Mountain Bluebird

1/640s at f8.0 ISO:1250, EOS-1D Mark IV, EF800mm f/5.6L IS USM x1.4 converterx


The Mountain Bluebird is migratory. Their range varies from Mexico in the winter to as far north as Alaska, throughout the western U.S. and Canada. Northern birds migrate to the southern parts of the range; southern birds are often permanent residents. Some birds may move to lower elevations in winter. These birds hover over the ground and fly down to catch insects, also flying from a perch to catch them. They mainly eat insects and berries. They may forage in flocks in winter. Their breeding habitat is open country. They nest in pre-existing cavities or in nest boxes. In remote areas, these birds are less affected by competition for natural nesting locations than other bluebirds. Females usually build the nests themselves. Clutch size is 4 to 6, length of incubation is 13 to 14 days, and days to fledge are 22 to 23. The number of broods is usually 2.
Rocky Mountain N.P., CO
 
05/21/2012