Powerful Peepers
A bluebird can spot a tiny green caterpillar crawling through the grass from 60 feet away.
Grouchy Neighbors
Holes for nesting are often in short supply. Bluebirds chase chickadees, tree swallows, and other cavity-nesters away.
Menu Switcheroo
In the fall, bluebirds begin to eat fewer insects and more berries, like dogwood, wild grape, and even poison ivy.
Cavity Creatures
A bluebird’s beak isn’t sturdy enough to hammer out nest holes. So they reuse cavities created by woodpeckers or birdhouses built by people.
Caterpillar Patrol
Bluebirds usually hunt from a prominent perch. When they spot an insect on the ground, they flutter down and pounce on top of it.
Blunder Years
Young bluebirds don’t look like grown-ups. Their undersides are brown and speckled. The spots act as camouflage to help the youngsters hide from danger.
Also In This Issue
While their flashy, day-flying cousins, the butterflies, seem to get all the glory, Missouri’s moths are just as amazing.
Nature comes in all sizes, shapes, and colors. To celebrate Independence Day, we picked a few of Missouri’s most patriotic plants and animals. Can you figure out what they are using the clues?
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Designer – Les Fortenberry
Art Director – Cliff White
Editor – Matt Seek
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber