Description [ edit] The mountain bluebird
Mountain bluebird
The mountain bluebird is a medium-sized bird weighing about 30 g with a length from 16–20 cm. They have light underbellies and black eyes. Adult males have thin bills and are bright turquoise-blue and somewhat lighter underneath. Adult females have duller blue wings and tail, grey breast, grey …
What kind of bird is a mountain bluebird?
The Mountain bluebird, also known as the Arctic bluebird - is a small thrush that is easily identified by the vivid bright blue plumage of the male. In fact, this species has the bluest plumage out of all the North American bluebirds. The female is mainly gray but has a bluish tint, particularly on her wings and tail.
How much does a Bluebird weigh?
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Mountain Bluebirds can weigh up to 30 grams, whereas Eastern Bluebirds can weigh up to 32 grams (source). This might be surprising, since Mountain Bluebirds are usually thought to be the largest bluebird. But, as far as total weight goes, Mountain Bluebirds might actually be the smallest.
How many eggs does a mountain bluebird lay?
Mountain bluebirds are a monogamous breed. The male can be seen singing from bare branches. The singing takes place right at dawn, just when the sun rises. Females usually build the nests themselves. Eggs are pale blue and unmarked, sometimes white. The clutch size is four or five eggs.
What habitat do mountain bluebirds live in?
Mountain Bluebirds thrive in open grassland where there is plenty of access to natural cavities where they can build their nests. When a forest is cleared, by either a wildfire or by logging, Mountain Bluebirds benefit from the open grassland and access to more dead trees for nesting cavities.
How tall is a mountain bluebird?
six to seven inchesThe mountain bluebird is six to seven inches in length. It has a small, pointed black bill and black legs and feet. The male is a deep sky blue above and a paler blue below with a white stomach.
Where are Mountain Bluebirds found?
Mountain Bluebirds breed across western North America as far north as Alaska; they spend winters in as far south as central Mexico. Migrating flocks may consist of 20 to 200 birds.
Are Mountain Bluebirds common?
Mountain Bluebirds are common in the West's wide-open spaces, particularly at middle and higher elevations. They breed in native habitats such as prairie, sagebrush steppe, and even alpine tundra; anywhere with open country with at least a few trees that can provide nest cavities.
How rare is the mountain bluebird?
With a population of just around 4.6 million, Mountain Bluebirds are the least common bluebird species in North America. For a comparison, the more common Eastern Bluebird has a total population around 22 million! If you live east of the Rocky Mountains like me, you've probably never even seen a Mountain Bluebird.
How do you attract Mountain Bluebirds?
0:571:39Attracting Mountain Bluebirds - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you have to have a large fairly contiguous tract of open land to attract them they're they'reMoreBut you have to have a large fairly contiguous tract of open land to attract them they're they're hard to bring into a suburban area or certainly into an urban area.
Can you have a mountain blue bird as a pet?
No, these birds do not make good pets. Even though they are beautiful birds, they do not do well in a household setting. In most places, it is illegal to own any of the three Bluebird species as a pet.
What do Mountain Bluebirds like to eat?
Mostly insects and berries. Feeds heavily on insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, crickets, ants, bees, and others. Also eats some berries, including those of mistletoe, juniper, hackberry, and other plants. Berries are particularly important in the diet in winter.
What is the mountain bluebird known for?
The Mountain bluebird, also known as the Arctic bluebird - is a small thrush that is easily identified by the vivid bright blue plumage of the male. In fact, this species has the bluest plumage out of all the North American bluebirds. The female is mainly gray but has a bluish tint, particularly on her wings and tail.
What is one interesting fact about the mountain bluebird?
4 Amazing Mountain Bluebird Facts The mountain bluebird is the official state bird of Idaho and Nevada. Some Native Americans consider the feathers to be sacred symbols. This species is sometimes called “the bluest of the bluebird” for its particularly bright blue plumage.
Are bluebirds smart?
Blue the Bluebird symbolizes intelligence and curiosity, as well as optimism (2).
