Western Bluebird, Sialia mexicana


Western Bluebirds
Above and below, a pair near their nest.


Western Bluebirds


Western Bluebird
This adult male bluebird was kiting, upside down, while seeking food from a Chinese Pistache tree on the Stanford campus. I'd never seen a bluebird engaging in this behavior before.

Western Bluebird
Above and below, male Western Bluebirds. The scapulars (shoulders) are always orange; the orange patch on the otherwise blue back varies from non-existent to (as shown below) extensive.


Western Bluebird

Western Bluebird


Western Bluebird
Above and below, female Western Bluebirds.


Western Bluebird


Western Bluebird
A female, taking off, in a pasture on Acorn Ranch, across Hwy 1 from Point Lobos.

Western Bluebird


Western Bluebird
A male Western Bluebird feeding on elderberries in Fall.


Western Bluebirds
Two juveniles.


Western Bluebird
This ratty looking Western Bluebird is molting from its juvenile plumage (retained in head upper breast) into its adult-like first basic; the extensive bright rufous on the underparts and the bright blue in the wings and tail mark it as a male.