Mountain Bluebird
Least ConcernSialia currucoides
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
15cm to 18cm
Wingspan
28cm to 36cm
Weight
24g to 37g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 3,800 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subarctic
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Mountain Bluebird. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Mountain Bluebird demonstrates remarkable agility through its distinctive 'drop and hover' hunting technique, similar to kestrels. Their ability to hover precisely whilst hunting and perform aerial displays during courtship showcases exceptional flight control and manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
As a small thrush weighing between 24-37g, the Mountain Bluebird possesses modest strength. Whilst capable of carrying nesting materials and prey items, their physical power is proportionate to their small size category.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
These birds show impressive adaptability, thriving in elevations up to 3,800 metres and adjusting their diet seasonally between insects and berries. Their ability to utilise both natural cavities and artificial nest boxes, plus their successful adaptation to varying altitudes and seasonal changes, demonstrates strong adaptive capabilities.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Mountain Bluebirds display relatively low aggression levels. Whilst they defend their territories during breeding season, they're not notably aggressive compared to other species. They're often observed in flocks during winter, suggesting reasonable tolerance of their own kind.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Their endurance is evidenced by their short-distance migration patterns, ability to survive in high-altitude environments, and sustained hovering hunting technique. Their capacity to breed at elevations up to 12,000 feet whilst maintaining active hunting behaviours demonstrates considerable stamina.
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.
Vocalisation
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.
Lifespan
The Mountain Bluebird typically lives for 4 to 6 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 9 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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.
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Arctic Bluebird
Family:
TurdidaePredators
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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Similar Birds
References
- 2
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Sialia currucoides. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22708556A137560639.
View source - 4
report, 2017: Sauer et al.
- 3
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 1
website: Historical Longevity Records of North American Birds
View source
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