Mountain Bluebird or Western Bluebird?

General appearance

The Mountain Bluebird is a medium-sized bird, around 18 cm in length, comparable in size to a Robin or a Sparrow. It has a long, pointed wing shape, and a notched and square-tipped tail. Its general coloration is sky-blue or gray.

Male vs female

Male and female Mountain Bluebirds have discernible differences in color. Males boast a striking sky-blue color which distinguishes them from other blue birds; other blue birds, such as the Indigo Bunting, are characteristically darker. In contrast, females carry a gray hue interspersed with blue tinges. Their gray flanks contrast with their white bellies. Females have comparatively longer wings and tails than the other bluebirds.

Juvenile

A comprehensive description for the juvenile mountain bluebirds wasn't provided. However, it would be reasonable to infer that they might show less vibrant coloration than adults, as it is common in many bird species. Also, juveniles may possess less noticeable gender-specific traits.

Primary habitat

Mountain bluebirds enjoy open country; typically places with some trees or even treeless terrains. They prefer less crowded spaces than other bluebirds, from lowland prairies and sagebrush flats to alpine zones.

Additional range

In winter, it's common for these bluebirds to inhabit pinyon-juniper woods. However, they can also be found in unexpected environments like open grassland, desert, farmland, and even barren plowed fields.

Natural diet

The mountain bluebird primarily feeds on insects and berries. During warmer months, it consumes a variety of insects including beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, crickets, ants, and bees. These insects constitute a significant portion of their diet, providing necessary protein and nutrients. In the winter months, when insects are less abundant, mountain bluebirds rely heavily on berries. They eat berries from mistletoe, juniper, hackberry, and other plants. Berries become particularly crucial in winter, supplying them with essential carbohydrates.

Bird feeders

Mountain bluebirds are not commonly attracted to bird feeders, as they primarily hunt for insects in the wild. However, during scarce times, they might occasionally visit feeders that offer mealworms or berries, which mimic their natural diet to some extent.