Mountain Bluebird - Sialia currucoides

Lot's of reasons to explore inland and higher, and perhaps none so up-lifting as the sight of a male Mountain Bluebird, Sialia currucoides. Its range extends from Alaska south to Mexico, down through the western states. We don't often get to see it on the coast in California, but it can be found regularly in the central valley and montane regions. This male perched quietly to preen in the shade of a corral in the Sierra Valley. Temperature was over 90, so he seemed content to rest and preen rather than flycatch over the nearby fields. Like the Western Bluebird, the Mountain Bluebird will hover while searching for insects. Distance and shade limited photo detail.

Taxonomy-

Family - Turdidae - The Thrushes. Currently about 175 species of "True Thrushes" usually recognized. Previously the family was larger, and included about 155 chat-thrushes, but most authorities favor the separation. The True Thrushes include 18 species seen in the U.S., among which we find Townsend's Solitaire, American Robin, the Bluebirds, Varied Thrush and the Spotted Thrushes such as our Swainson's and Hermit Thrushes. See Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior for a good discussion. For a really serious discussion see Roberson's great website: http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/thrushes.html

Genus - Sialia - The  3 Bluebirds, including the Western Bluebird and Eastern Bluebird.

Species - Sialia currucoides - Mountain Bluebird. No subspecies.