Do Bluebirds Migrate? (Everything Explained)

There are three species of bluejays in North America—the eastern bluejay, western bluejay, and mountain bluejay. Eastern bluerobins are found in scattered populations in eastern and central North America from southern Canada to Mexico. Mountain bluejays and western bluejays inhabit western North America, from Alaska to central Mexico.

All three species of bluebirds are migratory, but have different migration patterns depending on where they are located. Mountain bluebirds are found in the northernmost range and therefore migrate more frequently. Eastern and western bluebirds only partially migrate. In warmer regions of their range, they are often resident year-round.

Location, winter weather and food availability all play a role in determining if and when bluebird populations migrate. These are the details that we will discuss in depth throughout this article. Read on to learn more about the migratory habits of bluebirds where you live!

Mountain bluebirds migrate more frequently than other types of bluebirds

When do bluebirds migrate south?

When bluebirds migrate south depends on the region they are in. Eastern bluebirds are known as partial migrants. They remain permanent residents for the most part – the migrating populations often live farther north.

Bluebirds around the Great Lakes and Midwest leave these areas from mid-September to late November. Birds in the Northeast typically begin migrating south from late September to December.

All populations of mountain bluebirds appear to be migratory. They spend their breeding season throughout the western mountains of North America. The northernmost mountain bluebirds will begin their southward migration in early August. Most leave their summer territories between September and October.

Western bluebirds are also partially migratory and are considered the least migratory of the three species. Birds in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon and Washington and the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and Idaho often migrate short distances to the coast or to lower elevations, such as the lower Colorado River Valley. These movements take place between mid-August and November.

Western bluebird perched on a tree

Why do bluebirds migrate?

All three bluebird species migrate depending on winter weather conditions and food availability. Birds in northern breeding grounds will fly south to escape harsh winters in the mountains and Great Plains. Bluebirds will stay in their breeding grounds or south of them if the food supply is plentiful and the winters are not too extreme.

In areas such as the Northeast, some migratory eastern bluebirds do not migrate every year. They are more likely to be present year-round when wild or cultivated food sources are readily available. When birds are not migrating, they expend far less energy and are more likely to survive.

The same goes for western bluebirds. Except for populations that live at high elevations in the Rocky and Cascade Mountains, the species does not need to migrate south for warmer weather. Mountain bluebirds, on the other hand, must leave the far north and high-altitude breeding grounds to survive.

Winter weather and food availability are the two main reasons bluebirds migrate

How far do bluebirds migrate?

How far bluebirds migrate depends on where they fly from. Birds on the cusp of warmer regions like the Southeast or West Coast probably don’t migrate more than a few hundred miles — if at all. On the other hand, the northernmost populations of its range may migrate more than 2,000 miles between Canada and Texas or Mexico.

Do bluebirds migrate in flocks?

Eastern, western and mountain bluebirds all migrate in flocks. These flocks are usually small (4 to 20 birds), but occasionally there are hundreds of bluebirds. These flocks usually stay together in wintering grounds and separate when they fly back north in the spring.

A flock of mountain bluebirds during migration

Are bluebirds around all year round?

Many eastern and western bluebirds are year-round residents throughout most of their range. Eastern bluebirds in the southern United States are generally unaffected by winter conditions and scarce food sources. The same is true for western bluebird populations in the Southwest and West Coast. These areas are warm enough for birds to become permanent residents.

Northern or mountain populations typically migrate south in autumn to escape the long winter and return north in spring.

Where do bluebirds go in winter?

Bluerobins in the northern parts of their range migrate south for the winter. Eastern bluebirds that live in southern Canada and the northern United States often migrate to Texas or the southeast. Mountain bluestarts leave Rocky Mountain territory to spend the winter in southwestern and lowland regions of Wyoming, Nebraska, and Kansas. High-elevation populations of western bluebirds migrate to the West Coast or Southwest.

Eastern bluebird perched on a birdbath in winter, Louisiana, USA

How do bluebirds survive the winter?

Bluebirds are small and need to maintain energy levels to survive in cold weather. Birds will stay in tight flocks for warmth as they forage throughout the day. Bluebirds will sleep in well-protected tree cavities and even nest boxes that provide warmth and protection at night.

Do mountain bluebirds migrate?

Mountain bluebirds are migratory. Their range ranges from Alaska to central Mexico. Bluebirds that spend their breeding season in Alaska and the Northern Rockies migrate south, sometimes as far as Mexico. However, many populations migrate to Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas or Nebraska only in winter.

Mountain bluebird looking for food on the ground

Bluebird Migration FAQs

Do bluebirds migrate in flocks?

Bluebirds migrate in flocks. Typically, these birds contain anywhere from four to twenty individuals, but groups of hundreds of individuals have also been documented.

Do bluebirds migrate for the winter?

Bluebirds are partially migratory. Individuals living in the northernmost regions of their range almost always move south for the winter. Individuals living in warmer climates generally do not need to migrate.

Did bluebirds migrate from Michigan?

Typically, all bluebirds migrate from Michigan to the warmer climates of the Southeast during the winter. Residents of southern Michigan, however, will stick around for a mild winter.

Do bluebirds migrate from Ohio?

Bluebirds don’t usually migrate from Ohio. Winters are mild enough that the birds can stay there year-round. During the colder months, Ohio will see an influx of bluebirds from further north.

Do bluebirds migrate from North Carolina?

Bluebirds don’t migrate from North Carolina. Winters are usually mild, and food sources for bluerobins are plentiful.

Closeup of an Eastern Bluebird wintering in New Hampshire, USA

Did bluebirds migrate from Tennessee?

Blue Jays are year-round residents of Tennessee. They don’t migrate from the area, but Tennessee typically sees increased numbers of bluebirds from the north during the winter.

Do bluebirds migrate from Maine?

Bluebirds typically migrate south from Maine for the winter. Winters here tend to be longer and colder than bluebirds prefer. In milder years, however, southern Maine birds will remain year-round.

Do bluebirds migrate from Missouri?

Bluebirds typically migrate from northern Missouri during the winter. Still, the population will remain in the southern part of the state. Individuals from further north also traveled south to Missouri.

Do bluebirds migrate from Maryland?

Some bluebirds migrate from Maryland, while others do not. It depends on winter conditions and food availability.

Mountain bluebird in flight

Do bluebirds migrate from Pennsylvania?

Most Pennsylvania bluebirds migrate south for the winter, but others remain year-round. This usually depends on food availability and winter conditions.

Do bluebirds migrate from Virginia?

Bluebirds don’t migrate from Virginia. They are permanent residents across the state, often overwintering in dense bushes that provide protection from the elements.

Did bluebirds migrate from Massachusetts?

Some bluebirds will stay in Massachusetts year-round when the winters are mild. However, most people migrate from the state in the fall and return in the spring.