What Is the State Bird of New York State?

The state bird of New York is the Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), a small, vibrantly colored songbird known for its striking blue plumage and soft reddish-brown breast. Officially designated as the state bird in 1970, the Eastern Bluebird was chosen through a collaborative effort led by schoolchildren and supported by ornithological societies across the state. This selection reflects both the bird's widespread presence in New York’s rural and suburban landscapes and its deep cultural symbolism of hope, renewal, and the arrival of spring. As one of the most beloved backyard birds in North America, the Eastern Bluebird serves as a meaningful emblem representing natural beauty and ecological resilience—making it a fitting answer to the frequently searched query: what is the state bird of New York state.

Historical Background: How the Eastern Bluebird Became New York’s State Bird

The journey to selecting the Eastern Bluebird as New York’s official state bird began in the late 1960s, during a period when many U.S. states were formalizing their official symbols. Prior to 1970, New York did not have an officially recognized state bird, despite informal associations with other species such as the American Robin or the Northern Cardinal.

In 1967, the New York State Legislature initiated a process to designate an official avian symbol. The decision was not made solely by lawmakers; instead, it involved public participation, particularly from elementary and middle school students. Teachers across the state incorporated the initiative into classroom activities, encouraging students to research native bird species and vote on their favorite. The Eastern Bluebird emerged as the top choice due to its gentle demeanor, cheerful song, and visual appeal.

Ornithologists from institutions like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the Audubon Society of New York endorsed the selection, citing the bird’s ecological importance and declining population trends at the time. Conservationists saw the designation as an opportunity to raise awareness about habitat loss and promote nest box programs. On May 18, 1970, Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller signed Chapter 557 of the Laws of New York, formally adopting the Eastern Bluebird as the official state bird.

Biological Profile of the Eastern Bluebird

To fully appreciate why the Eastern Bluebird holds such significance, it's essential to understand its biological characteristics and life cycle. Sialia sialis belongs to the thrush family (Turdidae), which also includes the American Robin and the Wood Thrush. It measures approximately 6.5 to 7 inches in length, with a wingspan of around 10 inches, and weighs between 27 to 30 grams.

Male Eastern Bluebirds are easily identified by their brilliant royal-blue upperparts, rusty-red throat and breast, and white belly. Females are more subdued in coloration, displaying grayish-blue feathers on the wings and tail, with a pale orange-brown breast. Juveniles have spotted breasts and duller plumage, gradually molting into adult colors over their first year.

These birds are primarily insectivorous during the warmer months, feeding on beetles, grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars. In winter, when insects become scarce, they supplement their diet with wild berries and small fruits such as sumac, dogwood, and hackberry. Their foraging behavior involves perching on low branches or fence posts, scanning the ground for movement before swooping down to catch prey.

Habitat and Distribution in New York

Eastern Bluebirds thrive in open habitats with scattered trees and clear sightlines—conditions commonly found in meadows, orchards, old fields, golf courses, and along roadsides. They prefer areas where natural tree cavities or artificial nest boxes are available for breeding. Historically, they relied on woodpecker holes or decaying trees for nesting, but deforestation and competition from invasive species like House Sparrows and European Starlings led to population declines in the mid-20th century.

In New York, the species is most abundant in the Hudson Valley, the Finger Lakes region, and Long Island. It is a partial migrant: some individuals remain year-round in milder climates, especially in southern parts of the state, while others migrate southward to the Mid-Atlantic and southeastern United States during harsh winters.

Thanks to widespread conservation efforts—including the installation of thousands of bluebird trails (series of monitored nest boxes)—populations have rebounded significantly since the 1970s. Today, spotting an Eastern Bluebird in upstate farmland or suburban parks is a common and joyful experience for birdwatchers.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Beyond its biological traits, the Eastern Bluebird carries rich symbolic meaning across cultures. In Native American traditions, particularly among Algonquian-speaking peoples, the bluebird is often associated with happiness, prosperity, and the return of favorable weather. Some legends describe the bluebird as a messenger that brings sunlight after long winters.

In broader American culture, the phrase “bluebird of happiness” has entered everyday language, inspired by Maurice Maeterlinck’s early 20th-century play *The Blue Bird*. The image of the bluebird appears in folk songs, literature, and even corporate branding (such as Twitter’s former logo). Its melodic warble is frequently interpreted as a sign of peace and contentment.

