WESTERN BLUEBIRDS

PHOTOS

The Western Bluebird has a reddish brown breast, which contrasts with their bright blue plumage. You will also see the Mountain Bluebird in the local area, a relative of the Western Blue bird with entirely blue plumage.

Western Bluebirds are found west of the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico. The Mountain Bluebird also inhabits much of western North America—usually at elevations above 7,000 feet.

Bluebirds eat small fruits and hunt insects, spiders, and other creatures including small reptiles from above. The birds perch, watch, and then swoop to the ground to pounce on their prey.

Pairs mate in the spring and summer months, where they construct small, bowl-shaped nests. Females lay 4-5 five eggs and incubate them for about two weeks. Both parents care for the young for an additional 15 to 20 days. Bluebirds often have two broods in a season. A young bluebird from the first brood may remain in the nest and assist its parents in caring for the second brood.

Bluebirds living in higher latitudes may head south if food becomes scarce or temperatures become too cold. Mountain bluebirds typically migrate to lower elevations during the same lean seasons.

Bluebirds are considered fairly common, but their numbers have declined substantially over the years. However, populations have been receiving a boost by birdhouse boxes that have become popular in many backyards.

For more information on the Western Bluebird, visit the following website: