There are plenty of Eastern Bluebirds around west Texas. However, there is another bluebird that is not seen very often here, and that is the Western Bluebird, (Sialia mexicana). Yesterday I was lucky enough to see about a half dozen of them in a small local park area. Besides that, I was also fortunate to be able to get my vehicle close enough for these pictures.
Western Bluebird
Western Bluebird
Now compare these with the image below of an Eastern Bluebird, (Sialia sialis). The blue covers the entire head and chin of the Western, whereas on the Eastern the blue stops just below the beak. The Western belly is more grayish, in contrast to the bright white belly of the Eastern.
Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern is found pretty much in the entire United States west of the Rockies. You can see the Western usually in very far West Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and the Pacific coast. Here in San Angelo, we are about 300 miles east of their usual range. Enjoy the images and click in any of them to see an enlargement.
Adorable shots, love them all!
Thanks a bunch, Donna. I appreciate it.
They are gorgeous Bob!
Thank you, Mia.
Great photos Bob. I don’t know if they will ever make it all the way to Austin, but I hope they do since I’ve only seen Eastern here.
Thanks, Jason. I am heading to Austin on Monday, and maybe they will follow me. 🙂
Very interesting! I didn’t know the differences between these, so thank you for that! Great pics, too.
Thank you so much, Jo.
Among my favorite birds, you know! 🙂
Thanks for these wonderful photos.
I knew that, Annie. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
I’m JEALOUS! Always wanted to see one of those beauties. Gorgeous. Thanks, Bob!
Come to San Angelo, Denise, they may still be here. 🙂 Thanks much for your comment.
So pretty! 🙂
Thank you very much, Alison. 🙂
Beautiful!
Many thanks, Rob. 🙂
I love bluebirds, especially in person. I am grateful, Bob for you pointing out the difference, for despite being observant of the small details, I would have missed the obvious like how much of the head is covered.Great shots.
Thank you very much, for the nice comment, Jane.
Bluebirds are so pretty especially this time of year. Your photos are great. I saw my first Mountain Bluebird day before yesterday and I may go put up a bluebird feeder. Weather is warm and sunny, but snow on the way after midnight so am enjoying while I can. Love your posts.
I wish we had the Mountain Bluebirds here. I agree they are among the prettiest of birds. Thanks for your comment, Syl.
Wow, great pictures, Bob! And thanks – I never saw the two bluebirds so close together, so well. Thanks for posting!
Thanks a bunch, Lisa. I love your compliments. 🙂
Love… I mean Bluebirds has always been my favourite birds – and until you show the both Eastern and Western I didn’t know this before today – Thank you for sharing
Thank you for your nice comment, Mariane. 🙂
Wow, Great Pictures (As Always)! I love you’r photos!
Thanks, Wyatt, I appreciate it.