Status and Distribution of
the Western Bluebird in Oregon
(from Birds of Oregon, Jeff Gilligan, et. al., Cinclus Publications,
1994)
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Eastern Oregon
The Western Bluebird is a rare to locally fairly common
summer resident east of the Cascades, where it occurs to at least 5,800
ft. in open forests of Douglas-fir and pine, and in some agricultural lands,
and sparingly in juniper forests. Most of the birds east of the Cascades
migrate south in the fall, but small flocks occasionally remain through
winter in the valleys, especially in mild years. |
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Southern Oregon
In Jackson, Josephine and Douglas Counties, it is a
fairly common summer resident in the open Douglas-fir and oak forest of
the lowlands and foothills. There is a withdrawal to lower elevations
in winter. |
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Western Cascades
In the Western Cascades, it breeds in clearcuts and
snags. Most retreat to lower elevations in winter. |
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Coast Range
In Curry County, it is an uncommon summer resident in
meadows and clearcuts throughout the foothills and mountains and in the
lowlands near Wedderburn. In winter small flocks are uncommon in
the lowlands along the Curry County coast. Individuals or small flocks
are rarely noted in the coastal lowlands north of Curry County. |
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Willamette Valley
The Western Bluebird was formerly a common permanent
resident throughout the Willamette Valley and adjacent hills. Currently,
it is a locally uncommon summer resident in open country with scattered
oaks and conifers, including yards and orchards in the foothills, and less
frequently in the valley bottom. The number that winter in the Willamette
Valley fluctuates from year to year. Wintering birds usually occur
at lower elevations. |