusual?
The Eastern Bluebird is usually seen on telephone wires or in a nest box. They have a call with short notes, wavering at times. When they spot an insect on the ground, they might swoop down without any warning.
What makes the Eastern Bluebird unusual, though, isn’t the blue plumage itself. After all, that’s a common characteristic between Mountain Bluebird and Eastern Bluebird.
What really helps identify the Eastern Bluebird is the red color on their chest. The splash of red helps even the most inexperienced bird watcher spot them easily.
New York state bird facts
Let’s get to know the New York official state bird in further detail!
1. In a typical year, Eastern Bluebirds end up producing way more than a single brood. If the nest is in an early stage, the young ones born during that time end up leaving the nest before summer comes around. If the nest is in the latest and almost complete stage, the young birds stay for a little longer, until winter comes around.
2. Eastern Bluebirds usually consider insects, fruits, and berries as good. Occasionally though, they are seen going after giant prey, the one you wouldn’t associate with such a small species. They have been known to consume snakes, salamanders, and even frogs.
3. To attract a female bluebird, the male bluebird puts up various displays in front of his nest. He might continuously go out and in the nest in charming motions. He might also bring various nest materials. The actual nest building and incubation of eggs are left to the female bluebird though.
Final Thoughts
The New York state bird, the Eastern Bluebird is present all over the state. If you visit in the spring and especially go to the greener parts of the state, you are likely to come across one. A species beautiful as this, deserves to be commemorated by pictures.
So, don’t forget to take your camera, along with all your other birding gears, when you are on a walk for the specific purpose of seeing an Eastern Bluebird.