Mountain bluebird
| Mountain Bluebird | |
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| Species: | S. currucoides
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| Sialia currucoides (Bechstein, 1798)
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The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is a medium-sized bird weighing about an ounce, with a length from 15-20 cm (6-8 in). They have light underbellies and black eyes. Adult males have thin bills. They are bright blue and somewhat lighter beneath. Adult females have duller blue wings and tail, grey breast, grey crown, throat and back.
Distribution and habitat
The Mountain Bluebird is migratory. Their range varies from Mexico in the winter to as far north as Alaska, throughout the western U.S. and Canada. Northern birds migrate to the southern parts of the range; southern birds are often permanent residents. Some birds may move to lower elevations in winter.
Feeding
These birds hover over the ground and fly down to catch insects, also flying from a perch to catch them. They mainly eat insects and berries. They may forage in flocks in winter.
Breeding
Their breeding habitat is open country across western North America, including mountain areas, as far north as Alaska. They nest in pre-existing cavities or in nest boxes. In remote areas, these birds are less affected by competition for natural nesting locations than other bluebirds. Females usually build the nests themselves. they often eat grass hoppers in the winter
This is the state bird of Idaho and Nevada.
References
- Template:IUCN2006 Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
[www.google.ca]
- All About Birds: Mountain Bluebird, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Mountain_Bluebird.html
- Mountain Bluebird Information and Photos South Dakota Birds and Birding