GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)

Species Code: SICU

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Map with Breeding Bird Atlas records

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

The Mountain Bluebird is common in open conifer forests, alpine parkland and meadows in the Cascade Mountains, Blue Mountains, and northeastern Washington. It also breeds locally in forest clearings at lower elevations in these areas, and below the lower treeline in steppe or agricultural areas where nest boxes are placed. This species is absent from the Olympic Mountains, and very local in western Washington away from Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens.

Core zones were steppe zones at the edge of the Basin, Grand Fir in the Blue Mountains, and Ponderosa Pine, Oak, Interior Douglas-fir, Alpine/Parkland and Mountain Hemlock zones. Peripherally, it was found in Grand Fir outside of the Blue Mountains, Interior Redcedar, Interior Western Hemlock, and Silver Fir. Good habitats in steppe, core forest zones, and east-side peripheral zones were open forests and forest openings and clearings. Agriculture in forested zones was adequate. All habitats except bare ground were good in Alpine/Parkland. In the Silver fir zone, only openings and clearings were good.

Mountain Bluebirds occur primarily in open agricultural and shrub-steppe areas, at low elevations in open Ponderosa Pine forests, and at high elevations in alpine parkland. They require a place for a cavity nest adjacent to open areas suitable for foraging. Nesting boxes have allowed this species to utilize more habitats than previously available. In western Washington, this species has experienced a decline similar in scope and magnitude t o that of the Western Bluebird. The Mountain Bluebird is the only bluebird that nests in alpine parkland and high-elevation, open areas.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester