Idaho State Bird: Mountain Bluebird
Fact-checked • Updated November 25, 2025
Idaho State Bird – Mountain Bluebird
Idaho designated the Mountain Bluebird as its official state bird on February 28, 1931. Students across the state supported the choice in a contest backed by local Audubon chapters. Adults show bright sky-blue plumage that stands out in open high country. Birds often return early in spring. Idaho shares this species with Nevada, which adopted it in 1967.
Why Idaho Chose the Mountain Bluebird as State Bird
Idaho officially selected the Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides) on February 28, 1931. Governor C. Ben Ross signed the legislation after a statewide school vote supported by local Audubon chapters.
Idaho shares the Mountain Bluebird with Nevada, which adopted the species in 1967. Only a few U.S. birds serve as state symbols in more than one state.
Why did Idaho children choose this bird? The male's brilliant turquoise-blue plumage stands out against Idaho’s mountains and sagebrush plains. No other bird in Idaho shows such vivid blue coloring.
The Mountain Bluebird arrives in Idaho while winter snow still covers much of the state. These early sightings signal the coming of spring and have long been welcomed by Idaho farmers and ranchers.
Idaho’s open rangelands and mountain meadows provide ideal habitat. The species thrives where wide landscapes meet scattered trees—a perfect match for much of Idaho’s geography.
History of Adoption: How the Mountain Bluebird Became Idaho’s State Bird
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1920s — Growing Interest in State Symbols
During the 1920s, Idaho had few official state symbols. As western states began adopting state birds, Idaho educators and conservationists encouraged the idea to promote civic pride.
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1930 — Educational Campaign
Local Audubon chapters encouraged teachers to introduce lessons on native Idaho birds. Schools across the state prepared for a student vote to choose a state bird.
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Winter 1930–1931 — Statewide School Vote
Students voted for their favorite native species. The Mountain Bluebird won clearly, beating other candidates such as the Western Meadowlark and California Quail.
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January 1931 — Legislative Action
State legislators introduced a bill reflecting the school vote. Support from both rural and urban districts helped the proposal pass quickly.
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February 28, 1931 — Official Recognition
Governor C. Ben Ross signed the legislation establishing the Mountain Bluebird as Idaho’s state bird.
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1967 — Nevada Adoption
Nevada selected the Mountain Bluebird 36 years after Idaho. Both states now share the species as an official bird.
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Current Status
The Mountain Bluebird remains a familiar and well-loved symbol across Idaho. Nest box programs throughout the state support healthy breeding populations.
What the Mountain Bluebird Means to Idaho
Big Sky Identity
The bird’s vivid blue color mirrors Idaho’s bright, open skies. Many Idahoans see the Mountain Bluebird as a symbol of the state’s wide landscapes and clear weather.
Rural Connection
Mountain Bluebirds thrive in Idaho’s ranching and farming regions. Their presence reflects the agricultural life that shaped much of the state’s history.
Sign of Spring
For generations, Idaho residents have looked for the first bluebirds of early spring. Their return signals the end of winter and the start of a new season.
Western Character
Mountain Bluebirds live only in western North America. This western exclusivity aligns with Idaho’s independent identity and strong regional character.
Physical Characteristics of Idaho’s Mountain Bluebird
Male Plumage
Males display bright sky-blue feathers across the entire body. Deeper blue tones appear on the wings and tail, while the underparts are slightly paler.
Female Coloring
Females are gray-brown with soft blue highlights on the wings and tail. Their coloring is subtler but still distinct in flight.
Juvenile Appearance
Juveniles show spotted breasts and muted coloring typical of thrush species. They gain their adult plumage during their first fall.
Size and Shape
Mountain Bluebirds are slightly larger than Eastern Bluebirds, with long wings and a slim bill suited for catching insects.
Identification Tips
Unlike Eastern or Western Bluebirds, Mountain Bluebirds lack any rusty-orange coloring, making them easy to identify in Idaho.
Behavior & Habits of the Mountain Bluebird
Song and Calls
Males sing soft warbling songs at dawn. Their call notes include gentle chirps and short 'chur-lee' phrases.
Hover-Hunting
Mountain Bluebirds hover in mid-air while searching for insects—an ability rare among bluebirds. They dive quickly to catch grasshoppers, beetles, and other prey.
Seasonal Diet
During summer, they eat insects such as crickets and beetles. In winter, they rely on fruits and juniper berries, especially in southern Idaho.
Migration
Most Idaho bluebirds migrate to the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico for winter. Some remain in southern Idaho when conditions are mild.
Nesting
Males arrive early to claim territories and inspect nest cavities. Females choose the final site. Natural cavities and nest boxes both serve as nesting locations.
Breeding Season
Females typically lay 4–8 pale blue eggs in late April or early May. Both parents feed the young, which leave the nest after 18–21 days. Idaho pairs often raise two broods.
Habitat & Conservation in Idaho
Where to See Them
Mountain Bluebirds appear in sagebrush country, mountain meadows, the Boise foothills, Craters of the Moon, and the Sawtooth region.
Habitat Needs
They prefer open areas with scattered trees, short grass, and access to natural cavities such as old woodpecker holes.
Conservation Status
The species is listed as Least Concern globally, and Idaho populations remain stable, though harsh winters can impact local numbers.
Threats
Competition with European Starlings and House Sparrows for nest cavities, pesticide use, and loss of winter food sources can reduce populations.
Conservation Success
Idaho Bluebird Trail volunteers maintain hundreds of nest boxes across the state. Monitoring efforts help improve breeding success.
How to Help
- Install bluebird nest boxes in open areas
- Monitor nest boxes weekly during breeding season
- Remove old nests after each brood
- Discourage House Sparrows and starlings
- Plant native berry-producing shrubs
- Reduce pesticide use
- Leave dead trees standing when safe
- Report nesting data to Idaho Bird Observatory
Interesting Facts About Idaho’s Mountain Bluebird
Fact 1 of 14
Idaho and Nevada both recognize the Mountain Bluebird as their state bird
Mountain Bluebird Songs & Calls
Hear the clear whistles and sharp calls of the Mountain Bluebird. These field recordings capture their distinctive voice in natural habitat.
Audio licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Also the State Bird of:
Sources & References
This article has been researched using authoritative sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. All information has been fact-checked and verified against official government records and scientific databases.
Official Idaho law designating the Mountain Bluebird as the state bird. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Identification, behavior, and ecological information. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
State wildlife agency information on Mountain Bluebird distribution in Idaho. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Conservation organization offering nest box plans and monitoring programs. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
Species profile with photos, maps, and conservation notes. • Accessed: November 30, 2025
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