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Mountain Bluebird

Scientific Name:

Sialia currucoides

Type:

Bird

Habitat:

Open areas near mountains

Range:

Western North America from Alaska to central Mexico

Status:

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)

This species is

NATIVE

to the Truckee Meadows.

Identification:

Mountain bluebirds are small, stocky thrushes most recognizable by their bright blue feathers of the males that give them their names. These birds have round heads and straight, thin bills and, when compared to other bluebirds, have longer wings and tails. Mountain bluebirds are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females appear different. Males have vibrant sky-blue feathers on their backs, wings, and heads and white undersides, while females are mostly gray-brown with pale blue tinges on their wings and tails.

Fast Facts:

  • Nevada's state bird is the mountain bluebird.

  • With mountain bluebird courtship, it's all about location location location. Females choose their mates based on the male’s chosen nesting site rather than on his looks, displays, or calls.

  • Male mountain bluebirds will collect food and feed their female mates while she is nesting and brooding chicks.

  • Mountain bluebirds fiercely compete with other cavity-nesting bird species such as flickers, swallows, and starlings for the best nest sites.

Sources:

Contributor(s):

Haley McGuire (research & content)

Ernest Ross (photos)

Alex Shahbazi (edits & page design)

Last Updated:

March 27, 2024 at 1:48:22 AM

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