Bluebirds are renowned for their tranquility and soothing presence, and it’s no wonder considering that blue is often associated with serenity. While not a prevalent color among North American avian species, the sight of a blue bird is truly remarkable. In this piece, we’ll showcase our selection of the top 16 blue bird varieties.
16 TYPES OF BLUE BIRDS
Contrary to popular belief, blue birds lack the ability to generate red pigment through their diet. In fact, no bird species possesses inherent blue pigment. Instead, it is the interaction between light waves and their feathers that creates the captivating blue hue in their plumage. All types of blue birds exhibit a diverse spectrum of blue shades, showcasing the full range of this enchanting color.
1. BLUE GROSBEAK
Known by its scientific name Passerina caerulea, the Blue Grosbeak thrives in the southern regions of the United States and Mexico, particularly among unruly fields and bushy areas. As it settles on the fringe of thickets, one may observe its tail flickering and in motion.
The males of this species boast a remarkable feature—a vibrant blue plumage covering most of their bodies. This striking coloration is further enhanced by the presence of copper-colored bars on their wings, creating a captivating visual display. In contrast, females exhibit a more subtle appearance, with hints of blue accentuating their coppery brown bodies.
2. MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD
Known by its scientific name Sialia currucoides, the male Mountain Bluebird stands out as one of the most vibrant blue-feathered birds in western North America. Its front displays a striking sky blue color, while its rear boasts a brilliant cerulean shade. In contrast, the females exhibit a more subdued appearance, with a generally dull body accented by subtle hints of blue.
These omnivorous birds have a varied diet that includes berries, insects, and caterpillars. They can be found inhabiting the mountains and highlands stretching from Utah to Alaska. During the winter, when the temperatures are milder, they may also be spotted in eastern California, west Texas, and significant portions of Arizona and New Mexico.
3. BLUEBIRDS (EASTERN & WESTERN)
Known by their scientific names Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird) and Sialia mexicana (Western Bluebird), these birds exhibit captivating features. Their vibrant blue color covers their entire upper body, while their bellies sport a rusty reddish-orange hue. Although the males and females share the same color patterns, the females’ colors appear comparatively duller and faded, especially in the blue shades. However, there is a notable distinction between Eastern and Western males. Western Bluebird males showcase an extended orange patch on their chest that reaches over the bases of their wings, resembling suspenders, replacing the blue on their throat.
Bluebirds have shown remarkable adaptability to suburban environments, as keen bird enthusiasts can attest. Unlike their counterparts in the mountains, they readily construct nests in human-made nest boxes. This behavior has contributed significantly to their population growth in recent years.
If you wish to attract bluebirds to your yard, offering dried or live mealworms can be quite effective. Your yard may become a bustling feeding station, with busy parent bluebirds diligently nourishing their nestlings if both parents are involved in raising the young.
4. INDIGO BUNTING
Known for its dazzling blue plumage, the Indigo Bunting stands out as one of North America’s most vibrant blue birds. Whether it’s fluttering along a road or perched gracefully on power lines, its eye-catching presence is hard to overlook. However, when comparing genders, there is a distinct difference. While the males showcase the brilliant blue color, the females exhibit a brown plumage, lacking the striking blue hue.
During the summer months, Indigo Buntings can be spotted throughout the Eastern United States. However, locating the females can be more challenging as they are responsible for nest building and rearing. It’s worth noting that Indigo Buntings are among the many species of songbirds that undertake nocturnal migrations, adding to their fascinating nature.
5. BLUE JAY
Scientific designation: Cyanocitta cristata
If you’ve ever been graced with the distinct call of the Blue Jays, you might describe their vocalization as bearing a resemblance to electronic or metallic sounds. They are substantial in size, smart, and are adorned with an exquisite pattern of blue, white, and black. These birds are versatile feeders, often seen scouring the ground for a mix of insects and nuts. They are common residents of the eastern United States, several regions in Canada, and many other places as well.
An interesting characteristic of these Blue Jays is their habit of gathering acorns from oak trees and then burying them in the ground as a food reserve for leaner times. Their calls often serve as an alarm signal to other birds, warning them of lurking predators, and fascinatingly, they can even mimic the sounds of hawks.
6. TREE SWALLOW
Scientific designation: Tachycineta bicolor
The Tree Swallow is a migratory species known for its graceful flight over lakes and meadows, nimbly catching insects in mid-flight with its aerial acrobatics. This bird is noted for its gleaming greenish-blue coloration on the upper parts of its body including the head, back, and wings, while the underside appears to be entirely white.
These birds favor the cooler climates of Canada and the northern United States for breeding purposes. During winter, they migrate to milder regions such as the Southern and Gulf coasts, as well as the Baja Peninsula. In places like Southern California, they can be spotted all year round.
Interestingly, Tree Swallows and Eastern Bluebirds share a preference for similar nesting environments. They often occupy vacant cavities and nesting boxes that would otherwise be inhabited by bluebirds.
7. NORTHERN PARULA
Scientific designation: Setophaga americana
Though spotting the Northern Parula among dense canopies might prove challenging, its distinct chirping is unmistakably clear. This bird presents a striking visual mix of brilliant yellow, blue, and white markings. Its melodious sounds fill the air predominantly in the spring and summer months.
Belonging to the warbler family, Northern Parulas venture south during the cold winter months. Depending on their location, they engage in breeding activities either across the southeastern United States or within a stretch of habitat ranging from northern Minnesota to Newfoundland when the breeding season arrives.
8. LAZULI BUNTING
Scientific designation: Passerina amoena
It’s understandable if you worry about confusing a Lazuli Bunting with an Indigo Bunting. However, distinguishing them is simpler than you might think. While it’s true that both species exhibit a predominantly blue coloration in males, Lazuli Buntings are not entirely covered in blue feathers. They showcase a unique pattern, with a brown chest and a white abdomen.
