Birds of Alaska Field Guide (Bird Identification Guides) - Softcover

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Naturalist, wildlife photographer and writer Stan Tekiela is the originator of the popular state-specific field guide series. Stan has authored more than 190 educational books, including field guides, quick guides, nature books, children’s books, playing cards and more, presenting many species of animals and plants. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural History from the University of Minnesota and as an active professional naturalist for more than 30 years, Stan studies and photographs wildlife throughout the United States and Canada. He has received various national and regional awards for his books and photographs. Also a well-known columnist and radio personality, his syndicated column appears in more than 25 newspapers, and his wildlife programs are broadcast on a number of Midwest radio stations. Stan can be followed on Facebook and Twitter.

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Mountain Bluebird
Sialia currucoides

Size: 7" (18 cm)

Male: An overall sky blue bird with a darker blue head, back, wings and tail and white lower belly. Thin black bill.

Female: similar to male, but paler with a nearly gray head and chest and a whitish belly

Juvenile: similar to adult of the same sex

Nest: cavity, old woodpecker cavity, wooden nest box; female builds; 1-2 broods per year

Eggs: 4-6; pale blue without markings

Incubation: 13-14 days; female incubates

Fledging: 22-23 days; female and male feed young

Migration: complete, to southwestern states, Mexico

Food: insects, fruit

Compare: Larger than Bluethroat (pg. 241), which is gray only with blue only around the area of the throat. Look for male Mountain Bluebird's dark blue head, back and wings.

Stan’s Notes: Found in open mountainous country. Feeds mainly on insects, but will also eat fruit. Often hovers just before diving to the ground to grab an insect. Hovers at nest cavity entrance. Due to conservation of suitable nest sites (dead trees with cavities and man-made nest boxes), populations have increased over the past 30 years. Like other bluebirds, Mountain Bluebirds take well to nest boxes and tolerate close contact with humans. Female continues to sit on baby birds (brood) for up to six days after eggs hatch. Young will imprint on their first nest box or cavity, then choose a similar type of box or cavity throughout the rest of life.