Are Mountain Bluebirds endangered?
Least Concern (Population increasing)Mountain bluebird / Conservation status
Do Mountain Bluebirds mate for life?
Do Bluebirds mate for life? The answer is probably maybe sometimes. Bluebirds do form pair-bonds during the breeding season. They are generally "socially monogamous," meaning that a single male and female form a basic social unit in breeding territory.
What states have Mountain Bluebirds?
The mountain bluebird is the state bird of Idaho and Nevada.
Are Mountain Bluebirds endangered?
Least Concern (Population increasing)Mountain bluebird / Conservation status
Are Mountain Bluebirds in California?
In California, look for these bluebirds in open areas. As their name suggests, Mountain Bluebirds are observed at elevations up to 12,500 feet during the breeding season. Once winter arrives, they typically fly down to lower elevations. These birds are found in open areas, such as meadows, prairies, or pastures.
What is the mountain bluebird known for?
The Mountain bluebird, also known as the Arctic bluebird - is a small thrush that is easily identified by the vivid bright blue plumage of the male. In fact, this species has the bluest plumage out of all the North American bluebirds. The female is mainly gray but has a bluish tint, particularly on her wings and tail.
How many eggs do mountain bluebirds have?
4-8 eggs. Mountain bluebirds form pair bonds which are monogamous. This means that males mate with only one female and females mate with only one male. At the start of the breeding season, males are the first to arrive at the breeding grounds. They select a nest site, being a cavity in a tree or a rock crevice.
What do mountain bluebirds eat?
Mountain bluebirds are omnivores (insectivores), they mainly eat insects such as Coleoptera, Hemiptera, and Orthoptera. They also eat matter from a wide variety of plants, such as fruits, seeds and berries. Diet Omnivore, Insectivores.
What are some interesting facts about birds?
Fun Facts for Kids 1 The state bird of both Idaho and Nevada is the Mountain bluebird. 2 Robins are closely related to Mountain bluebirds. 3 Many native Americans of the southwest consider the Mountain bluebird to be a sacred symbol due to its azure-colored feathers. Navajo regard it as the image of a god, the herald of the rising sun. 4 A group of thrushes is known as a "mutation" or a "hermitage" of thrushes. 5 Female Mountain bluebirds pay more attention to a good nest site than to attractive males, choosing a mate purely according to the quality and location of the nesting cavity a male offers her - disregarding his attributes of singing, flying or appearance. - The male frequently feeds the female while she is incubating or brooding. As her mate approaches with food, she may beg fledgling-style— her beak open, her wings quivering, and making begging calls. Often, she will wait until her mate is perching nearby, then will silently flick her wing farthest from him—which usually sends the male off to find her some food.
What birds compete for nesting boxes?
Competition is high for sites among cavity-nesting birds that can’t excavate them by themselves. Mountain, western, and eastern bluebirds compete for nesting boxes in places where their ranges overlap. European starlings, House sparrows, and House wrens are also fierce competitors with bluebirds for nest sites.
What is the bluest bird in the world?
WINGSPAN. The Mountain bluebird, also known as the Arctic bluebird - is a small thrush that is easily identified by the vivid bright blue plumage of the male. In fact, this species has the bluest plumage out of all the North American bluebirds. The female is mainly gray but has a bluish tint, particularly on her wings and tail.
Why are mountain bluebirds considered sacred?
Many native Americans of the southwest consider the Mountain bluebird to be a sacred symbol due to its azure-colored feathers. Navajo regard it as the image of a god, the herald of the rising sun. A group of thrushes is known as a "mutation" or a "hermitage" of thrushes.
When do bluebirds breed?
During the breeding season in spring and summer, these birds usually are seen alone, or in pairs or - at the end of the breeding season - in family groups of a few members. This species is diurnal and forages from perches, as other bluebirds do, snatching food from the ground, from vegetation, and in mid-air.
Where do mountain bluebirds nest?
