ExploreBirds

Western Bluebird

Sialia mexicana

The Western Bluebird is a cheerful bird with bright blue feathers and a warm orange belly. They love to sing and can often be seen perched on fences or trees, looking for tasty insects to eat.

Habitat: Open woodlands

Appearance

The Western Bluebird has a vibrant cobalt blue head, back, and wings for males, contrasting with a rusty orange breast and flanks. Females have duller blue and orange. They are easily distinguished by their prominent rust-colored chest and white belly.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilyTurdidaeGenusSialia
Western Bluebird
feathered trait badgesocial trait badgeaerial trait badgesinging trait badge
Western Bluebird

Category

Birds

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Male bluebirds sing a soft 'feer-feer' song to attract their mates.

Sometimes, other young bluebirds help their parents raise new chicks!

Their stunning blue color comes from light scattering, not blue pigment!

They often use human-made birdhouses, which helps their populations thrive!

Special abilities

Ability

Perch Pounce Hunter

Western Bluebirds can spot insects from a high perch and then pounce down to catch them on the ground.

Ability

Cavity Dweller

Western Bluebirds have the ability to nest in natural tree hollows or old woodpecker holes for safety.

Ability

Seasonal Forager

Western Bluebirds can switch their diet to eat more berries in winter when insects are scarce, helping them survive.

Measurements & details

Length
15-18 cm
Wingspan
28-35 cm
Weight
0.028-0.032 kg
Lifespan
6-10 years
Top Speed
45 km/h
Clutch Size
3-7
Incubation
12-14 days
Migration Distance
800 km

Diet & Feeding

Western Bluebirds enjoy a mix of insects and juicy berries, finding food from perches or the ground.

Age differences: Young birds eat only insects for rapid growth; adults eat more fruit in winter when insects are scarce.

Primary Foods

  • Grasshoppers
  • Crickets
  • Beetles
  • Caterpillars
  • Juniper berries
  • Mistletoe berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy watching birds from a distance, and don't try to touch or catch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Western Bluebird?

15-18 cm

What is Western Bluebird's wingspan?

28-35 cm

How much does Western Bluebird weigh?

0.028-0.032 kg

How long does Western Bluebird live?

6-10 years

How fast can Western Bluebird move?

45 km/h

What does Western Bluebird eat?

Western Bluebirds enjoy a mix of insects and juicy berries, finding food from perches or the ground.

Where is Western Bluebird usually found?

Open woodlands

How does Western Bluebird hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

Loading map…

Recent Snaps

Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.

Where to spot

More Birds