About This File
The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is a medium-sized bird weighing about an ounce, with a length from 15-20 cm (6-8 in). They have light underbellies and black eyes. Adult males have thin bills. They are bright blue and somewhat lighter beneath. Adult females have duller blue wings and tail,fake grey breast, grey crown, throat and back.
Distribution and habitat
The Mountain Bluebird is migratory. Their range varies from Mexico in the winter to as far north as Alaska, throughout the western U.S. and Canada. Northern birds migrate to the southern parts of the range; southern birds are often permanent residents. Some birds may move to lower elevations in winter.
Feeding
These birds hover over the ground and fly down to catch insects, also flying from a perch to catch them. They mainly eat insects and berries. They may forage in flocks in winter, when they mainly eat grasshoppers.
Breeding
Their breeding habitat is open country across western North America, including mountain areas, as far north as Alaska. They nest in pre-existing cavities or in nest boxes. In remote areas, these birds are less affected by competition for natural nesting locations than other bluebirds. Females usually build the nests themselves.
It is the state bird of Idaho and Nevada.
References
* BirdLife International (2004). Sialia currucoides. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
* All About Birds: Mountain Bluebird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Mountain_Bluebird.html
* Mountain Bluebird Information and Photos South Dakota Birds and Birding
**100% compatible with the striped skunk made by Jordan**
Updated 2010-11-21
Just to save space with less in zip and smaller image.
Nothing new.
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now