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3 Types of Bluebirds (with Photos)

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

eastern bluebird four square

  • 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

western bluebird four square

  • 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

mountain bluebirds four square

  • 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.

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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. 

Bluebird populations declined significantly in the 20th century due to habitat loss, increased pesticide use, and competition for nesting sites from invasive species like European starlings and house sparrows. As cavity nesters, bluebirds rely on natural tree holes or abandoned woodpecker nests. These spaces became scarcer as dead trees were removed for urban development, and non-native species aggressively fought bluebirds for use of the holes.

The introduction of bluebird nestboxes has been a critical conservation tool. These man-made cavities provide safe, predator-resistant nesting sites, helping to counteract the loss of natural habitats. Conservation efforts and citizen-led bluebird trails, where multiple nestboxes are installed in suitable habitats, have played a major role in restoring bluebird populations across North America.

Eastern bluebird – Sialia sialis – adult male and female with pine needle nesting material for making a nest for babies in birdbox, bird box, birdhouse, home, roosting box, green blurred background

Nestbox Specifications For Each Species

Ensure boxes are watertight, and have ventilation and drainage holes. Secure on a pole with a baffle rather than a tree. Trees give easy access for nestbox predators. Have the box cleaned out and ready early, at the start of nesting season. Face the entrance hole east or south to prevent afternoon overheating. Clean out the box as soon as all babies have officially left the nest for the best chance of the adults choosing the box again for their second brood.

Use the below dimensions to build your own, or look for pre-built boxes that match these as closely as possible. 

Eastern Bluebirds

Nesting period: late February through mid September.
Height off ground: 4-6 feet
Space between boxes: 300 feet
Entrance hole size: 1.5 inch round, 1.375 x  2.25  inch vertical oval, 1.125 inch horizontal slot.
Box depth: between 4.5 – 6 inches
Floor size: 4×4, 5×5, or maximum 5.5 x 5.5 inches

Western Bluebirds

Nesting period: mid March to early August
Height off ground: 4-6 feet
Space between boxes: 215 feet
Entrance hole size: 1.56 inch round or 1.19 inch slot
Box depth: between 4.5 – 6 inches
Floor size: 5×5 or 5.5 x 5.5 inches

Mountain bluebird

Nesting period: April to mid September
Height off ground: 4-6 feet
Space between boxes: 300 feet
Face opening east, preferably towards open habitat
Entrance hole size: 1.56 inch round or 1.19 inch slot
Box depth: between 4.5 – 6 inches
Floor size: 5×5 or 5.5 x 5.5 inches

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