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.

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.