Colorado is home to
all three species of bluebirds. Bluebirds are
usually found in fields, open woodlands, parks or
along golf courses or other open areas, including
suburban locations with open spaces and scattered
tress. The mountain bluebird can be found in higher
elevations in open meadows in coniferous forests.
The mountain
bluebird is well known for its hovering flight as
it hawks for insects.
Both the eastern
and western bluebirds have musical flight calls
that often reveal their presence.
Male western bluebird
Red = summer range,
Green = year-around, Blue = winter range
Male mountain bluebird
Red = summer range,
Green = year-around, Blue = winter range
Male eastern bluebird
The range of the
eastern bluebird in Colorado is limited to
far-eastern part of the state.
Red = summer range, Green = year-around, Blue =
winter range
In
The Backyard:
Bluebirds can be attracted to peanut butter mixes,
suet and fruit. Raisins soaked in hot water to
soften them are well received. The bluebird's
special favorite is mealworms.
Nesting:
In Colorado nesting can commence early spring and
can continue well into the summer. Two and
sometimes three broods may be produced. Watch for
house sparrows trying to use the next box and
immediately remove any house sparrow nesting
material.
Visit the main
Birdzilla.com
Web site
for information nest boxes and management, bluebird
trails, range maps and much more on these popular
birds. The Sam's
Guide to Bluebirds
CD-ROM and DVD provides complete information on
bluebird trails, boxes, care and feeding and a
whole lot more.
