Different Species of Bluebirds

Bluebirds are among one of the most striking colors of birds that you could want to attract into your backyard landscape. In my opinion, the male Mountain Bluebird is the prettiest of the bluebirds by far, because it displays a solid brilliant blue color with pale blue underparts, and is easily distinguished by other bluebirds.

The Mountain Bluebird is found in the west in tree covered mountains and open landscapes. These birds are mostly silent, but will make a phew sound. They prefer tree covered mountain ranges and open landscape, and will winter in lower desert and semi desert areas. They eat insects, caterpillars and some fruits, and live as solitary individuals.

The Eastern Bluebird are among the best known species of bluebirds. They have a bright blue upper body , with a red brown breast and throat.

You can attract them by placing nesting boxes and commercial bluebird mixes and mealworms in feeders. The males are the prettiest of the species. The female is a duller pale blue with a pale blue-gray head. These birds make a soft melody call, and cheer up type cheerful Charlie songs.

The Eastern bluebird loves the open country, orchards, gardens, and parks. They will nest in natural cavities in trees, fence posts, and old woodpecker holes, and nesting boxes that are specific 5x5x8 inches with a 1-1/2 inch hole cut 2 inches from the top. they must be mounted 5 to 10 feet above the round on posts spaced 100 yards apart in open areas.

The Western Bluebird has a brilliant blue throat. It has a chestnut breast and sides, and is easily distinguishes from the Mountain Bluebird. The population of these birds have been affected by the dwindling of old trees, as this is where they build their nests. They winter in the extreme southern tip of Nevada and western Arizona, and southern New Mexico and further south. These birds live in pairs or in small colonies, sharing the same cavity for a night to keep warm.