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Bird Identification

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Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana Length: 7"

The western bluebird is the most richly colored of our three bluebird species. It is found in a variety of open habitats throughout much of the West and is often seen perching on a fencepost, wire, or treetop scanning for its insect prey.

Field Marks

Adult males are deep blue on the head, back, and tail with bright rusty breast, shoulders, and back. The rusty back sets this bluebird apart from the blue-backed eastern and mountain bluebirds. Female westerns are paler overall with a white eye-ring on a grayish face.

Sounds

Song is a soft warble: tew, tew, tewoo. Call is tew!

Habitat

Open woods, farms, and orchards in spring and summer. In winter, may move to other habitats at lower elevations, including desert mesquite and areas containing berry-bearing plants such as mistletoe and juniper.

Backyard

Western bluebirds will use nest boxes placed in appropriate open habitat. They will visit feeders for suet and suet dough, mealworms, and fruit pieces and gardens for winter fruits and berries. They will also visit water features to drink and bathe.

This profile is an excerpt from The Young Birder's Guide by Bill Thompson, III. Purchase an autographed copy from our nature store, and check out other BWD titles designed to help you identify backyard birds.

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