Mountain Bluebird

Full, lively warbles share the clip with crisp chit notes, giving the track both soft song and sharp punctuation.

Migratory in much of its range. Breeds across the Western mountains and northern Great Plains; many migrate to the southern Plains, Southwest U.S., and Mexico for winter. Some populations in milder regions (parts of the interior West) may reside year-round or make only short elevational movements (moving down-slope in winter). State bird of Idaho and Nevada, reflecting its year-round presence in those states' open country.

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.

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.