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Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
Birds Around Las Vegas, Wildlife Around Las Vegas
Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
Western Bluebird male

General Description: Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) are medium-sized, sexually dimorphic songbirds. In males, the head, wings, rump, and tail are dark blue; the upper breast and back are reddish orange, and the belly is white or gray. Females are similar, but the colors are duller. In young, the breast is striped.

Western Bluebirds differ from Eastern Bluebirds in that western males have a blue throat and red back, while eastern males have a red throat and blue back.

Taxonomy: Passeriformes, Turdidae.

Favored Habitat: Middle elevation (higher deserts and lower mountain) forested habitats.

Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
Western Bluebird female

Where to Find: Around Las Vegas, look for Western Bluebirds at higher elevations along the Red Rock Canyon scenic loop (Willow Springs) and middle elevations on Mt Charleston (Kyle Canyon) and the Sheep Range (Mormon Well area). These birds shift to lower elevations during winter.

Comments: Bluebirds tend to fly in flocks, so if you see one, look for others. Learn the call, it sounds like a single "twang" on a guitar and is distinctive.

Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) Western Bluebird juvenile; note the streaked front
Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana) Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)

Note: All distances, elevations, and other facts are approximate.
copyright; Last updated 240123

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