The fascinating Western Fence Lizard
by Trish Nevan
When someone mentions the subject of reptiles around Crooked River Ranch, no doubt the first thing that comes to mind are rattlesnakes. And while rattlers and other snakes are not uncommon here, if you’re looking to encounter local reptiles, your best bet might be the western fence lizard.
Western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis), also known as blue-bellied lizards, fence lizards or swift lizards, are found in many western states. They prefer dry climates and thrive in desert canyons, grasslands and sagebrush environments, as well as coniferous woodlands.
During summer months in the high desert, wherever you see a pile of rocks, stacks of wood, juniper trees or, yes, wooden fence posts, you will likely find resident western fence lizards sunning themselves nearby.
About six inches long (not including their tails), western fence lizards can be grayish brown or nearly black on top, with dark uneven markings that help them blend into the scenery from above. But while their initial camouflage appearance is rather dull, upon closer inspection you might be surprised to see that these lizards (especially the males) are actually quite colorful, with brilliant blue markings under their necks and on their bellies and yellow markings under their legs. Hence the nickname blue-bellied lizard, or simply, blue bellies.
While often seen lounging lazily on rocks or stumps, these guys have quick reflexes and are surprisingly fast-moving and good climbers.
Western fence lizards live up to seven years. Females will lay an average of eight eggs, producing up to three clutches per season. After she lays the eggs she leaves them, letting the warmth of the sun incubate them for several months. You can expect to spot baby lizards darting around beginning in late July and into September, although they won’t have blue bellies until they mature.
Fascinating facts about western fence lizards:
• The males are quite territorial and display their blue bellies by doing rapid push-ups to attract mates and warn off fellow suitors. Those who study these lizards say the females prefer males with longer tails and the most brilliant blue hues.
• Being cold-blooded, western fence lizards spend their summer days moving in and out of the sun to regulate their temperatures. They are insectivorous, eating crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, ants, wasps, spiders and aphids. At night, they hide in rocky crevices or underground. During the cold winter months, western fence lizards hibernate underground or tucked away in rocks, emerging when temperatures warm in late spring.
• Blue bellies make tasty meals for snakes, coyotes, bobcats, birds and shrews. However, they are considered “spiny lizards,” meaning they have the ability to inflate themselves in crevices when hiding from predators; their prickly scales stick out and provide traction from being pulled out of hiding. They also have the ability to detach their tails when attacked. The discarded tail will continue to move in order to distract the predator while they make their escape. A new tail will grow back in a month or so.
• As with other reptiles, western fence lizards shed their skins to accommodate growth. They can look quite ragged as the skin comes off in pieces. Younger lizards shed more frequently than mature ones.
• While western fence lizards are not aggressive to pets or people, they do have needle-sharp teeth for catching insects. If you spot one, it is best to admire it without handling it.
by Trish Nevan
When someone mentions the subject of reptiles around Crooked River Ranch, no doubt the first thing that comes to mind are rattlesnakes. And while rattlers and other snakes are not uncommon here, if you’re looking to encounter local reptiles, your best bet might be the western fence lizard.
Western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis), also known as blue-bellied lizards, fence lizards or swift lizards, are found in many western states. They prefer dry climates and thrive in desert canyons, grasslands and sagebrush environments, as well as coniferous woodlands.
During summer months in the high desert, wherever you see a pile of rocks, stacks of wood, juniper trees or, yes, wooden fence posts, you will likely find resident western fence lizards sunning themselves nearby.
About six inches long (not including their tails), western fence lizards can be grayish brown or nearly black on top, with dark uneven markings that help them blend into the scenery from above. But while their initial camouflage appearance is rather dull, upon closer inspection you might be surprised to see that these lizards (especially the males) are actually quite colorful, with brilliant blue markings under their necks and on their bellies and yellow markings under their legs. Hence the nickname blue-bellied lizard, or simply, blue bellies.
While often seen lounging lazily on rocks or stumps, these guys have quick reflexes and are surprisingly fast-moving and good climbers.
Western fence lizards live up to seven years. Females will lay an average of eight eggs, producing up to three clutches per season. After she lays the eggs she leaves them, letting the warmth of the sun incubate them for several months. You can expect to spot baby lizards darting around beginning in late July and into September, although they won’t have blue bellies until they mature.
Fascinating facts about western fence lizards:
• The males are quite territorial and display their blue bellies by doing rapid push-ups to attract mates and warn off fellow suitors. Those who study these lizards say the females prefer males with longer tails and the most brilliant blue hues.
