The Mountain Bluebird is a striking thrush that occurs regularly in Arizona, especially in open country and highland habitats. Adult males are a brilliant sky-blue, while females are paler gray-brown with touches of blue on the wings and tail. In Arizona, the species is primarily a breeder in the higher elevations of the Mogollon Rim, the White Mountains, and other high plateau regions where open meadows, pastures, and forest edges provide nesting cavities and abundant foraging opportunities.
In winter, Mountain Bluebirds move downslope and can be found more widely across the state, often forming loose flocks in grasslands, desert edges, and agricultural areas, especially in the southeastern valleys. They are cavity nesters, typically using old woodpecker holes or nest boxes, and their diet consists mainly of insects during the breeding season, shifting to berries and other fruits in winter. Although numbers can fluctuate with weather and food availability, the Mountain Bluebird is considered a fairly common resident and seasonal visitor across much of Arizona.
Female
Juvenile