Discover Delaware: The State Bird and How to Identify it

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The State Bird of Delaware is the Eastern Bluebird

The official state bird of Delaware is the Eastern Bluebird, which was officially adopted as the state bird in 1939. The bluebird has been a symbol of hope and happiness in many cultures around the world, and its selection as the state bird proudly represents this same sentiment.

Physical Characteristics

Eastern Bluebirds are small thrushes that measure about 5-7 inches long with wingspans up to 12 inches wide. Their coloring varies slightly depending on where they live; northern populations tend to be darker than southern populations but all have rusty red or orange breasts along with their distinct blue wings and tail feathers. Juvenile birds resemble adults but can often look more brownish instead of bluish-gray.

Habitat & Diet

These birds prefer open woodlands near fields, farms, orchards, and yards while avoiding dense forests. They eat mostly insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, caterpillars, dragonflies along with some fruit like grapes or berries when available during winter months.

Mating Habits & Nesting Behavior
Eastern Bluebirds mate for life once they form a pair bond although if one dies then another will replace it quickly afterwards. Breeding season begins in late February through May and males start building nests by making shallow cups out of sticks lined with grasses or moss before attracting females who finish them off using softer materials including fur from animals or hair from humans! Once completed both parents take turns incubating eggs which usually hatch after two weeks before fledging at roughly 21 days old until they become independent shortly thereafter.

< h2 > Conservation Status
Delaware’s native population numbers remain stable despite declines elsewhere due to habitat destruction caused by human development activities across much of its range since 1900s; however it continues facing threats from climate change especially concerning food sources like insects which are becoming increasingly scarce due to rising temperatures resulting fewer butterflies each year among other species too! For these reasons conservation efforts remains important raise awareness about this beloved species’ plight so future generations can enjoy their beauty just we do today here within our beautiful First State!