Both Mountain Bluebirds (Sialia currucoides) and Western Bluebirds (Sialia mexicana) are found in the Okanogan Highlands, where they breed and raise young from spring to fall. This mural features Mountain Bluebirds at their peak brightness – the males’ feathers are spectacularly blue during breeding season! 

Bluebirds have a special place in the hearts of many, perhaps because their vivid hues make them visible even from a car window. As you see in the mural, bluebirds require cavities to nest, and open meadows or fields to find their favorite summertime foods (insects). Forest edges are ideal, but there is competition for this habitat.

In order to support local bluebird populations, a fleet of bluebird fans throughout the Okanogan Valley and Highlands install, maintain, and clean out bluebird boxes each year. To learn more about the history of this effort, to get involved, or to learn more about how to build bluebird boxes yourself, check out our Okanogan Bluebird Trails page.