Mountain Bluebirds can often be seen hovering low over the ground hunting for insects, and they prefer open parks and fields to heavily forested areas. They are also more swallow-like in flight and can catch insects on the wing. Western Bluebirds may be confused with their Eastern cousins. While they are the same size and shape, Westerns have a blue throat and rusty saddle on the upper back. Both they and Easterns have rust breasts.
Females are much paler in color.
In winter, family groups are often heard chirping to each other in flight. Westerns like wooded areas. Shy during the nesting season, they are much more visible now. Evening Grosbeaks gather in loose flocks in the fall. Note their undulating flight and short tail.