The Mountain Bluebird
The Bright Blue Bird of Idaho and Nevada
The Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is a small bird with bright blue feathers. It is the state bird for both Idaho and Nevada. This pretty bird is known for its sky-blue color, which makes it easy to spot in nature. In this post, you’ll learn some fun facts about Mountain Bluebirds, where they live, what they eat, and why they are important to these two states.
What Does a Mountain Bluebird Look Like?
Male Mountain Bluebirds are known for their beautiful, bright blue feathers, which look like the sky. Females are not as brightly colored but have a soft, grayish-blue tint with a little brown on their chest. These small birds are about 7 inches long, which is about the size of your hand.
Where Do Mountain Bluebirds Live?
Mountain Bluebirds love to live in open areas like grasslands, meadows, and deserts. You can often find them in parts of Idaho and Nevada, especially in areas with fewer trees. They like to nest in holes in trees or even man-made birdhouses. During the cold months, they fly south to warmer places, just like many other birds.
What Do Mountain Bluebirds Eat?
These birds eat insects and berries, depending on the season. During spring and summer, they hunt for insects like beetles and grasshoppers, which they catch while flying. In winter, when insects are harder to find, they switch to eating berries. This makes Mountain Bluebirds very helpful because they eat insects that can harm plants.
Why Are They the State Birds of Idaho and Nevada?
Mountain Bluebirds were chosen as state birds because they represent the beauty of nature in Idaho and Nevada. These birds are common in both states and remind people of the wide-open spaces and clear blue skies found there. Seeing a Mountain Bluebird can make you feel connected to nature.
How Do Mountain Bluebirds Raise Their Babies?
Mountain Bluebirds are great parents. The mother bird lays four to six eggs in a nest, and both parents work together to feed the baby birds. The baby bluebirds, called chicks, hatch after about two weeks. After another two or three weeks, they are ready to leave the nest and learn to fly.
Fun Facts About Mountain Bluebirds
- Mountain Bluebirds are part of the thrush family, just like American robins.
- They can hover in the air to catch insects, which is a cool trick not many birds can do.
- Mountain Bluebirds like to return to the same nesting spot year after year if it feels safe.
- They don’t sing very loudly. Instead, they make soft chirping sounds to communicate.
How Can You Help Mountain Bluebirds?
You can help Mountain Bluebirds by putting up birdhouses. These birds often have trouble finding safe places to build their nests because people cut down trees. Birdhouses can be a perfect place for them to lay their eggs and raise their young.
Mountain Bluebirds are special to Idaho and Nevada, and they remind us of how important it is to protect nature. The next time you see one of these bright blue birds, you’ll know a little more about why they are so special!