There are 3 types of bluebirds found in North America.

Eastern Bluebird (Sialia Sialis)

The red, white, and blue Eastern Bluebird is a familiar and welcomed tenant of birdhouses in suburban yards, parks, and golf courses. The popularity of “bluebird trails” and the erection of nest boxes across the country have led to increased bluebird populations in many areas.

It’s length is approximately 5.5 inches and weighs between 1 and 1.15 ounces.

The adult male has bright blue upperparts and an orange-red throat. The female has blue on the wings and tail, but the color is duller than the male. Females have a brownish throat, breast and sides.

The Eastern Bluebird will typically have 3 to 6 pale blue to almost white eggs. Incubation period is 12 to 14 days and they have 2 or occasionally 3 broods per year. Birds fledge 15 to 20 days after hatching.

The typical lifespan of the Eastern Bluebird is 6 to 10 years.

Western Bluebird (Sialia Mexicana)

The Western Bluebird is a common sight in parklands of the West. Unlike the other species of bluebirds, it does not like large meadows, preferring open forests instead.

It is a medium sized songbird, approximately 6-7 inches and weighing between .85 ounces to 1.10 ounces.

The male is dark blue with a bright red chest. The female is a drab grayish blue with a duller reddish chest. The juveniles have a spotted chest and back, with some blue in the wings and tail. Juveniles are similar to adults but duller.

The Western Bluebird will typically have 2 to 8 pale blue or sometimes white eggs. Incubation period is 13 to 14 days and they typically have 2 broods per year. Birds fledge 17 to 22 days after hatching.

Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)

A common sight in ranchland and other open areas of the American West, the male Mountain Bluebird is a bright azure blue. It prefers more open habitats than the other bluebirds and can be found in colder habitats in winter.

These birds are approximately 6 to 8 inches in length and weighs slightly over an ounce.

The male is almost entirely blue. The throat and breast are a lighter blue and fades to almost white on the abdomen. On the female, the wings and tail are a pale blue with the head and back being a wash of blue and gray. Throat is a brownish color, blending to white on the abdomen. Immature birds resemble the females except with a spotted chest.

The Mountain Bluebird will typically have 4 to 7 pale blue or sometimes white eggs. Incubation period is 13 to 14 days and they typically have 2 broods per year. Birds fledge in 22 to 23 days.