Have you ever seen a glimpse of a gorgeous blue bird soaring via the woods and had a sense of wonder? Blue Birds of North America are a bright component of the fauna of the United States. Birdwatchers love them because of their bright feathers and lively activity.
Blue birds are not just beautiful, yet they are also interesting because their feathers feature structures who scatter light, which makes their colors shine out. There are a number of other blue birds, such thrushes, jays, buntings, and warblers. Nature enthusiasts appreciate them because they are brilliant and make pleasant noises.
The Eastern Bluebird Productions are happy, while the Blue Jay is flashy and clever. Each species has its own unique features. John James Audubon remarked, “The bluebird carries the sky on its back.” They also assist maintain natural habitats healthy by controlling insect populations and spreading seeds.
The profiles of fifty different species of blue birds are included in this comprehensive field guide. These species range from the well-known Eastern Bluebird to the less well-known Cerulean Warbler. This book has a lot of information on the range, habits, and conservation status of birds for those who like birds and the environment.
Key Takeaways:
- Jays, buntings, warblers, and bluebirds inhabit North America.
- These animals live in a wide range of environments, from woods to wetlands to yards in the suburbs.
- Blue birds help ecosystems by spreading seeds, controlling insects, and pollinating plants.
- To keep these birds safe from losing their homes, conservation activities like nest box applications are very important.
- Nest boxes, food, and natural plants attract blue birds to your yard.
1. Eastern Bluebird:
- Scientific Name: Sialia sialis
- Life Span: 6-10 years
- Size: 6.3-8.3 inches
- Weight: 0.95-1.2 oz
- Wingspan: 9.8-12.6 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, berries
- Behavior: Perches low to swoop for prey, sings warbling songs
- Habitat: Open woodlands, farmlands, suburban yards
First on our list is the cherished emblem of the Eastern Bluebird. Its brilliant blue back and reddish orange breast make landscapes brighter to southern Canada toward the south. It climbs trees to look for insects and grasshoppers, which it commonly does in residential yards. In the winter, it eats berries like sumac. It likes to be among people, which is why it goes to nest boxes. Conservation projects such as nest box programs have helped its numbers grow.
“The bluebird is well named, for he wears a coat of the purest blue.” – Henry David Thoreau
2. Western Bluebird:
- Scientific Name: Sialia mexicana
- Life Span: 6-8 years
- Size: 6.3-7.5 inches
- Weight: 0.84-1.1 oz
- Wingspan: 11.4-13.4 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, fruits
- Behavior: Swoops for prey, sings soft whistles
- Habitat: Oak woodlands, savannas
Its cobalt-blue head and chestnut-orange breast glitter as the Western Bluebird flies across the American West. It typically exists from British Columbia to Mexico, which shows how adaptable it is. But exotic species, especially pushy European Starlings that fight for mating places, are putting stress on its population.
The Western Bluebird, like many other cavity-nesters, builds its nest in an existing hole or in a nest box; it often uses the cavities left by dead woodpeckers. Its food is very diversified, including caterpillars and seasonal berries, especially mistletoe, which it needs in the winter. While it’s there, its sweet, calm whistles make wide woods and meadows seem peaceful.
Community-led conservation projects have been very important in keeping this species safe. Local attempts to protect the Western Bluebird’s natural habitat and put up nest boxes are still going strong.
3. Mountain Bluebird:
- Scientific Name: Sialia currucoides
- Life Span: 6-8 years
- Size: 6.3-7.9 inches
- Weight: 0.95-1.2 oz
- Wingspan: 11.4-14.2 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, berries
- Behavior: Hovers while foraging, less territorial
- Habitat: Alpine meadows, sagebrush plains
A stunning sky-blue Mountain Bluebird soars over high grasslands and mountain meadows. During the mating season, it may be found from Alaska to the Rocky Mountain region and even portions of Mexico. In the winter, on the other hand, it spends time in the desert and open grasslands that are less extreme, where food is simpler to locate.