Historically, the Mountain Bluebird depended for nest sites on forest tree cavities excavated by woodpeckers. Today, many Mountain Bluebirds breed in artificial nest boxes, which tend to be situated in more open areas and have smaller openings to keep out marauders and bad weather. Most of what we know about Mountain Bluebirds comes from studies of these human-made nesting sites.
How to attract bluebirds to nest?
Mountain Bluebirds take readily to nest boxes. If you live in suitably open habitat within their range, consider putting up a nest box to attract a breeding pair. Make sure you put it up well before breeding season. Nest boxes should be located away from buildings, areas of heavy pesticide use, and dense woods, ideally in open rural country with scattered clumps of trees or low shrubs. Mount boxes in pairs at least 100 yards apart, with 10 to 20 feet between boxes in a pair. Aggressive competitors can nest in the first box, leaving the second for bluebirds. The entrance hole should be about 1.75 inches in diameter, located about 6 inches above the floor of the box. It should face away from prevailing winds, and in an easterly direction to avoid overheating by afternoon sun. Ideally, there should be a place to perch within about 100 feet of the box, for when fledglings leave the nest. Attach a guard to keep predators from raiding eggs and young. Find out more about nest boxes on All About Birdhouses. Some retail outlets carry ready-made boxes, or build your own: you'll find plans for building a nest box of the appropriate size for Mountain Bluebirds on our NestWatch site.
What birds feed on juniper berries?
In winter, search for areas with berry-laden junipers and watch for flocks of birds feeding on those berries. Mountain Bluebirds often mix with Western Bluebirds, American Robins, and Cedar Waxwings when taking advantage of such fruity abundance. Mountain Bluebirds take readily to nest boxes.
Do mountain bluebirds hunt insects?
Unlike many thrushes, Mountain Bluebirds hunt insects from perches or while on the wing, at times resembling a tiny American Kestrel with their long wings, hovering flight, and quick dives. In the right places it can be a snap to find Mountain Bluebirds, as they are not shy of humans and live in fairly open country.
Do mountain bluebirds compete with other bird nesters?
Mountain Bluebirds compete fiercely with other cavity-nesters over nest sites. Early spring arrival at nesting grounds, for example, helps them take possession of choice cavities before Tree Swallows can appropriate them. Northern Flickers sometimes enlarge the entrance holes of nest boxes before discovering the box is too small for their own use—rendering the boxes permeable to weather and competitors such as European Starlings.
What state is the Bluebird in?
This species is the state bird of Idaho and Nevada. It’s not hard to see why mountain bluebirds are among the West’s most sought-after birds.
How many eggs do mountain bluebirds lay?
A mountain bluebird pair builds a grass nest in a cavity or a birdhouse; the female lays four to six light-blue eggs inside.
What Do Mountain Bluebirds Eat?
Their diet is primarily insects and berries. They may visit backyard feeders for live mealworms. Follow these tips to attract bluebirds.
What bird sounds like the eastern bluebird?
Listen to the mountain bluebird’ s song. Their voice sounds similar to the eastern bluebird’s song, but slightly higher pitched.
How big are a squid?
Length: 7-1/4 inches. Wingspan: 14 inches. Distinctive Markings: Male is brilliant blue all over, while the female is gray overall with pale-blue wing and tail feathers. Nest: Pair builds a grass nest in a cavity or a birdhouse; female lays four to six light-blue eggs inside.
What is a mountain bluebird?
Mountain Bluebirds are fairly small thrushes with round heads and straight, thin bills. Compared with other bluebirds they are lanky and long-winged, with a long tail. Slightly larger than a Cassin’s Finch, considerably smaller than an American Robin.
Do mountain bluebirds pounce on insects?
Unlike other bluebird species, Mountain Bluebirds often hover while foraging; they also pounce on their insect prey from an elevated perch. In winter, the species often occurs in large flocks wandering the landscape feasting on berries, particularly those of junipers. 482987 from All About Birds, Cornell Lab on Vimeo.
