Mountain Bluebird
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the population of Mountain Bluebirds increased as logging and grazing activities spread west. Then, with the spread of fire-suppression practices and the decline in logging and grazing in some areas, the population declined again. The population of Mountain Bluebirds now appears to be relatively low but stable. Numbers of Mountain Bluebirds appear to be limited by nest-site availability. They nest as solitary pairs, but nests can be found near each other when available holes are close together. Today, close to the majority of Mountain Bluebirds nest in bluebird houses, or nest boxes, provided by humans.

Suitable breeding habitat occurs in a patchy distribution throughout western North America, from southwestern Alaska to the Southwest. Mountain Bluebirds occupy open woodland and edge habitats with short grasses and few shrubs. They feed by watching for prey from perches and then fly in to drop on insects and other arthropods. More than the other bluebird species, they will also hover above prey and then drop down to catch it. They avoid areas of high grass, presumably to avoid predators, preferring very low grass about an inch high. In addition to recently burned areas, clear cuts provide appropriate habitat and are frequently used. Mountain Bluebirds reside at elevations up to 12,350 feet.

In late summer, family groups coalesce as loosely organized flocks. As the fall season progresses, the flocks grow larger and move south. At times they associate with Western Bluebirds (S. mexicana), sparrows, and juncos. Mountain Bluebirds are highly migratory with flocks wandering east into the Great Plains and a few individuals straying irregularly in fall and winter as far as the East Coast. Mountain Bluebirds also move to lower elevations within their breeding range during the winter months. Mountain Bluebirds, which survive temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, are found in colder regions than Western Bluebirds during winter. The extent of winter migration appears to be related to the availability of fruit and the severity of the winter.

Description: Mountain Bluebirds are small, slim, long-winged thrushes. Males have a turquoise blue head and back, slightly paler breast, deep blue wings and tail, and a whitish belly and undertail coverts. Females are brownish gray with a white belly and undertail coverts, and a touch of blue on the tail.

Although male Mountain Bluebirds are unmistakable, the females look much like Western Bluebird (S. mexicana) and Eastern Bluebird (S. sialis) females. Female Mountain Bluebirds are distinguished by the lack of chestnut on the breast exhibited by the other two species. In the fall, the female's throat and breast may show a reddish tinge, but her flanks are brown rather than chestnut.

More information about the Mountain Bluebird

Visit Shaw Creek Bird Supply to see our selection of Mountain Bluebird Houses.


Copyright © 2003 Shaw Creek Bird Supply