Learn 100 Common Valley Birds Blog Post Species #63/100

Few things on earth fill us with as much delight as birds, and knowing them by name only adds to our pleasure. In California’s Central Valley, with only a little bit of effort, anyone can learn 100 local bird species. Especially since on a daily basis Valley Residents come in contact with at least a dozen species that most recognize, but may not know the name of. The intent of this blog is for followers to learn about and be able to identify 100 common valley birds.
Reflections of the Natural World Blog Post Series by Jim Gain


WHAT’S IN A NAME

Western Bluebird – Sialia mexicana
Greek. sialidos unidentified bird, from Mexico

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Western Bluebird is a small songbird found in western North America. It’s known for its vibrant blue plumage on the head and wings, with a rusty-orange breast and white belly, making it easily recognizable. Both males and females (to a lesser extent) exhibit
this coloration, and they have a relatively compact size compared to other bluebird species

AN INTERESTING OR UNUSUAL FACT

Western Bluebirds are fascinating birds with many unique traits that make them a joy to observe. One interesting fact about them is that they are sometimes helped by birds from other species, such as Violet-green swallows, which have been observed feeding Western bluebirds and defending their nests.

Male

DISTRIBUTION STATUS IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY

Western Bluebirds can be found in a wide variety of habitats from your backyard, to parks and woodlands across the valley.

eBird Bar Charts & Map Grid

3 Most Recent Learn 100 Common Valley Birds Posts

  • Northern Pintail
    LEARN 100 COMMON VALLEY BIRDS The Northern Pintail is a Fairly Common Winter Visitor in California’s Central Valley and can be found in Freshwater Wetlands and Open Water.
  • Say’s Phoebe
    LEARN 100 COMMON VALLEY BIRDS The Say;s Phoebe is a Fairly Common Yearround Resident in California’s Central Valley and can be found in Grasslands and Freshwater Wetlands.
  • Cinnamon Teal
    LEARN 100 COMMON VALLEY BIRDS The Cinnamon Teal is a Fairly Common Yearround Resident in California’s Central Valley and can be found in Freshwater Wetlands and Open Water.

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ABOUT ME

Through my lens and prose I hope to instill a greater sense of awe, compassion and inspiration as I discover new creatures, explore interesting habitats, and gain wisdom about the natural world that’s all around us. It is my hope that readers are motivated to learn more about our environment and its inhabitants, and become passionate advocates for conservation.

I earned my college degree in biology, a foundation that shaped not only how I see the world, but how I’ve spent my life sharing it with others. For more than 35 years, I worked in education as both a teacher and administrator, guiding students through the wonders of science and the joy of discovery. That same spirit of curiosity has carried me through decades of volunteer work in citizen science and conservation. This blog brings together my passions for birding, conservation, and storytelling.

~ Jim Gain