Eastern Bluebird vs Grey-backed Thrush
Sialia sialis compared with Turdus hortulorum
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Attribute | Eastern Bluebird | Grey-backed Thrush |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Sialia sialis | Turdus hortulorum |
| Order | Passeriformes | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae | Turdidae |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern | Least Concern |
| 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) | 63.5 g (2.24 oz) |
| Diet | Insects in summer, berries in winter. Hunts from low perches, dropping to the ground to … | -- |
| Clutch Size | 4-5 | 3-5 |
| Population Trend | — | — |
Size Comparison
Habitat Comparison
Eastern Bluebird
Open woodland, farmland edges, orchards, and parks with scattered trees and open ground. Readily uses nest boxes.
Song & Call Comparison
Eastern Bluebird
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.
Grey-backed Thrush
Geographic Range & Migration
Eastern Bluebird
Eastern North America from southern Canada to Honduras and Nicaragua. Partially migratory.
Grey-backed Thrush
Conservation Status
Eastern Bluebird
Grey-backed Thrush
How to Tell Them Apart
Eastern Bluebird
Males are vivid royal blue above with a rusty-red breast and white belly. Females are grey-blue with a paler rust breast.
Short, thin, dark bill
Grey-backed Thrush
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.