Across the western north American continent.

Widespread except in deep forest or open areas lacking nesting hole sites. Flutters from perch to ground to capture insects; sometimes flycatches; sometimes hovers like mountain bluebird.

Upright posture bur hunches slightly. Male has deep blue hood and upper parts with rusty breast, gray belly and under tail covets. Rusty patch on back variable, sometimes absent. Female duller with gray head, throat. Juvenile spotted like eastern bluebird.