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Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)

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Nest Cavities - Book Early

Swallows and bluebirds - like this Western Bluebird - are among the earliest northbound migrants to arrive, heralding spring a month before the equinox. Both species will nest only in cavities, such as old woodpecker holes or man-made nestboxes. But the supply of specialized nest sites is limited... read more »

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Topics & Themes:  nesting
Related bird:  Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana), Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)

Why Are Bluebirds Blue?

Why are bluebirds blue? Unlike many other bird colors, blue is not a pigment but a color produced by the structure of the feathers. Tiny air pockets and melanin pigment crystals in each feather scatter blue light and absorb the other wavelengths. The even finer structure of the feather gathers... read more »

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Topics & Themes:  science
Related bird:  Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides), Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)

Birds Helping People - Vineyards

In some vineyards of Napa and Sonoma Counties in California, owls patrol by night, and kestrels, harriers, and other raptors take the day-watch. They eat the mice, rats, and gophers that nibble on the roots of young grapevines. Other birds help, too, including this Western Bluebird. Wineries put... read more »

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Topics & Themes:  human interaction
Related bird:  Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana), American Kestrel (Falco sparverius), Barn Owl (Tyto alba), Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus)

Birds Return with the Light

Winter's weak light is finally beginning to strengthen, and some birds, long absent, have begun their journeys north. Tree Swallows, such as this one, phoebes, bluebirds, and more return with the light. So be of good cheer, the birds and Spring are coming back. You can learn more about this... read more »

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Topics & Themes:  migration, vocalization
Related bird:  Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis), Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana), Say's Phoebe (Sayornis saya), Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe)

State Birds

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have official birds. To become a state bird, it helped to be familiar, colorful, and have a punchy song. The Northern Cardinal perches as state bird in seven eastern states, the Western Meadowlark in six western states. Bluebirds - like this Western... read more »

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Topics & Themes:  history
Related bird:  Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana), Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta), Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina)

People Helping Bluebirds - Interview with Barb Jensen

By the late 1950s, Western Bluebirds had disappeared from the San Juan Islands of Washington State. But in 2010, 84 young Western Bluebirds were banded on San Juan Island. How? Barbara Jensen, president of San Juan Islands Audubon, says: "The key to bringing this together has been the incredible... read more »

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Topics & Themes:  environmental champion, nesting
Related bird:  Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)

Ponderosa Pine Savanna

In a Western ponderosa pine savanna, tall pines dot an open, grassy landscape. A Western Bluebird flits from a gnarly branch, as this Cassin's Finch belts out a rapid song. The trees here grow singly or in small stands. Upslope, the pines become denser, mixing with firs. Downhill, the trees give... read more »

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Related bird:  Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana), Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
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Western Bluebird in Slow Motion

A Western Bluebird visits its nestbox. Filmed on a Nikon V1 in slow motion. How cool is this? read more »

Webcams and videos are hosted by third parties. In exchange, you may periodically see 30-second advertisements. BirdNote does not endorse any of the products, services, or causes on third-party pages. All webcams have seasonal changes and may be down for hours, weeks, or months at a time. If this one is not active, please check our video or webcam gallery for more.

Western Bluebird Fledging

Watch and wait (until 1:15) to see a nestling Western Bluebird take its first flight from its nestbox! read more »