Thrushes (Turdidae)

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides. Insects caught by hover-hunting; berries in winter.

Thrushes (Turdidae)Mountain BluebirdSialia currucoides
Scientific name
Sialia currucoides
Length
6.3–7.9 in
Weight
1.1 oz
Nest
Cavity or nest box
Entrance hole
1 9/16 in
Clutch
4–8 eggs
Incubation
13–14 days
Broods
1–2 per season

Identification

  • Male entirely sky blue
  • Female grey with blue wings and tail
  • Longer wings than other bluebirds

Voice

Soft 'few' calls.

Diet and feeding

Insects caught by hover-hunting; berries in winter.

What do mountain bluebirds eat? · Best feeder for mountain bluebirds

Mountain Bluebirds by state and province

RegionStatusNesting
AlaskaSummer breederJune–July
AlbertaSummer breederJune–July
ArizonaYear-round residentApril–July
British ColumbiaSummer breederJune–July
CaliforniaSummer breederApril–July
ColoradoYear-round residentMay–July
IdahoSummer breederMay–July
KansasWinter visitor—
ManitobaSummer breederJune–July
MontanaSummer breederJune–July
NebraskaSummer breederMay–July
NevadaYear-round residentMay–July
New MexicoYear-round residentMay–July
North DakotaSummer breederJune–July
OklahomaWinter visitor—
OregonSummer breederMay–July
SaskatchewanSummer breederJune–July
South DakotaSummer breederMay–July
TexasWinter visitor—
UtahYear-round residentMay–July
WashingtonSummer breederMay–July
WyomingSummer breederJune–July
YukonSummer breederJune–July

Frequently asked

What do mountain bluebirds eat?

Insects caught by hover-hunting; berries in winter. At feeders: mealworms.

How big is a Mountain Bluebird?

6.3–7.9 in long and 1.1 oz.

Do mountain bluebirds use birdhouses?

Yes — a 1 9/16 in entrance, 5 × 5 in floor, mounted 5–10 ft.

Sources

  1. Mountain Bluebird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  2. Mountain Bluebird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
  3. Mountain Bluebird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
  4. NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.