Mountain Bluebirds in South Dakota
When mountain bluebirds are present in South Dakota, when they nest, which native South Dakota plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3b–5b yard.
- Status in South Dakota
- Summer breeder
- Nesting window
- May–July
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–5b
- Nest box
- 1 9/16 in hole, 5 × 5 in floor, 5–10 ft
When to expect mountain bluebirds in South Dakota
Mountain Bluebirds are summer residents in South Dakota, arriving shortly before nesting begins in May and leaving after the young are independent. Through the season they feed on grasshoppers, beetles and caterpillars.
Continental, with prairie east of the Missouri River and the forested Black Hills in the west.
Nesting in South Dakota
Across South Dakota, mountain bluebirds typically nest from May–July. Nest site: cavity or nest box. Females lay 4–8 eggs, incubate for 13–14 days, and young leave the nest after 17–21 days.
Warm summers with thunderstorms; the Black Hills host western mountain birds.
- Have boxes cleaned and mounted before April — mountain bluebirds begin prospecting ahead of egg-laying.
- Use a 1 9/16 in entrance on a 5 × 5 in floor, mounted 5–10 ft.
- Fit a pole baffle or hole guard; ventilation gaps and drainage holes are essential.
- Clean out old nests after each brood and again after July.
Native South Dakota plants that attract mountain bluebirds
Of the regional native plants we track for South Dakota, these 8 provide food or cover mountain bluebirds use:
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Feeding mountain bluebirds through the South Dakota year
Nests at high elevations in open country; takes nest boxes on fence lines.
- Best foods: Mealworms.
- In South Dakota's summer: offer water and insect foods; natural food is abundant.
Full diet breakdown for mountain bluebirds · Best feeder for mountain bluebirds
Frequently asked
Are mountain bluebirds in South Dakota year-round?
No. Mountain Bluebirds are summer breeders in South Dakota and leave for the winter.
When do mountain bluebirds nest in South Dakota?
Nesting in South Dakota typically runs May–July, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 4–8 eggs, incubated for 13–14 days.
What native plants attract mountain bluebirds in South Dakota?
Eastern red cedar, Smooth sumac, Bur oak, Black cherry, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, New England aster, Tall goldenrod are native plants in South Dakota that provide food or cover for mountain bluebirds.
What size birdhouse hole do mountain bluebirds need?
1 9/16 in, with a floor of 5 × 5 in mounted 5–10 ft.
Mountain Bluebirds in other regions
Other backyard birds in South Dakota
Sources
- Mountain Bluebird — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Mountain Bluebird life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Mountain Bluebird — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- NestWatch nest box plans and species requirements — Cornell Lab
- eBird region overview and bar charts — South Dakota
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
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.