Name: Western Bluebird

Description: Western Bluebirds are small Thrushes and the least migratory of the Bluebirds. They breed in North America from southern British Columbia south to central Mexico, east to western Montana and west to Texas. The Western Bluebird winters at lower elevations in much of the breeding range; outside the breeding range it winters in central California and along the lower Colorado River.

Other Names: California Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird

Color: The Western Bluebird is easily distinguished by its blue throat, royal blue upper parts and chestnut breast, sides and flanks. Abdomen and under-tail coverts are grayish. Females are paler and duller; their young speckled.

Sound: The Western Bluebird’s call, a soft “kew,” is often repeated several times. Western Bluebirds also chatter.

Preferred Environment: Favoring open coniferous and deciduous woodlands, wooded riparian areas (along the shores of streams or rivers), the Western Bluebird is a common sight in parklands of the west. Unlike other species of Bluebirds, it does not like large meadows, preferring open forests, grasslands, farmlands and burned area instead.

Nesting Habits: Western Bluebirds nest in tree cavities, cliff crevices, and building and nesting boxes put out for their use. Their nests are constructed of grass, twigs, hair and feathers.

Food Preference: Western Bluebirds primarily feed on insects, but will eat berries and seeds in the winter.