The Western Bluebird is a jewel of open woodlands in the West, the male's deep cobalt-blue plumage offset by a chestnut breast and back. It depends on natural cavities and nest boxes for breeding and competes vigorously with European Starlings and House Sparrows for available sites. Nest box programs have helped stabilize declining populations.
Best time to see a Western Bluebird
The best time to see a Western Bluebird is January–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 63,901 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Western Bluebird? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Western Bluebird sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Western Bluebird?
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