Mountain Bluebird Similar Species Comparison

Adult male

Small, stocky thrush with a round head and a thin bill. Adult males are sky-blue overall, darker above than below.

Female/immature

Round-bellied thrush with a thin bill. Females/immatures are mostly gray-brown with tinges of pale blue in the wings and tail. Belly color varies from pale rusty to grayish.

Adult male

Juvenile

Juveniles look similar to females, but have sparse spotting on the back and belly.

Female/immature

Small thrush. Females/immatures can have pale rusty wash on the breast or a grayish wash. Note thin white eyering.

Adult male

Adult male

Small sky-blue thrush. Adult males are unmistakable.

Adult male

The sky-blue color tends to be brighter on the tail and wings.

Female/immature

Adult male

Adult males in winter tend to be paler overall with a grayer belly.

Habitat

Found in open spaces such as prairie, sagebrush steppe, and even alpine tundra; anywhere with open country with at least a few trees that have holes in them or nest boxes for nesting.

Female/immature

Flock

In winter, often occurs in large flocks wandering the landscape feasting on berries, particularly those of junipers.