Bluebirds are some of the most vibrant and beloved birds in North America, known for their blue feathers and cheerful songs. It may surprise you to know there are only three bluebird species, all with very similar characteristics. We’ll talk about what they all have in common, as well as each species unique ranges, habitats, plumage and behaviors. At the end we’ll share some tips for the perfect birdhouse specifications for each species to attract these lovely birds to your yard.
Bluebird Characteristics
Here are some general characteristics shared by all members of the bluebird family:
- Bright plumage – All bluebirds have vibrant blue feathers, and the males are much more vibrant than the females.
- Cavity-nesting habits – Bluebirds typically nest in tree cavities or man-made birdhouses, relying on existing holes or old woodpecker holes rather than creating their own.
- Insectivorous diet – While they eat berries and fruits in the winter, bluebirds primarily feed on insects during warmer months.
- Open habitat preference – Bluebirds are commonly found in open areas like fields, grasslands, orchards, and meadows. They like to perch on fences or low branches and watch the ground for insects.
- Gentle demeanor – Bluebirds are non-aggressive and are generally peaceful around other birds, though they will defend nesting sites.
- Seasonal migration – Only some bluebirds migrate, with northern populations moving south for the winter, while southern populations often stay year-round.
- Melodic songs – Bluebirds don’t have loud, showy songs like cardinals or wrens. They are known for their soft, warbling songs, which are often used for communication and to attract mates.
3 Types of Bluebirds
While birds like finches and sparrows seem to have endless members of their family, there are only three species of bluebird in the whole world! All of them live in North America.
1. Eastern Bluebird
- Scientific name: Sialia sialis
- Wingspan: 9.8–12.6 inches
- Length: 6.3–8.3 inches
Location: The eastern bluebird is found across the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of southern Canada and Mexico. While many remain year-round in the southern part of their range, those in the northeastern U.S. and Canada will only see bluebirds during the spring and summer months. Some may fly as far as 2,000 miles between Texas in the winter and Manitoba in the spring!
Appearance: Male eastern bluebirds are easily recognized by their bright blue plumage, rusty-orange chest, and white belly. Females have a similar color pattern but are much less vibrant. Their head and upper back are gray with a hint of blue, with a bit more vibrant blue showing on their wings and tail. They have the same orange chest as males, but not as richly colored. Eastern bluebirds are plump-bodied, with rounded bellies and heads and large, dark eyes.
Habitat & Behaviors: They prefer open woodlands, orchards, and fields with scattered trees. Parks and backyards that feature open lawn mixed in with mature trees are also a great place to spot them. They like this open-lawn habitat because they do most of their hunting on the ground. Perching on a low branch, they scan the ground for insects and drop down on them. They can spot their insect prey from up to 60 feet away! In the winter, they switch over to consuming a lot of berries like mistletoe, currant, holly, dogwood, pokeweed, juniper and sumac.
Eastern bluebirds are cavity nesters, but cannot create cavities on their own. They look for old woodpecker holes, natural tree cavities, or birdhouses. Males choose the nest site and alert the female, who then does all the actual nest building. She weaves together grasses and pine needles and lines the cup with soft materials. Females lay 2–7 pale blue eggs, though occasionally the eggs are white.
2. Western Bluebird
- Scientific name: Sialia mexicana
- Wingspan: 11–13 inches
- Length: 6.3–7.5 inches
Location: Western bluebirds inhabit the western United States, from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast, as well as parts of Mexico and British Columbia. They are found in forests, woodland edges, farmlands, and open areas with scattered trees. Forests containing ponderosa pine, pinyon pine and juniper are favored, and they thrive in recently burned or disturbed areas that have dead tree stands for nesting. Northern populations migrate south in winter, while those in milder climates stay put year-round.
Appearance: Males are vibrant with deep, shiny blue plumage on their heads and wings, rusty-orange chests, and blue or bluish-white bellies. Females are grayish-blue with less vivid coloring but retain the rusty chest. While they look a lot like their eastern counterparts, the western bluebird’s head color extends all the way down their throat to the top of the chest. Eastern bluebirds orange chest feathers go all the way up their throat. Additionally, western bluebirds have a patch of rusty feathers at the top of their back.
Nesting & Behaviors: Like their eastern relatives, western bluebirds are cavity nesters, using natural tree holes or birdhouses. Nests are constructed with grasses, feathers, and other soft materials. Females lay 2-8 light blue or occasionally white eggs, and may nest up to three times a year. Their diet includes insects such as grasshoppers, ants, and caterpillars, as well as fruits and berries like juniper and mistletoe. Outside of their breeding season, they may join together in flocks of other birds like robins, yellow-rumped warblers and mountain bluebirds.
3. Mountain Bluebird
- Scientific name: Sialia currucoides
- Wingspan: 11–14 inches
- Length: 6.3–7.9 inches
Location: The mountain bluebird is native to the open areas of western North America, including grasslands, high deserts, prairie and tundra edges, pastures, and alpine meadows. They breed in the western United States and Canada as far north as Alaska, then migrate south to the southwestern U.S. and Mexico during the winter. As their name suggests, they can be found up to 12,500 feet above sea level, although they prefer to spend winters at lower elevations.
Appearance: Right away you likely notice the mountain bluebirds main difference from the others – no rusty orange chest! Males are strikingly bright blue all over, with a sky blue chest and deep blue head and back. Females are more subtle in appearance and their plumage can vary. Some are a soft gray with hints of blue, while others may be a warmer brown with a buffy chest. Either way, their wing edges and tail will have that signature bright blue coloring.
Behavior & Nesting: Mountain bluebirds hunt insects from low perches, but unlike other bluebirds they are also good aerial hunters, catching insects mid-flight. They also eat beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders, as well as berries in colder months. Unlike other bluebird species, they sometimes hover above the ground while hunting, which is a unique behavioral trait. This does expend extra energy, so hovering is usually reserved for times when food is harder to find. These birds are known for their adaptability to high altitudes and harsh climates, often seen flitting across wide-open spaces.
Mountain bluebirds also nest in cavities, often relying on tree holes, rock crevices, or man-made birdhouses. Males will fly back and forth between their chosen nest hole and perching near a female, singing at each perch to get her attention. Once she’s agreed with the males nest choice, she will work diligently to build the nest of grass, twigs, and soft materials. They typically lay 4–8 bluish-white eggs.
This bluebird house comes with a heavy-duty pole, making setup quick and secure!
- ✔️ ️Give bluebirds a safe, sturdy home for nesting season
- ✔️ Easy to set up with included pole—ready in minutes
- ✔️ Designed to attract bluebirds and keep them coming back
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Attracting Bluebirds With Birdhouses
Check out our separate article for a variety of tips on attracting bluebirds, like offering mealworms and planting fruiting shrubs to help them find food in the winter. But the main way most people try to attract bluebirds is by putting up a birdhouse, also called a nestbox.
Melanie is an environmental scientist, birdwatcher, and amateur photographer. She’s been a birding hobbyist for years and loves feeding and learning about birds of all types. Over the years, Melanie has identified more than 250 bird species, with sightings of the Atlantic Puffin, Hawaiian Goose, and Arctic Tern among her most cherished.