Bluebirds
Posted by Cassidy Derrick on May 31, 2006
Q: We have a pair of blue-colored birds that come to drink at our fountain everyday. The male is an irridescent cobalt blue on his back/wings with a reddish throat & chest. The female is a muted version of these colors. They're about the size of a Starling. Can you identify the species for us? They're very beautiful birds.
Thank you.
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: California
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: Cassidy, what you have is the Western Bluebird "Sialia mexicana." It's range is throughout Northern CA and in most of Southern CA. A similar species is alos found in your area. It's name is the Mountain Bluebird "Sialia currucoides." It's blue too, but lacks the reddish throat you described. Look for it in the higher elevations. Good luck to you.
Jim Berry ( May 31, 2006)