Bluebird, Mountain
Sialia currucoides L 7.25–7.5 inches.
Stunning bird with longer wings and tail than other bluebirds. Often hovers while scanning ground for insect prey. Nests in tree holes and readily uses nest boxes. Forms flocks outside breeding season. Sexes are dissimilar. ADULT MALE Has mostly sky-blue plumage, darkest on wings and tail, palest on belly and undertail.
ADULT FEMALE Gray-buff overall, but with blue on wings and tail and variable orange wash to breast; brightly marked birds told from other female bluebirds by longer wings and tail, paler upperparts,and hovering habits.
JUVENILE Recalls adult female, but underparts are pale-spotted.
VOICE Song is a series of call notes, including a whistling tche’ew.
STATUS AND HABITAT Common summer visitor (Apr–Aug) to woodland; winters at lower altitudes.
OBSERVATION TIPS Easy to see.
Return to two-page spread from Birds of Mountain North America