Fun Facts about Mountain Bluebirds

- Mountain Bluebirds are a part of the thrush family. They are smaller than an American Robin, but larger than a sparrow. Commonly spotted because of the male’s brilliant sky-blue colour, this beautiful bird can be found nesting in nest boxes along prairie roads and open areas throughout our province. Females are equally striking - grayish in colour, with some blue on the wings and tail.

- Males return in early spring, usually around the time of the Spring Equinox, to begin staking territory and potential nest sites.

- When females migrate in the spring, they choose which nest site will be best for laying eggs and then build the nest.

- As Mountain Bluebirds cannot excavate their own nesting cavities, competition can be seen between this species and House Wrens, House Sparrows (non-native), and European Starlings (non-native).

- Mountain Bluebirds will nest in natural cavities, on buildings, and in nest boxes, preferably with grassland nearby as these birds are insect eaters. They feed their young grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. During the winter months, they forage for seeds and fruits, and eat insects if they are available.

- Nests are constructed from dry grass, stems, or pine needles, and then lined with finer plant material. The careful building can take more than a week to complete.

- Typically, 4-8 eggs are laid and Mountain Bluebirds will produce 1-2 clutches per year.

- Mountain Bluebirds will hunt for food on the ground, sometimes pouncing on prey. They are also adept at catching insects mid-air.

- When nesting season is over, Mountain Bluebirds will form flocks, eventually migrating south, with their southerly wintering grounds dipping into central Mexico.

- Bluebirds, including Mountain Bluebirds, Eastern Bluebirds, and Western Bluebirds, are much beloved birds and conservation efforts include Bluebird Trails throughout Alberta and many parts of North America.

- Specifications for building a Mountain Bluebird nest box can be found at https://bluebirdtrails.org/nest-box-building