Eastern Bluebird vs Taita Thrush

Sialia sialis compared with Turdus helleri

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Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Eastern Bluebird Taita Thrush
Scientific Name Sialia sialis Turdus helleri
Order Passeriformes Passeriformes
Family Turdidae Turdidae
Conservation Status Least Concern Endangered
Length 17.5 cm (6.9 in)
Wingspan 27.0 cm (10.6 in) 23.2 cm (9.1 in)
Weight 31.0 g (1.09 oz) 71.0 g (2.50 oz)
Diet Insects in summer, berries in winter. Hunts from low perches, dropping to the ground to … --
Clutch Size 4-5 1-3
Population Trend
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Size Comparison

Body Length
Eastern Bluebird 17.5 cm
Taita Thrush
Wingspan
Eastern Bluebird 27.0 cm
Taita Thrush 23.2 cm
Weight
Eastern Bluebird 31.0 g
Taita Thrush 71.0 g
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Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

None

Eastern Bluebird only

Taita Thrush only

Eastern Bluebird

Open woodland, farmland edges, orchards, and parks with scattered trees and open ground. Readily uses nest boxes.

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Song & Call Comparison

Eastern Bluebird

Song

A rich, melodious warbled 'chur-wi, tur-a-lee' song. Both sexes sing. Call is a soft, musical 'turee'. Song is gentle and flute-like, suggesting a small thrush. Given from exposed perch.

Taita Thrush

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Geographic Range & Migration

Eastern Bluebird

Eastern North America from southern Canada to Honduras and Nicaragua. Partially migratory.

Taita Thrush

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Conservation Status

Least Concern

Eastern Bluebird

Endangered

Taita Thrush

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How to Tell Them Apart

Eastern Bluebird

Plumage

Males are vivid royal blue above with a rusty-red breast and white belly. Females are grey-blue with a paler rust breast.

Bill

Short, thin, dark bill

Taita Thrush

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About These Birds

Eastern Bluebird

The eastern bluebird is a beloved symbol of happiness in North America. Once declining due to habitat loss and competition from introduced species, populations recovered dramatically thanks to a massive citizen science nest box campaign. These gentle thrushes form loose winter flocks and huddle together in nest boxes during cold snaps.

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Related Comparisons

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