What are some interesting facts about mountain bluebirds?
4 Amazing Mountain Bluebird Facts 1 The mountain bluebird is the official state bird of Idaho and Nevada. Some Native Americans consider the feathers to be sacred symbols. 2 This species is sometimes called “the bluest of the bluebird” for its particularly bright blue plumage. Other common names include the Arctic bluebird and the ultramarine bluebird. 3 The mountain bluebird is able to produce hybrid offspring with the closely related eastern and western bluebirds. 4 The mountain bluebird belongs to the family of Turdidae, which contains all known thrushes.
What is the common name for a mountain bluebird?
Other common names include the Arctic bluebird and the ultramarine bluebird. The mountain bluebird is able to produce hybrid offspring with the closely related eastern and western bluebirds. The mountain bluebird belongs to the family of Turdidae, which contains all known thrushes.
What is the state bird of Idaho?
The mountain bluebird is the official state bird of Idaho and Nevada. Some Native Americans consider the feathers to be sacred symbols. This species is sometimes called “the bluest of the bluebird” for its particularly bright blue plumage. Other common names include the Arctic bluebird and the ultramarine bluebird.
How many mountain bluebirds are there in the world?
It is estimated that there are approximately six million mature individuals remaining in the wild.
Why do bluebirds have a song?
These bluebirds have a set of (poorly studied) calls and songs to communicate important information such as their sense of alarm, their all-clear signals, and their territorial boundaries. Like many other songbirds, it is believed that only the males are capable of communicating through true song, which probably has something to do with mating and breeding behavior. Song production may vary by region since some populations appear to sing more frequently than others.
Where do mountain bluebirds migrate?
Their breeding range extends as far north as Alaska and their wintering range extends as far south as Mexico. They also appear all year round in California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. Despite not being a social species, they appear to migrate in large flocks of up to 50 individuals, but many other facts about their migratory behavior are not well understood yet.
Where do bluebirds live?
Eastern bluebirds can be found east of the Rockies, while mountain bluebirds tend to live west of the Rockies. Sources. Animal Diversity Web, Available here: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Sialia_currucoides/. Audubon, Available here: https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/mountain-bluebird.
How much does a mountain bluebird weigh?
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Mountain Bluebirds can weigh up to 30 grams, whereas Eastern Bluebirds can weigh up to 32 grams ( source ). This might be surprising, since Mountain Bluebirds are usually thought to be the largest bluebird. But, as far as total weight goes, Mountain Bluebirds might actually be the smallest.
How many broods do mountain bluebirds have?
The next on my list of 21 fun facts about Mountain Bluebirds is this: Mountain Bluebirds raise 1-2 broods per season, on average, whereas Eastern and Western Bluebirds typically produce 2-3 broods a year.
What does a mountain bluebird fly around?
When a male Mountain Bluebird scouts out nesting sites, he will fly around the different nest boxes or natural cavities that he finds and attempt to catch the female’s attention. He’ll fly in and out of the entrance hole, showing the female that he’s found something that she should check out.
Why did the mountain bluebird population decrease?
This decrease is generally attributed the suppression of wildfires in the American west and the decline of the logging industry.
How many bluebirds are there in North America?
Info About Bluebirds. With a population of just around 4.6 million, Mountain Bluebirds are the least common bluebird species in North America. For a comparison, the more common Eastern Bluebird has a total population around 22 million! If you live east of the Rocky Mountains like me, you’ve probably never even seen a Mountain Bluebird.
What kind of bird hovers while hunting?
2. Mountain Bluebirds “hover” while hunting. Photo by brewsterslinnet is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. The Mountain Bluebird is the only species of bluebird that “hovers” to catch insects. When hunting, bluebirds typically sit on a low perch, like a tree or fence post, to keep an eye out for insects.
Why are bluebirds so popular?
Although all three species of bluebirds inhabit the entirety of the continental United States, Mountain Bluebirds are the only species to visit Alaska, and they don’t stick around for long when they visit.
