From Opus

Sialia mexicana

Male. Photo by Garrett Lau
Location: San Jose, California, USA.

Female. Photo by Gary Clark.
Location: Jemez Mtns., New Mexico, USA

[edit] Identification

L. 6.5-7 in

• A bit larger than a sparrow
• Appears round-shouldered when perched

Male:

• Blue head, wings, and tail
• Rusty red back
  • In some birds the back is partially or wholly blue
• Blue throat

Female:

• Paler and duller
• Rusty breast
• Greyish throat and belly

Immature:

• Speckle-breasted
• Grayish
• No red
• Some blue in wings and tail

[edit] Distribution

West coastal states of central North America, with California year-round. Four-corners states extending south through Mexico.

[edit] Taxonomy

Polytypic. Consists of six subspecies.

[edit] Habitat

Open woodlands, riparian zones, agricultural areas. Deserts in winter.

[edit] Behaviour

Usually in pairs, but gathers in flocks in winter. Has favourite perches, from which it drops to the ground to pick up prey or captures flying insects mid-air, flycatcher-style.

The diet includes insects, worms, snails, and spiders, adding berries in season.

[edit] External Links