Where does the Mountain Bluebird live?
Sialia currucoides
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Open the appThe Mountain Bluebird lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Temperate grasslands, shrublands, open woodlands, subalpine meadows, and agricultural areas.
Geographic range
Western North America, from Alaska and western Canada south through the western United States to central Mexico. Breeding range extends from central Alaska, Yukon, and western Northwest Territories south through British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, and throughout the western US states. Winters primarily in the southwestern US and Mexico.
Preferred environments
Open country with scattered trees or shrubs, often near clearings, pastures, sagebrush flats, and high-elevation meadows. They prefer areas with available nest cavities, such as old woodpecker holes or nest boxes.
Elevation range
Breeds at higher elevations, typically 1,500-3,500 meters (5,000-11,500 feet), but can be found lower during migration and winter, down to sea level in some areas.
Where to look
High-elevation meadows
Look in open, grassy areas in mountainous regions, especially those with scattered trees or shrubs.
Sagebrush flats
These birds are often found in arid, open sagebrush country in the western US.
Agricultural areas
During migration and winter, they may utilize pastures, orchards, and fields, especially if nest boxes are present.
Nest box trails
They readily use nest boxes, so checking established bluebird trails in appropriate habitats can be very productive.
Field tips
- Scan open areas. Mountain Bluebirds prefer wide-open spaces. Look for them perched on fence posts, power lines, or low branches, scanning the ground for insects.
- Watch for hovering. Their unique hovering flight while foraging is a strong identification clue. They will often hover for several seconds before dropping to the ground.
- Visit at appropriate elevations. During the breeding season, focus your search on higher elevations in mountainous regions. In winter, they may descend to lower valleys.
- Look for nest boxes. If you are in suitable habitat, check any installed nest boxes, as they are a favored nesting site.
Migration
Migratory, though some populations in the southern parts of their range may be resident or undertake short-distance altitudinal migrations. Northern populations migrate south to the southwestern US and Mexico for winter. Migration occurs in loose flocks.
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