Mountain Bluebird, Idaho's state bird (State of Idaho)

WILDLIFE WATCHING -- Birders are spreading word daily of spring arrivals to the Inland Northwest and bluebirds are some of the most delightful to the eye.

The Idaho Fish and Game Department says the public can help make up for the loss of dead trees bluebirds and other cavity nesting birds need for pulling off broods this season by putting up bird nesting boxes in appropriate areas.

The department and offers volunteer-built bluebird houses for a donation of $5 at the Coeur d'Alene office, 2885 W. Kathleen Ave., as well as detailed plans for people who'd like to build their own bluebird boxes to the specific dimensions that have been found to be best for the birds.

Any nest boxes that already have been put up in a previous year should be cleaned out now in preparation of this year's arrivals.

Studies have shown that bluebirds are already looking for nest sites and are most likely to adopt a nest box that's in place by late March. However, some of the birds will be looking for nest sites as late as mid-May, says Phil Cooper, IFG spokesman for the Panhandle.

Two species of bluebirds live in Idaho: the western bluebird and the mountain bluebird, which is Idaho's state bird. Both are slightly smaller than robins.

Thoreau said, "the bluebird carries the sky on his back," Cooper said, noting that the males of all the North American bluebird species sport brilliant blue backs.

The mountain bluebird male has a very bright blue back and is pale blue below. The female is mostly gray with a trace of blue on the wings and tail. Mountain bluebirds are larger than western bluebirds.

male has a very bright blue back and is pale blue below. The female is mostly gray with a trace of blue on the wings and tail. Mountain bluebirds are larger than western bluebirds. The western bluebird is less brightly colored. Males and females both have rust on the breast.

Read on for more details about bluebirds and bluebird nest boxes in this region:

Says Cooper: