Species Profile
Mountain Bluebird
Sialia currucoides
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernAlso known as: Arctic Bluebird
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Appearance
The Mountain Bluebird is a small thrush with a slender profile and long wings. Males are a rich, bright blue across their upperparts, fading to lighter blue on the breast and white on the lower belly. The wing tips are dusky, not pure blue.
Females are primarily grey-brown, with a distinctive blue rump patch and blue in the wings and tail. Their underparts can range from grey-brown to pale buff, with a whiter chin and belly. They also have a subtle white eye ring.
Young birds look similar to females but are darker, with distinctive white spotting on their breast and upper flanks.
Identification & Characteristics
Male Colors
- Primary
- Blue
- Secondary
- Grey
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Blue
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Black
Female Markings
Pale blue wings and tail, greyish-brown upperparts
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Mountain Bluebirds inhabit open, montane areas across western North America, from Alaska to Mexico. They prefer high-elevation meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands with scattered trees for nesting and perching.
During the breeding season, they occupy higher elevations in the Rocky Mountains and other western ranges. In winter, many birds move to lower elevations or more southern regions, including parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico.
Distribution
Diet
Mountain Bluebirds primarily feed on insects, including grasshoppers, caterpillars, and beetles. They supplement their diet with small fruits and berries, especially during winter months when insects are scarce.
Their hunting style involves hovering and dropping to the ground to catch prey.
Behaviour
Mountain Bluebirds are often seen perched on fenceposts or low branches, scanning the ground for insects. They employ a distinctive 'drop and hover' hunting technique, flying down to catch prey on the ground or in mid-air.
During the breeding season, males perform aerial displays to attract mates, showcasing their vibrant plumage.
Calls & Sounds
The Mountain Bluebird's song is a series of soft, warbling phrases, often described as 'few-few-few' or 'chur-chur'. Their call is a thin, musical 'few' or 'phew'.
During courtship, males sing more frequently, producing longer, more varied songs to attract mates.
Nesting & Breeding
Mountain Bluebirds form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which typically begins in late spring. Males perform aerial displays and offer nesting material to attract females.
Nests are built in natural tree cavities, old woodpecker holes, or nest boxes. Females construct the nest using grasses and fine plant materials, laying 4-8 pale blue eggs.
Incubation lasts about 13 days, primarily done by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 18-21 days. Pairs often raise two broods per season in favorable conditions.
Conservation
While currently listed as Least Concern, Mountain Bluebirds face threats from habitat loss due to urban development and changes in agricultural practices.
Conservation efforts include the installation of nest boxes in suitable habitats, which has helped stabilize populations in some areas.
Elevation
Up to 3,800 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Main predators include hawks, falcons, domestic cats, and snakes. Nest predators such as squirrels and chipmunks also pose a threat to eggs and nestlings.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Mountain Bluebirds in open, high-elevation areas with scattered trees.
- Listen for their soft, warbling song, especially during spring.
- Observe fenceposts and low perches in grasslands for hunting birds.
- In winter, search for flocks in lower elevation open areas.
- In the western United States, check bluebird nest boxes in appropriate habitats.
Did You Know?
- Mountain Bluebirds can hover like kestrels when hunting, a unique behavior among thrushes.
- They are the state bird of Idaho and Nevada.
- These birds can survive at elevations over 12,000 feet (3,800 meters) during breeding season.
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