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Platte River Status: A fairly common migrant, uncommon and local summer resident, and occasionally abundant winter resident. Tout (1947) reported that occurrence dates in Lincoln County extend from 22 March to 30 October.

Breeding Range: Restricted almost exclusively to the Platte River Valley physiographic region, although this species occurs very locally on the Eastern Plain.

Breeding Population: Because of the small numbers and local distribution of eastern bluebird, we failed to record any on our random census plots in 1979-1980. Our best estimate, based on field observations of the species distribution in the nesting season, is that no more than 100 pairs occupy the study area in any particular year.

Habitat: We located most eastern bluebirds on the study area in ecotonal areas where lowland forest, and open areas such as wet prairie, border each other. Natural cavities in trees or fenceposts are used as nest sites. Eastern bluebird is reported to be moderately common throughout western Kansas in open woodlands near water (Rising 1974).

Effect of Habitat Alteration: Establishment of lowland forest and adjacent ecotonal areas has benefited this species. Local nesting populations of eastern bluebird in agricultural areas have been enhanced by the establishment of artifical bluebird nest boxes.

Nesting Data: Lingle has observed five active nests between the Mormon Island Crane Meadows, Hall County, and Lexington, Dawson County. Tout (1947) found an active nest on 30 May in Lincoln County; the nest was located too high to determine its contents. Egg dates in Kansas extend from 1 April to 20 July with first clutches peaking in late April, and second clutches peaking in early June (Johnsgard 1979).