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.