The mountain bluebird is the official state bird of Idaho and Nevada. This medium-sized thrush hassky blue upperparts and pale underparts. The male has a darker head and bright blue throat and breast. The mountain bluebird inhabits open mountain forests and nests in tree cavities. Its diet consists mainly of insects and berries. The mountain bluebird is a symbol of the wide-open spaces and rugged beauty of the western United States.
Which States Have the Mountain Bluebird as Their State Bird?
The mountain bluebird is the official state bird of two U.S. states:
| State | Year Declared |
|---|---|
| Idaho | 1931 |
| Nevada | 1967 |
Idaho was the first state to declare the mountain bluebird as its official state bird in 1931. Nevada followed suit and adopted the mountain bluebird as its state symbol in 1967.
Why Idaho and Nevada Chose the Mountain Bluebird
Both Idaho and Nevada chose the mountain bluebird to represent their states for similar reasons:
- The mountain bluebird is native to the Rocky Mountain region, which includes parts of Idaho and Nevada.
- It thrives in the open, mountainous habitats found in both states.
- Its bright blue plumage evokes a sense of beauty and freedom associated with the western landscape.
By selecting the mountain bluebird as their state bird, Idaho and Nevada recognized the importance of this species to their local ecosystems and its symbolic ties to the culture and terrain of the American West.
Range and Habitat of the Mountain Bluebird
The mountain bluebird has a expansive range that stretches across much of western North America:
- Breeds from Alaska and Canada south to Nevada and New Mexico
- Winters as far south as Mexico
- Found in open mountain forests, meadows, and other clearings
- Nests in tree cavities, rock crevices, and old woodpecker holes
Within its breeding range, the mountain bluebird favors relatively open habitats such as mountain meadows, pine-oak forests, burned or logged areas with scattered trees, and alpine tundra. It avoids dense forest but requires trees for nesting. Winter habitats at lower elevations include open woodlands, plains, and desert scrub.
Population and Conservation Status
The mountain bluebird has an extremely large global population estimated at 7.3 million individuals. Its numbers appear to be stable overall, and the species is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, localized declines related to habitat loss have been noted in parts of its range. Maintaining suitable breeding areas and nesting sites will be important for the continued success of this iconic western bird.
Appearance and Behavior
The mountain bluebird is a medium-sized thrush measuring 6.3-7.5 inches in length with a wingspan around 12 inches. They have pale underparts, white undertail coverts, and rich sky-blue upperparts. The male has a darker blue throat, breast, and face. Females are slightly duller with a pale gray-blue throat and breast. Juveniles have speckled underparts until their first fall molt.
Some key features and behaviors of the mountain bluebird include:
- Perches upright on fence posts and poles while hunting for insects
- Flies out to catch insects in mid-air or drops down to capture them on the ground
- Nest in cavities often with grass and feather lining
- Male mountain bluebirds help feed nestlings and defend the nest
- Migrates between breeding and wintering grounds depending on latitude
The mountain bluebird is socially monogamous. Pairs form during the breeding season and may reunite in subsequent years. Male bluebirds are strongly territorial and use calls and aerial displays to defend their nesting sites.
Diet
The diet of the mountain bluebird consists mainly of insects and spiders supplemented by small fruits and berries when available:
- Beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars
- Ants, wasps, bees
- Spiders
- Wild berries such as juniper, mistletoe, sumac
Foraging occurs primarily on the ground and on low perches in open areas with low vegetation. Mountain bluebirds often hawk flying insects from an exposed perch. Pairs sometimes forage together during the breeding season. They also drink water and take mud baths.
Breeding and Nesting
The mountain bluebird breeds across the western half of North America from late spring through summer. Key aspects of its breeding ecology include:
- Nesting season is May through August depending on latitude
- Male mountain bluebirds select the nest site, often a tree cavity
- Females build the nest from grasses, pine needles, stems, and feathers
- Clutch size is 4-8 light blue eggs
- Only the female incubates the eggs for 13-16 days
- Both parents feed the nestlings for around 21 days until fledging
Nest boxes and other artificial cavities have greatly benefited mountain bluebird breeding success. Continued nest box programs are important for boosting populations, especially in areas where natural tree cavities are limited.
Threats and Conservation
The most significant threats facing mountain bluebirds include:
- Habitat loss from development and agriculture
- Decline in nesting cavities as dead trees are removed
- Competition with invasive bird species for nest sites
- Climate change disrupting migration and breeding
Conservation actions to help mountain bluebirds include:
- Preserving open meadows, savannas, and young forest habitats
- Installing and maintaining nest boxes for breeding
- Protecting migration corridors and wintering areas
- Monitoring populations and nesting success
Following sustainable forest management practices and providing supplementary nesting sites will be key for ensuring the mountain bluebird remains a thriving symbol of the western wilderness for generations to come. The continued state bird status in Idaho and Nevada helps promote awareness and conservation of this special species.
Conclusion
With its vivid blue plumage and uplifting song, the mountain bluebird epitomizes the beauty and freedom of the western landscape. By adopting this beloved bird as their official state symbol, Idaho and Nevada recognized the mountain bluebird’s close ties to the culture, terrain, and ecological communities found within their borders. Through appropriate habitat management and stewardship, the mountain bluebird will hopefully continue brightening the mountains and valleys of the West into the future. Its unique position as the shared state bird of two states gives the mountain bluebird heightened conservation importance throughout its range.