Mountain Bluebirds nest in abandoned woodpecker holes in tree trunks or posts on fences. It hunts in a quick and acrobatic way, and it can catch insects, particularly flies, in midair with great accuracy. It also eats fruits like currants, particularly when there aren’t many insects around in the winter.
To help it stay alive, conservation groups are working to protect its high-altitude nesting sites, which are under threat from human development and habitat destruction. This fragile species nevertheless fascinates birdwatchers and environment enthusiasts all across the West since its habitat is still safe.
“The bluebird’s wings are a slice of heaven.” – Poet Mary Oliver
4. Bluethroat:
- Scientific Name: Luscinia svecica
- Life Span: 5-7 years
- Size: 5.5-5.9 inches
- Weight: 0.5-0.7 oz
- Wingspan: 8.7-9.8 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, berries
- Behavior: Forages low, sings melodiously
- Habitat: Wet tundra, scrub
The Bluethroat is a rare bird that sometimes visits Alaska. Its breast is orange with spots and its neck is bright blue, which makes it stand out. It looks for ants as well as beetles on the damp tundra, where it spends the winter throughout Europe and Asia. Its sweet sounds may be heard in far-off places. Conservation safeguards the places where it breeds in the Arctic.
5. Blue Bunting:
- Scientific Name: Cyanocompsa parellina
- Life Span: 5-7 years
- Size: 5.1-5.5 inches
- Weight: 0.5-0.6 oz
- Wingspan: 8.3-9.1 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Shy, forages in cover
- Habitat: Tropical forests, scrublands
Venturing south, the Blue Bunting graces southern Texas and Central America. Its deep blue plumage shines in tropical forests. It forages for grass seeds and small bugs in dense cover, staying elusive. Its soft, warbling calls blend into lush surroundings. Habitat preservation is key to its survival.
6. Indigo Bunting:
- Scientific Name: Passerina cyanea
- Life Span: 5-8 years
- Size: 4.7-5.1 inches
- Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, berries, insects
- Behavior: Sings to defend territory
- Habitat: Brushy fields, forest edges
Shimmering like a jewel, the Indigo Bunting is a summer resident across eastern North America. Its electric blue feathers glow in sunlight. It sings tirelessly in brushy fields to defend territories, eating seeds and insects. In winter, it migrates to Central America. Its populations thrive due to adaptable habits.
7. Lazuli Bunting:
- Scientific Name: Passerina amoena
- Life Span: 5-7 years
- Size: 4.7-5.5 inches
- Weight: 0.5-0.6 oz
- Wingspan: 7.9-8.7 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Sings cheerfully, nests in shrubs
- Habitat: Shrubby hills
The Lazuli Bunting shines in the West and has turquoise blue and orange colors. This animal is common from Canada to Mexico and eats grasshoppers and berries on shrubby slopes. Its happy singing is as good as the Indigo Bunting’s. It is at danger of losing its environment.
“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap, yet your heavenly Father feeds them,” says Matthew 6:26.
8. Varied Bunting:
- Scientific Name: Passerina versicolor
- Life Span: 5-7 years
- Size: 4.7-5.5 inches
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.3 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Elusive, nests in bushes
- Habitat: Thorny scrub, canyons
The Varied Bunting does well in dry areas and has blue, purple, and red feathers. This Southwest and Mexican species feeds thorny scrub seeds and bugs. Birdwatchers find it hard to find since it is so elusive. It’s hard to hear its quiet tunes. Conservation helps keep its desert homes safe.
9. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
- Scientific Name: Polioptila caerulea
- Life Span: 3-5 years
- Size: 4.3-4.7 inches
- Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz
- Wingspan: 6.3-6.7 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Flits constantly, sings nasally
- Habitat: Woodlands, scrub
Small slate-blue-winged Blue-gray Gnatcatchers dart between branches. It captures gnats in midair in woods all throughout North America. Its sounds via its nose resound throughout the woods. In the winter, southern inhabitants go to Central America. Its capacity to adapt keeps populations steady.
