Western bluebird
Sialia mexicana
Identification Tips:
- Thin bill
- Most often seen in open habitats: agricultural areas, wood edges, et al
Adult male:
- Bright blue upperparts and throat
- Brownish patch on back
- Orange-red breast and sides
- Gray belly and undertail coverts
Adult female:
- Blue wings and tail-duller than male
- Gray crown and back
- Eye ring
- Gray throat
- Brownish wash to breast and sides
- Gray belly and undertail coverts
Juvenile:
- Blue wings and tail-duller than male
- White eye ring
- Spotted underparts
Similar species:
The Western Bluebird is most likely to be confused with other bluebirds.
Male Western Bluebirds have blue throats while male Easterns have orange-red
ones. Male Mountain Bluebirds lack any reddish coloration on their
underparts. Females are more difficult to separate. Western Bluebirds have
gray throats and gray bellies while Eastern Bluebirds have a brownish throat
and white belly. Western Bluebirds are browner on the breast than Mountain
Bluebirds and have thicker bills.