Do Mountain Bluebirds ever show up in the mid Atlantic states?

Question

I live in Maryland, and I swear I saw a Mountain Bluebird in my yard this spring, but as near as I have been able to find out they live farther out west as a rule. It definitely wasn't the typical Eastern Bluebird we usually see, it was blue all over, chest and all, I have never seen such a vivid blue bird before. It looked really similar to the Mountain Bluebird, so I was wondering if they ever wander off the path during migration, or maybe stop occasionally in these parts on their way to their normal habitat? If not a Mountain Bluebird, what other bird would match that description in the Potomac River region? If you have an idea for another bird it might have been, a link to a photo would be appreciated. Thanks for your answers in advance.

2009-08-05T08:50:57Z

Hi Michael, one of your links also led to a link for an Indigo bunting. That looks more like what I saw, I think, I've never seen one before. Thanks for answering :)

michael971 · Accepted Answer

I would check the Blue Grosbeak because they do breed in your area.

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/ConservationAndScience/MigratoryBirds/Life_History/default.cfm?id=150
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blue_Grosbeak/id

http://faculty.ncwc.edu/MBrooks/pif/Bird%20Profiles/blue_grosbeak.htm

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dianas/2450854752/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skipbro/3566181049/

Birds can blown off course or get lost so it is possible to see a bird far outside it's home range.
I once saw a scissor tailed flycatcher in Massachusetts in the summer.
It normally breeds in Texas and Oklahoma

So anything is possible.
But you should be able to tell a grosbeak from a bluebird by the shape of the bill

Do Mountain Bluebirds ever show up in the mid Atlantic states?

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