Idaho State Bird

Mountain Bluebird

(Sialia arctcia /
Sialia currucoides)

Adopted on February 28, 1931.

The Mountain Bluebird, Sialia arctcia or Sialia currucoides, was adopted as the Idaho state bird by the state legislature on February 28, 1931.

Few birds are held in higher esteem than the bluebird. In poetry and prose, the bluebird is always a symbol of love, happiness, and renewed hope.

Three species of bluebird are found in North America:

1.) the Mountain Bluebird Sialia currucoides,

2.) the Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis, and

3.) the Western Bluebird Sialia mexicana.

Description of the Idaho State Bird

The Bluebird is about seven inches long, has an azure blue coat, and a blue vest with white under-feathers. The mother bird wears a quiet blue-gray dress and usually lays six or seven blue-white eggs. The Bluebird's nest is usually built in a hollow tree or in a crevice. The Bluebird is very neat about one's home and carries all refuse some distance from the nest.

• Length: 6 inches
• Thin bill
• Most often seen in open habitats

Adult male

• Bright blue plumage; brightest on upperparts
• Lacks any brown coloration

Female:

• Blue wings and tail-duller than male
• Remainder of plumage gray
• Eye ring

Juvenile

• Blue wings and tail-duller than male
• White eye ring
• Spotted underparts