For New Yorkers, the adoption of the Eastern Bluebird as the state bird reinforces a connection to nature amid urbanization. It represents environmental stewardship and the possibility of coexistence between humans and wildlife—even in densely populated regions.

How to Observe Eastern Bluebirds in New York: Tips for Birdwatchers

If you're interested in seeing Eastern Bluebirds in the wild, timing and location are key. The best viewing opportunities occur during the breeding season, from March through August, when males are highly visible defending territories and singing from prominent perches.

• Visit Open Countryside: Drive through rural counties like Columbia, Yates, or Orleans, where agricultural lands and hedgerows provide ideal habitat.
• Look for Nest Boxes: Many parks and nature preserves maintain bluebird trails. Examples include the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge and the Sterling Nature Center.
• Listen for Calls: The Eastern Bluebird’s call is a soft, warbling tu-a-wee or chur-lee, distinct from the louder songs of robins or cardinals.
• Use Binoculars: Due to their small size and tendency to perch at moderate heights, binoculars enhance visibility and help distinguish them from similar species like the Indigo Bunting or Tree Swallow.
• Avoid Disturbance: Never approach active nests too closely. Breeding pairs are sensitive to human intrusion, which can lead to abandonment.

Conservation Status and Ongoing Efforts

While the Eastern Bluebird is no longer considered threatened, ongoing conservation remains vital. According to the North American Breeding Bird Survey, populations have increased by about 2.3% per year between 1966 and 2019, thanks largely to citizen science initiatives and habitat restoration projects.

In New York, organizations such as the Empire State Bird Records Committee and local chapters of the Audubon Society coordinate monitoring programs. Volunteers track nesting success rates, band birds for migration studies, and install predator guards on nest boxes to protect eggs and fledglings.

Landowners can contribute by maintaining open spaces, avoiding pesticide use, and installing properly designed nest boxes facing east or southeast, 4 to 6 feet above ground, with a 1.5-inch entrance hole to exclude larger competitors.

Common Misconceptions About the Eastern Bluebird

Despite its popularity, several misconceptions persist:

• Misconception 1: The Eastern Bluebird is rare in New York. While once in decline, its population has recovered due to conservation efforts and is now relatively common in suitable habitats.
• Misconception 2: It’s easy to attract bluebirds to any backyard. Without proper food sources, water, and shelter—or if invasive species dominate—the chances of attracting them are low.
• Misconception 3: All blue-colored birds in New York are Eastern Bluebirds. Similar-looking species include the male Indigo Bunting (smaller, deeper blue, no red breast) and the Tree Swallow (glossy greenish-blue head, white underparts).

Comparison With Other State Birds

New York’s choice of the Eastern Bluebird places it among a group of northeastern states that value native songbirds as symbols. For example:

State	State Bird	Year Adopted	Family
New York	Eastern Bluebird	1970	Thrush (Turdidae)
Missouri	Eastern Bluebird	1927	Thrush (Turdidae)
Idaho	Mountain Bluebird	1931	Thrush (Turdidae)
Ohio	Northern Cardinal	1933	Cardinalidae
Pennsylvania	Ruffed Grouse	1931	Phasianidae

This comparison shows that while some states choose game birds or more flamboyant species, New York opted for a delicate, ecologically significant songbird—a reflection of its commitment to environmental education and biodiversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did New York adopt the Eastern Bluebird as its state bird?

New York officially adopted the Eastern Bluebird as its state bird on May 18, 1970, following a student-led campaign and legislative approval.

Can you see Eastern Bluebirds in New York City?

Yes, though less commonly. Eastern Bluebirds can be spotted in large parks like Central Park, Pelham Bay Park, and Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, especially during migration seasons.

Why was the Eastern Bluebird chosen over other birds?

It was selected for its beauty, pleasant song, association with spring, and because it was actively supported by schoolchildren and conservation groups aiming to boost awareness and protection efforts.

Do Eastern Bluebirds migrate from New York?

Some do. Populations in northern and higher-elevation areas typically migrate south for winter, while those in southern New York may remain year-round if food and shelter are available.

How can I help protect Eastern Bluebirds?

You can install and monitor nest boxes, reduce pesticide use, plant native berry-producing shrubs, and participate in citizen science projects like the NestWatch program run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.