Life List 101
Visually documented
Western Bluebird
Sialia mexicana
- First photographed
- July 9, 2026
- First location
- Colorado, United States
- Conservation status
- Least Concern
An evolving study
Western Bluebird portfolio
This collection grows as I return to photograph new behavior, habitat, seasons, and stages of life.
Natural history
Species at a glance
Sialia mexicana
Overview
The Western Bluebird is a cavity-nesting thrush of open western woodlands. It watches from low perches for ground-dwelling prey and often moves in small family groups or flocks outside the breeding season.
Identification
Adult males are rich blue with a rusty-orange breast and upper back and a blue or gray belly. Females are gray-brown with a muted orange breast and blue in the wings and tail.
Range
Resident or seasonally migratory from southwestern Canada through the western United States and Mexico. Mountain populations often move to lower elevations in winter.
Habitat
Open pine and oak woodland, forest edges, burns, orchards, ranchland, parks, and savanna with natural cavities or nest boxes.
Diet
Insects and other small invertebrates in warmer months, with berries and other fruit important in fall and winter.
Photography by Brittany Templin
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Turdus migratorius