Idaho's Mountain Bluebird: The State Bird With a Scientific Name Mix-Up
Idaho's state bird has been the mountain bluebird since 1931. But an unexpected naming discrepancy appears in the state's own official sources.
Idaho's state bird is unmistakable in flight. The male mountain bluebird is a brilliant sky blue, a flash of color against the grasslands and mountains of the West. But anyone researching the bird on Idaho's official government websites might notice something unusual: the state's own sources don't always agree on its scientific name.
The bird isn't disputed. Idaho has recognized the mountain bluebird since 1931. The discrepancy comes from how its name is printed on different state websites, and it offers an unexpected glimpse into the importance of checking original laws rather than relying entirely on informational summaries.
Idaho chose the mountain bluebird in 1931
Idaho's Legislature designated the mountain bluebird as the official state bird in 1931. The designation is preserved in Idaho Code Section 67-4501, which identifies the species as Sialia currucoides.
The choice came during a period when Idaho was formalizing several familiar state symbols. The syringa became the state flower that same year, and Here We Have Idaho became the official state song.
The mountain bluebird was a natural representative of Idaho's open western landscapes. Unlike birds associated primarily with dense forests, mountain bluebirds favor grasslands and open areas where they can watch for insects and nest in cavities or birdhouses.
Why does the Secretary of State use a different name?
The Idaho Secretary of State's state-symbols page lists the mountain bluebird under the scientific name Sialia arctcia. That spelling differs from the name in Idaho Code, Sialia currucoides.
The discrepancy is not evidence that Idaho has two different state birds. The statute identifies the currently recognized species, while the symbols page appears to preserve a misspelled version of an older scientific name, Sialia arctica.
For readers checking official designations, the distinction matters. The law is the authoritative reference for the legal designation; a descriptive government webpage can still contain an editorial error.
What makes a mountain bluebird different?
Male mountain bluebirds have vivid blue plumage, while females are generally gray-blue with more subdued coloring. Adults measure approximately six to seven inches long.
The birds are members of the thrush family. Rather than relying exclusively on a perch to find food, mountain bluebirds sometimes hover before dropping toward insects on the ground. Their diet also includes other small invertebrates and fruit.
They nest in cavities, including natural openings and suitable nest boxes. Open habitat is particularly important because it provides the visibility they need to locate food.
Where can Idahoans see them?
Visit Idaho identifies the northern portions of Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve as one place to look for mountain bluebirds, particularly between March and October.
That seasonal guidance is important in November. Mountain bluebirds may move to lower elevations or different areas as conditions change, so a specific spring or summer viewing location is not a guarantee of sightings in late autumn.
Visitors can explore IdahoLens's Craters of the Moon guide for more information about the landscape. Birdwatchers should observe from a distance and avoid disturbing nesting sites or other wildlife.
A small bird with a lasting place in Idaho history
The mountain bluebird has represented Idaho for nearly a century. Its appearance reflects the state's wide-open spaces, while the disagreement in its scientific name illustrates something useful about public information: even official summaries deserve careful verification.
For the correct legal designation, Idaho Code Section 67-4501 is the place to look. For the bird itself, the best opportunity comes from watching Idaho's open country during the appropriate season.
Authoritative references
Keep exploring IdahoLens
Published November 5, 2026 · IdahoLens.com