WESTERN BLUEBIRD
Sialia mexicana
PASSERIFORMES
Thrushes (Turdidae)

Range and Habitat

Breeds from southern British Columbia and western Alberta south to Baja and east throughout the mountains of the west to eastern New Mexico and extreme western Texas. Spends winters throughout most of its breeding range, although northernmost populations usually withdraw slightly southward. Preferred habitats include open woodlands and pastures where old trees provide nest sites.

SOUND: "kew-kew-kew-kew-kew"

Western Bluebirds have suffered from competition for nest sites from European Starlings and House Sparrows. According to genetic studies, 45% of Western Bluebirds' nests carried young that were not offspring of the defending male. Swallows have been seen feeding and defending the nests of Western Bluebirds.

A group of thrushes are collectively known as a
"hermitage" and a "mutation" of thrushes.

The Western Bluebird is a small thrush found in western North America outside of the desert. This species prefers habitats which include semi-open country. In winter months, the Western Bluebird migrates to southern parts of its normal range; however southern populations will remain permanent residents.

Nests are built in nestboxes or tree cavities, competing with Tree Swallows, House Sparrows and European Starlings. This bird catches its food by waiting on a perch and swooping to eat mainly insects. Some insects are caught in-flight, and this bird will also eat berries.