Western Bluebird

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Since 1962, NCC has brought Canadians together to conserve and restore more than 15 million hectares, coast to coast to coast. But we must do more faster and accelerate the pace of conservation. Every gift and donation counts.

Western Bluebird

A member of the thrush family, western bluebirds have a bright blue head and wings. Their rust-orange front often extends to their back. Males are larger and brighter than the greyish-brown females. In Canada, western bluebirds are primarily found in southern BC, with scattered populations on southern Vancouver Island and in Alberta.

The number of western bluebirds has increased significantly since about 1970, despite the disappearance of the small coastal population. The main population has benefited from nesting box programs, and habitat protection and management.

Since 2012, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has been supporting efforts to re-establish a western bluebird population on Vancouver Island. NCC’s Cowichan Garry Oak Preserve hosts nest boxes and provides core habitat for the birds, who are making a slow but hopeful comeback.

Photo 1 Mile-high traveller; Photo 2 Bill Pennell; Photo 3 Ryan Hetschko; Photo 4 Bill Pennell