Family: Turdidae, Thrushes view all from this family

Description ADULT MALE Has mostly deep blue upperparts including head and neck, with clear demarcation from orange-red breast and flanks; note orange-brown scapulars. Underparts are whitish with bluish wash on center of belly and undertail. ADULT FEMALE Recalls drab version of male, with gray-brown head, neck, and back, palest on throat. Has bluish flight feathers and tail and orange wash to breast and flanks; underparts are otherwise pale gray-buff. JUVENILE Brown overall with pale spots on upperparts and scaly-looking underparts.

Dimensions Length: 6-7" (15-18 cm)

Habitat Scarce summer visitor (mainly Apr-Aug) across much of the north of its range; resident or winter visitor further south. Favors open woodland. Numbers reduced by habitat loss and nest competition with European Starling and House Sparrow. Nest-box schemes help restore numbers.

Observation Tips Visit an area with nest boxes.

Range Western Canada, Southwest, Rocky Mountains, Northwest, Texas, California

Voice Song, heard mainly at dawn, is a series of call notes chut't and chew.

Discussion Colorful bird that perches on wires and branches, scanning for insect prey; also eats berries. Nests in tree holes and uses nest boxes. Sexes are dissimilar.