Sialia mexicana
- Photo(s): Ned Harris, www.flickr.com/photos/ned_harris
They often compete with other birds such as Phainopepla for desert fruit such as mistletoe berries.
The slightly larger Phainopepla can be seen defending its “territory” from groups of Bluebirds. In the winter Western Bluebirds often roost communally, with many individuals sharing the same cavity for the night.
Female coloration is similar to the male’s, though quite a bit drabber. The Western Bluebird differs from the Eastern Bluebird in its throat coloring, It has chestnut under parts that distinguish it from the Mountain Bluebird.