Contrary to their Indigo counterparts, Lazuli Buntings inhabit the Western United States, not the East. Moreover, their calls are distinctively more robust and clear compared to the Indigo Bunting’s vocalizations.
9. STELLER’S JAY
The Cyanocitta stelleri, commonly known as Steller’s Jay, possesses a captivating appearance with its vibrant blue hues blending gracefully from its crest to its tail. This striking coloration is observed in both males and females of the species. Similar to their fellow jays, they utilize their beaks to crack open acorns and seeds. When congregating in groups, these jays showcase their aerial prowess through graceful flights.
If you find yourself in the western regions, keep an eye out for the Steller’s Jay. While they don’t venture as far as Alaska, these jays establish permanent residences in the Rocky Mountains, Southwest, and Pacific Northwest areas.
10. CALIFORNIA SCRUB-JAY
Meet the Aphelocoma californica, also known as the California Scrub-Jay, boasting a stunning blue hue that adorns its head, back, and tail. Notice a subtle patch, appearing either gray or brown, across their upper back. With a white chest and belly, they sport a captivating blue feather necklace around their front.
These birds are renowned for their expressive and talkative nature, often vocalizing and displaying their curious behavior by hopping around and seemingly pondering ideas. Throughout the year, California Scrub-Jays can be found across northern, coastal, and central regions of California.
Two closely resembling species are the Woodhouse’s Scrub Jay, inhabiting the southwestern United States, and the Florida Scrub Jay, found in central Florida.
11. LITTLE BLUE HERON
Introducing the Egretta caerulea, commonly known as the Little Blue Heron, distinguished by its smaller stature in comparison to the majestic Great Blue Heron while sharing a striking resemblance. Both male and female adults proudly showcase a rich, dark blue plumage. These herons exhibit a preference for nesting on the periphery of large breeding colonies, often alongside their fellow species.
Little Blue Herons can be spotted in the coastal regions of the southeastern United States, particularly near marshes and freshwater bodies. In the Gulf of Mexico, there are additional habitats where these elegant birds thrive. It’s worth noting that before they undergo their molt and acquire their mature feathers, young herons bear a remarkable resemblance to Snowy Egrets.
12. BELTED KINGFISHER
Allow me to introduce the Megaceryle alcyon, commonly known as the Belted Kingfisher, a master of its preferred aquatic habitat encompassing streams, riversides, and coastal areas, despite its endearingly disproportionate large beak and head. Perched on a tree branch above the water, this kingfisher patiently awaits its prey. Upon spotting a suitable fish, it swiftly plunges into the water, seizing its meal with its powerful beak.
Both males and females of the species exhibit a charmingly dark, powdery blue coloration on their head, crest, back, wings, and necklace. Females boast a white belly adorned with brown striping, while males feature a pristine white belly.
13. BLUE-GRAY GNATCATCHER
Meet the Polioptila caerulea, commonly known as the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, a delightful avian species donning a dark blue-gray plumage. During the summer months, these birds can be observed across a vast range spanning from Pennsylvania to California, encompassing most of the United States. In regions such as Florida, the Gulf Coast, and throughout Mexico, populations of these gnatcatchers reside year-round. They display a preference for open spaces adorned with deciduous trees within forested areas, and they are particularly drawn to water sources.
When faced with a large insect that proves too hefty to swallow in one gulp, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers exhibit an interesting feeding technique. They skillfully pound the insect against a tree limb before devouring it in a single bite!
14. BARN SWALLOW
Introducing the Hirundo rustica, commonly known as the Barn Swallow, with its striking appearance characterized by a deep purple-blue or navy-blue hue adorning its head, back, and wings. Complementing this captivating coloration, an orange face and belly complete the ensemble, creating a visually appealing combination.
These remarkable birds have demonstrated remarkable adaptability to human civilization. They ingeniously construct their nests in various locations, ranging from docks to the eaves of buildings and everything in between. The nests, crafted collaboratively by both parents, are meticulously fashioned using mud and grass. In some instances, adult chicks from previous broods may lend a helping hand in providing food for the nestlings, alongside their parents.
Throughout the spring and summer seasons, one can encounter Barn Swallows gracing the skies across the United States, adding their delightful presence to the natural tapestry.
15. BLACK-THROATED BLUE WARBLER
Allow me to introduce the Setophaga caerulescens, scientifically known as the Black-throated Blue Warbler, a fascinating avian species with distinct gender-based characteristics. The male of this species boasts a captivating dark blue back, extending from the top of its head to the base of its tail. Additionally, he showcases a black face and a contrasting white belly. On the other hand, the females exhibit a more conspicuous appearance, adorned in plain olive-gray plumage.
During the winter season, the Caribbean serves as the primary habitat for the Black-throated Blue Warblers, but come spring, they embark on a migratory journey to the eastern United States, where they flourish amidst the blooming landscapes. These warblers can be found around the Great Lakes and the northeast regions. Unlike some warblers that prefer the lofty treetops, these birds display a preference for the lower canopy and shrubby understory, making it their preferred habitat.
16. CERULEAN WARBLER
Introducing the Setophaga cerulea, known as the Cerulean Warbler, a species adorned with captivating features. The male Cerulean Warbler displays a vibrant sky blue plumage, which, under favorable lighting, can appear reminiscent of turquoise. Their throat is adorned with a pristine white color, complemented by delicate black streaks. In contrast, the females boast yellow feathers with a subtle wash of blue, resembling other warbler species.
During the winter months, these warblers embark on an impressive migratory journey from northern South America to reach the United States. When summer arrives, they seek refuge in various states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, and Wisconsin, where they spend their vacation period and engage in breeding activities.