How long do western bluebirds live?
The oldest Western Bluebird on record lived to 8.7 years, a record from a wild bird. That is a ceiling, not an average: most wild western bluebirds live only a few years.
- Longest recorded lifespan
- 8.7 years
- Record from
- Wild bird
- Age at first breeding
- About 1 year
- Eggs per clutch
- 2–8 eggs
- Broods per year
- 1–2 per season
- Size
- 6.3–7.5 in, 0.9–1.1 oz
- Rank in family (of species on this site)
- 6 of 7
Record age versus typical age
Longevity records come from birds that were marked and later found again, usually through bird banding, or from birds kept in zoos. They show what a Western Bluebird can survive to, not what most do.
For small birds, the first year is the hardest. Many eggs and nestlings are lost to predators and weather, and young birds that leave the nest still have to learn to find food and avoid hawks and cats. A bird that survives its first winter has a much better chance of living several more years. That is why average lifespans in the wild are short even when the record is long.
Western bluebirds usually start breeding at about 1 year old. Each season a pair lays 2–8 eggs and raises 1–2 per season, with eggs taking 12–17 days to hatch.
How western bluebirds compare with relatives
Oldest recorded ages for other thrushes on this site.
- American Robin17 years
- Hermit Thrush10.8 years
- Eastern Bluebird10.5 years
- Wood Thrush10.2 years
- Mountain Bluebird9 years
- Varied Thrush5.6 years
More about western bluebirds
Frequently asked
How long do western bluebirds live?
The longest-lived Western Bluebird on record reached 8.7 years, recorded from a wild bird. Most wild western bluebirds live far shorter lives, because the majority of young birds don't survive their first year.
How old is a Western Bluebird when it first breeds?
Usually about 1 year old.
What is the oldest Western Bluebird ever recorded?
8.7 years, according to the AnAge longevity database.
How many young can a Western Bluebird raise in a year?
Pairs lay 2–8 eggs and raise 1–2 per season.
Source: AnAge, The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database (Human Ageing Genomic Resources), record quality "acceptable", sample size "medium". genomics.senescence.info