Bluebirds are beloved songbirds that bring color and life to backyards across North America. In many northern states, bluebirds are viewed as harbingers of spring when they return from their wintering grounds. However, some bluebird species can be found year-round in certain parts of their range, including in Indiana.
The three species of bluebirds found in North America are the Eastern Bluebird, Western Bluebird, and Mountain Bluebird. Of these, only the Eastern Bluebird is commonly found in Indiana. The other two species reside primarily in western North America.
So do Eastern Bluebirds stay in Indiana year-round? The answer is sometimes! While many Eastern Bluebirds migrate south for the winter, some can and do stick around Indiana when conditions allow. Read on to learn more about the overwintering behavior of Eastern Bluebirds in Indiana.
Eastern Bluebird Overview
The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a small thrush measuring 6.3–8.3 in (16–21 cm) in length with a wingspan around 12–15 in (30–38 cm). They have bright blue upperparts, a rusty reddish-brown throat and breast, and a white belly. Males and females have similar plumage.
Eastern Bluebirds breed across eastern North America from southern Canada to Mexico. They are cavity nesters, laying eggs in tree holes or manmade nest boxes. Their diet consists mainly of insects and berries.
These birds are partial migrants. Those that breed in the northern parts of their range tend to migrate south for winter, while some southern populations are year-round residents. The dividing line between migratory and non-migratory populations occurs roughly along the Ohio River.
Winter Range
During winter, Eastern Bluebirds retreat from the northernmost parts of their breeding range where icy temperatures and heavy snow make it difficult to find food.
Many overwinter in the southern United States from Texas east to Florida and along the Gulf Coast. However, some birds stop short of the deep south and spend winter along the mid-Atlantic coast, across the Ohio River valley, and into the southern halves of the Midwest states.
In Indiana, Eastern Bluebirds can be spotted in the southern third of the state during winter, though they are rarest in the northwest. Records show they are most abundant from Indianapolis southward.
Do Some Stay in Northern Indiana?
The northern two-thirds of Indiana falls squarely into the typical winter migration range for many Eastern Bluebird populations. Cold snaps with snow and ice cover make it challenging for bluebirds to find food here from December to February.
However, a percentage of the local breeding population does seem to overwinter each year provided that adequate food and roosting cavities are available. These hardy birds stick it out through the cold months across northern and even central Indiana.
Several factors allow some bluebirds to stay year-round rather than migrating:
– Mild winters with less snow and ice accumulation make it easier to forage for food. Mountain bluebirds that overwinter in relatively mild parts of Nevada experience higher survival than those that migrate, suggesting winter weather influences overwintering success.
– Supplemental feeding from bird feeders provides a reliable food source. Mealworms, suet, peanut butter mixes, and even sliced oranges can help sustain bluebirds that might otherwise struggle to find natural food during winter.
– Nest boxes and other cavities provide roosting spots to escape harsh weather.
– Native berry-producing shrubs like dogwoods, junipers, and sumac hold fruit through winter for bluebirds to eat.
– Open water from streams or heated bird baths provides drinking access.
– Some research suggests milder urban environments enable bluebirds to persist year-round farther north than rural areas.
So while most Indiana bluebirds head south in winter, a subset seems able to stick it out in the northern part of the state when conditions allow. Providing supplemental food and roost sites may help these individuals survive the cold season.
Migration Return Date
When do bluebirds return to Indiana after winter? Spring migration typically commences in March in the southern U.S. Arrival dates vary across Indiana:
– Southern Indiana: mid-to-late March
– Central Indiana: early April
– Northern Indiana: mid-to-late April
Males usually arrive before females to scout out nesting spots. However, cold snaps may push entire flocks back south temporarily after their initial advance.
Blooming wildflowers signal prime nesting season is underway in May. The first bluebird fledglings leave nest boxes by late-May or June.
Backyard Tips to Help Bluebirds
Here are some tips for attracting bluebirds to your yard:
– Put up nest boxes specifically designed for bluebirds. Place boxes facing east or southeast on poles 4-6 feet high with no obstructions within 10 feet. Clean out old nests each fall.
– Offer mealworms and other high-protein foods year-round. Supply suet during winter months.
– Provide a heated birdbath to give drinking and bathing access during winter.
– Plant native berry-producing shrubs and trees like flowering dogwood, juniper, sumac and hawthorns. Avoid invasive plants like bush honeysuckles.
– Reduce or eliminate pesticide use which can reduce food supplies.
– Place perches low in open areas to provide hunting spots.
Following these tips will help create a bird-friendly backyard that bluebirds will appreciate!
Conclusion
In summary, while Eastern Bluebirds primarily winter in the southern U.S., some individuals do remain year-round in Indiana when conditions allow. These hardy birds stick it out through winter given adequate food sources, roost sites, and open water. Backyards that provide supplemental food, nest boxes, native plants, and open water can help support overwintering bluebirds. Though their numbers vary annually based on winter severity, Eastern Bluebirds can occasionally be spotted even in northern Indiana during the colder months, brightening the landscape with their vibrant color.