Sialia
mexicana
(Western
Bluebird)
Physical
Description:
6-7" (15-18 cm). Male
has blue hood, wings, tail, and rump with chestnut breast, flanks
, and (usually) shoulders;
varying amount of chestnut and blue on back. Female is sooty gray above with
some light blue markings on shoulders and edges of tail; buff below with pale cinnamon
flanks.
Similar Species- Male Eastern Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird
Song:
Song
is an abrupt cher cherlee cherb.
Distribution:
Resident
from southern British Columbia and central Montana, south in mountains to northern
Baja California and central mainland of Mexico. May wander to other areas during
winter.
Habitat:
Found in open or riparian woodlands, farmlands,
orchards, and savannas. Also inhabits desert areas during winter.
Diet:
Mainly insectivorous. Eats grasshoppers, caterpillars,
beetles, other insects, and other invertebrates (spiders, earthworms, sow bugs,
etc.). Feeds seasonally on berries and other fruits.
Ecology:
Nests in excavated cavity, preferably in standing
snag or hollow tree. Forages by flycatching, and by dropping from perch to ground.
Colorado study found average of 0.6 breeding birds/ha in montane forests. In Idhao,
species has probably benefited from extensive placement of nestboxes.
size varies from 3-8 eggs
(usually 4-6). Incubation lasts 13-14 days. altricial nestlings are tended by
both parents. Fledged young are tended by male while female renests (female usually
produces 2 broods/yr).
Conservation:
| Element Code: | ABPBJ15020 |
| Status: | Protected nongame species |
| Global Rank: | G5 |
| State Rank: | S4,NTMB |
| National Rank: | N5 |
Important
State References:
Saab, V.A. and J. Dudley. 1995. Nest usurpation
and cavity use by Lewis' Woodpecker. USDA Forest Service Inter. Res. Sta. Rep.,
Boise. 13pp.