• Being cold-blooded, western fence lizards spend their summer days moving in and out of the sun to regulate their temperatures. They are insectivorous, eating crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, ants, wasps, spiders and aphids. At night, they hide in rocky crevices or underground. During the cold winter months, western fence lizards hibernate underground or tucked away in rocks, emerging when temperatures warm in late spring.
• Blue bellies make tasty meals for snakes, coyotes, bobcats, birds and shrews. However, they are considered “spiny lizards,” meaning they have the ability to inflate themselves in crevices when hiding from predators; their prickly scales stick out and provide traction from being pulled out of hiding. They also have the ability to detach their tails when attacked. The discarded tail will continue to move in order to distract the predator while they make their escape. A new tail will grow back in a month or so.
• As with other reptiles, western fence lizards shed their skins to accommodate growth. They can look quite ragged as the skin comes off in pieces. Younger lizards shed more frequently than mature ones.
• While western fence lizards are not aggressive to pets or people, they do have needle-sharp teeth for catching insects. If you spot one, it is best to admire it without handling it.
Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)
By Cindy Murray
Mountain bluebirds are such a flashy sky blue color, you do not need to be a birding expert to recognize the male in his Spring brilliance! A true favorite and will readily use a proper nest box in your back yard. Our bluebirds sometimes stay in Central Oregon during the winter and will forage for insects and berries all winter long. Juniper berries are an important supplement. You can often watch bluebirds hover while hunting insects, but they also perch and pounce when spotting something juicy! The male will lose his blue color until Spring returns.
Mates will find each other when time to find a nest site and they often use previous favored nests again. The female busily builds her nest by carrying grasses to line the nest and adding soft grasses, shredded juniper bark, feathers or even wool. The middle of the nest will be formed into a 2 inch cup. She will then lay her eggs, one per day until a total of 4 to 6 have been laid and incubate them for about 12 to 14 days. The eggs are also a beautiful sky blue color. After hatching, both parents participate in feeding the tiny, helpless chicks for about 20 days. The chicks are “altricial” which means they hatch with no feathers and completely dependent upon their parents until learning to fly. Bluebirds have an average lifespan of about 6 years but can live to 10 years.
You may wish to build a Mountain bluebird nest box and instructions can be found on the internet. The box entrance and height from the ground are important for attracting the birds. Be sure to protect the base of the stand from predators. Snakes can easily climb a wood post.
By Cindy Murray
Mountain bluebirds are such a flashy sky blue color, you do not need to be a birding expert to recognize the male in his Spring brilliance! A true favorite and will readily use a proper nest box in your back yard. Our bluebirds sometimes stay in Central Oregon during the winter and will forage for insects and berries all winter long. Juniper berries are an important supplement. You can often watch bluebirds hover while hunting insects, but they also perch and pounce when spotting something juicy! The male will lose his blue color until Spring returns.
Mates will find each other when time to find a nest site and they often use previous favored nests again. The female busily builds her nest by carrying grasses to line the nest and adding soft grasses, shredded juniper bark, feathers or even wool. The middle of the nest will be formed into a 2 inch cup. She will then lay her eggs, one per day until a total of 4 to 6 have been laid and incubate them for about 12 to 14 days. The eggs are also a beautiful sky blue color. After hatching, both parents participate in feeding the tiny, helpless chicks for about 20 days. The chicks are “altricial” which means they hatch with no feathers and completely dependent upon their parents until learning to fly. Bluebirds have an average lifespan of about 6 years but can live to 10 years.
You may wish to build a Mountain bluebird nest box and instructions can be found on the internet. The box entrance and height from the ground are important for attracting the birds. Be sure to protect the base of the stand from predators. Snakes can easily climb a wood post.
Library of previous Wildlife Articles:
Yellow-Bellied Marmot (Marmota flaviventris) | Trish Nevan
Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) | Cindy Murray
Northern Scorpion (Paruroctonus boreus) | Cindy Murray
Cougar (Puma concolor) | Cindy Murray
Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | Cindy Murray
Common Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) | Cindy Murray
Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) | Cindy Murray
North American Beaver | Cindy Murray
Northern River Otter | Cindy Murray
Owls of Central Oregon | Cindy Murray
Rattlesnakes: Fact and Fiction | Ilene Smith
Yellow-Bellied Marmot (Marmota flaviventris) | Trish Nevan
Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis) | Cindy Murray
Northern Scorpion (Paruroctonus boreus) | Cindy Murray
Cougar (Puma concolor) | Cindy Murray
Bobcat (Lynx rufus) | Cindy Murray
Common Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum) | Cindy Murray
Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) | Cindy Murray
North American Beaver | Cindy Murray
Northern River Otter | Cindy Murray
Owls of Central Oregon | Cindy Murray
Rattlesnakes: Fact and Fiction | Ilene Smith
