From Opus

Sialia currucoides

Photo by mikyip

[edit] Identification

Length 18-20cm (7-7.25"), Wingspan 32-35 cm (12.5-13.75"), weight 29gm. Easily identified within its range by overall blue plumage, paler on the underparts; only the belly and undertail are white. Coloration in the male ranges from pale sky-blue to a bright turquoise-blue. Adult females have duller blue wings and tail and a grey breast, grey crown, throat and back. Some femailes show a pale rufous wash on the breast, inviting confusion with Western Bluebird; look for a longer tail and thinner bill in S. Currucoides.

[edit] Distribution

Most of western North America west of the Dakotas. Year-round in central part of range: northern New Mexico and Arizona, southern Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. Winters in southern part of range, well into central Mexico. Summer range extends in latitude from central Utah through western Canada (except coastal areas) through southern Yukon Territory and barely into central eastern Alaska. Casual vagrant to eastern United States.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is a monotypic species.

[edit] Habitat

Nests typically above 7000' (2135m.) in mountainous terrain and open country. Descends to lower elevations in winter.

[edit] Behaviour

Monogomous. Nests in cavities or bird boxes. Often hovers before dropping on prey.

Diet: includes insects caught in flight, caterpillars, and some fruits and berries when insects are not so plentiful.

[edit] External Links