Watercolor portrait of Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides
Migratory in much of its range Breeds in open areas of western North Am… Song

Learn to identify the Mountain Bluebird by ear. Master the "few faint whistles" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“few faint whistles”

What the Mountain Bluebird sounds like

Small thrush-like songbird with stunning sky-blue plumage in males. Males are vivid turquoise-blue above and paler blue-white below; females are gray-brown with tinges of blue on wings and tail. Slender profile with a thin black bill. Often seen perched on fence posts or hovering above open fields in search of insects.

“few faint whistles”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A soft, melodious warble consisting of a short series of whistles and chortles. The song is relatively quiet and less elaborate than those of other thrushes, often described as a gentle, short warbling or flute-like notes given from a perch. Often written as “few faint whistles”.
Don't confuse with:The Eastern Bluebird — eastern bluebird males have a bright orange throat and chest with a blue back, unlike the all-blue mountain bluebird.

Where you'll hear it

Breeds in open areas of western North America, including mountain meadows, high elevation grasslands, sagebrush flats, and prairie edges. Prefers areas with scattered trees or nest boxes for nesting cavities (often old woodpecker holes in aspen or pine). In winter, frequents open plains, grasslands, and desert scrub, often at lower elevations where berries and seeds are available.

By early spring, males arrive on breeding grounds and stake out nest cavities, singing and performing fluttering displays to attract females. Pairs raise typically two broods during the long summer if conditions allow, using natural tree cavities or nest boxes. Come late summer, families often join into small flocks feeding on abundant late-summer insects. In fall, they migrate or wander to lower elevations, often forming flocks that feed on berry-laden shrubs. During winter, Mountain Bluebirds gather in loose flocks on open plains, feeding on berries and any available insects on warm days; they can often be seen along roadsides or fence lines scanning for food.

Similar species

Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebird males have a bright orange throat and chest with a blue back, unlike the all-blue Mountain Bluebird.

Western Bluebird

Western Bluebird males have a blue head and wings but an orange-brown chest and sides; they are not uniformly blue.

Mountain Bluebird song FAQ

What does a Mountain Bluebird sound like?
A soft, melodious warble consisting of a short series of whistles and chortles. The song is relatively quiet and less elaborate than those of other thrushes, often described as a gentle, short warbling or flute-like notes given from a perch. Listen for the "few faint whistles" phrase.
How do I tell a Mountain Bluebird from a Eastern Bluebird by sound?
Eastern Bluebird: Eastern Bluebird males have a bright orange throat and chest with a blue back, unlike the all-blue Mountain Bluebird.; Eastern also has a shorter, stockier build and is found in eastern regions (no range overlap in breeding season).; Female Eastern Bluebirds are more brown with an orange wash on breast, quite different from the grayish female Mountain Bluebird..
When is the best time to hear a Mountain Bluebird?
By early spring, males arrive on breeding grounds and stake out nest cavities, singing and performing fluttering displays to attract females. Pairs raise typically two broods during the long summer if conditions allow, using natural tree cavities or nest boxes. Come late summer, families often join into small flocks feeding on abundant late-summer insects. In fall, they migrate or wander to lower elevations, often forming flocks that feed on berry-laden shrubs. During winter, Mountain Bluebirds gather in loose flocks on open plains, feeding on berries and any available insects on warm days; they can often be seen along roadsides or fence lines scanning for food.