10. Blue Grosbeak:
- Scientific Name: Passerina caerulea
- Life Span: 5-7 years
- Size: 5.9-6.3 inches
- Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz
- Wingspan: 10.2-11.4 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, grains, insects
- Behavior: Sings warbling songs
- Habitat: Open woodlands, fields
The Blue Grosbeak has thick blue the feathers and a large bill, which makes the list longer. The U.S.-Central American species consumes field insects and grass seeds. Its powerful, warbling song may be heard from far away. Restoring bushes helps it nest.
11. Red-legged Honeycreeper:
- Scientific Name: Cyanerpes cyaneus
- Life Span: 5-8 years
- Size: 4.7-5.1 inches
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.3 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Nectar, fruits
- Behavior: Forages acrobatically
- Habitat: Forest edges, gardens
The Red-legged Honeycreeper belongs to a tropical bird with turquoise feathers that sometimes visits southern Texas. It drinks nectar and eats fruit in gardens, where it shows off its acrobatic foraging skills. Birdwatchers love its short trips to the U.S. Conservation makes sure it shows up seldom.
12. Blue Jay:
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
- Life Span: 7-17 years
- Size: 9.8-11.8 inches
- Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz
- Wingspan: 13.4-16.5 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Nuts, seeds, insects
- Behavior: Mimics calls, caches food
- Habitat: Forests, suburbs
The Blue Jay is a bold bird with a crested head and blue and white hair. It is a bird that is well-known for its prominent appearance. It lives in the eastern and central parts of North America, where it hides nuts and mimics the sounds of hawks. Ralph Waldo Emerson remarked, “The jay’s sharp colors match its sharp wit.” It is a regular in the backyard since it can adapt.
13. Southeastern Blue Jay:
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
- Life Span: 7-17 years
- Size: 9.4-11.4 inches
- Weight: 2.3-3.3 oz
- Wingspan: 13-16 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Acorns, insects
- Behavior: Social, caches food
- Habitat: Pine forests, coastal plains
The Southeastern Blue Jay, which is unique to the Southeast, is a coastal plains animal. In pine woods, this little blue jay subsists on acorns and insects. It has strong social ties and is busy all year. It’s very important to protect pine ecosystems.
14. California Scrub-Jay:
- Scientific Name: Aphelocoma californica
- Life Span: 9-15 years
- Size: 11.0-11.8 inches
- Weight: 2.8-3.5 oz
- Wingspan: 15.0-16.5 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, fruits, small animals
- Behavior: Bold, intelligent
- Habitat: Oak woodlands, chaparral
The California Scrub-Jay has a bright blue head that makes the Pacific seem brighter. It consumes acorns and insects and is common in California’s oak woods. These brave jays come up to people, which shows how smart they are. Protecting habitats protects against dangers in cities.
15. Florida Scrub-Jay:
- Scientific Name: Aphelocoma coerulescens
- Life Span: 9-15 years
- Size: 9.1-11.0 inches
- Weight: 2.3-3.3 oz
- Wingspan: 13.0-14.6 inches
- Status: Vulnerable
- Diet: Insects, acorns
- Behavior: Cooperative breeding
- Habitat: Sandy scrublands
The Florida Scrub-Jay dwells in sandy scrub areas that are only found in Florida. In oak scrublands, its vivid blue wings glow. Although families raise their young together, this species is in danger due to habitat degradation. Controlled fires keep its ecosystems healthy.
16. Island Scrub-Jay:
- Scientific Name: Aphelocoma insularis
- Life Span: 9-15 years
- Size: 11.8-12.6 inches
- Weight: 3.0-4.0 oz
- Wingspan: 15.7-16.9 inches
- Status: Vulnerable
- Diet: Acorns, insects
- Behavior: Territorial
- Habitat: Oak groves
Restricted to Santa Cruz Island, the Island Scrub-Jay is a rare gem with deep blue plumage. It eats acorns and insects in oak groves, showing strong territoriality. Conservation protects its island from invasive species, ensuring its survival.
17. Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay:
- Scientific Name: Aphelocoma woodhouseii
- Life Span: 9-15 years
- Size: 10.6-11.8 inches
- Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz
- Wingspan: 15.0-16.5 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, small vertebrates
- Behavior: Nomadic, adaptable
- Habitat: Pinyon-juniper woodlands
Woodhouse’s Scrub-Jay roams the Southwest, where it mixes in with dry terrain and subdued blue colors. It lives in pinyon-juniper forests and consumes lizards and berries. These jays that move about may live in tough places. Protecting their forests helps them stay alive.
18. Mexican Jay:
- Scientific Name: Aphelocoma wollweberi
- Life Span: 10-15 years
- Size: 11.4-13.0 inches
- Weight: 3.2-4.3 oz
- Wingspan: 15.7-17.3 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Acorns, insects, fruits
- Behavior: Cooperative breeding
- Habitat: Pine-oak forests
The Mexican Jay lives in pine-oak woodlands in the Southwest and Mexico, where it gathers in groups. The blue and gray feathers are simple. It consumes acorns and fruits, which shows that it breeds with other animals. Forest conservation helps its social groupings.
19. Pinyon Jay
- Scientific Name: Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus
- Life Span: 10-16 years
- Size: 10.2-11.8 inches
- Weight: 3.2-4.2 oz
- Wingspan: 17.7-19.7 inches
- Status: Vulnerable
- Diet: Pinyon pine seeds
- Behavior: Colonial, intelligent
- Habitat: Pinyon-juniper woodlands
The Pinyon Jay is a bird that is found in dry locations and has a body that is slate blue in color. It lives in pinyon-juniper forests and eats the seeds of pinyon pines. These jays live in big groups and store thousands of seeds. Loss of habitat puts their food supply at risk.
20. Steller’s Jay
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta stelleri
- Life Span: 10-16 years
- Size: 11.8-13.4 inches
- Weight: 3.5-4.9 oz
- Wingspan: 17.7-19.7 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- **Diet | Diet: Seeds, insects, scraps
- Behavior: Bold, visits campsites
- Habitat: Coniferous forests
The Steller’s Jay is a bird that is found in western woods and comes with a dark blue body and a black crown. It lives in coniferous woods from Alaska to Mexico, where it consumes pine nuts and insects. When it goes to campgrounds, its boldness shows. Its piercing cries may be heard in the highlands.
21. Interior Steller’s Jay
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta stelleri
- Life Span: 10-16 years
- Size: 11.8-13.4 inches
- Weight: 3.3-4.7 oz
- Wingspan: 17.7-19.7 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Less bold, caches food
- Habitat: Pine forests
The Interior Steller’s Jay is a lighter form of the coastal Steller’s Jay that lives in the western parts of the country. In particular, it does well in the pine woods of the Rockies, where it consumes seeds and bugs. These jays may be less brave, but they are just as beautiful. Also, protecting forests makes sure they have a wide range. Their soft feathers merge nicely with pine needles. They also commonly look for food in small groups.
22. Belted Kingfisher
- Scientific Name: Megaceryle alcyon
- Life Span: 6-14 years
- Size: 11.0-13.8 inches
- Weight: 4.0-6.0 oz
- Wingspan: 18.9-22.8 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Fish
- Behavior: Dives for prey
- Habitat: Rivers, lakes
Perched above rivers, the Belted Kingfisher sports a slate-blue back and shaggy crest. Found across North America near water, it catches fish with precision. Furthermore, its rattling call echoes along streams. Habitat preservation protects its nesting banks. For instance, females have a rusty belly band. Also, they fiercely defend fishing territories.
23. Ringed Kingfisher:
- Scientific Name: Megaceryle torquata
- Life Span: 6-12 years
- Size: 15.0-16.5 inches
- Weight: 5.0-7.0 oz
- Wingspan: 22.8-25.6 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Fish, crustaceans
- Behavior: Dives for prey
- Habitat: Rivers, mangroves
Occasionally visiting southern Texas, the Ringed Kingfisher is larger, with rich blue and rufous plumage. It inhabits rivers and mangroves, eating fish and crustaceans. Moreover, its loud calls announce its presence. Wetland conservation aids its U.S. sightings. Notably, it prefers perching high above water. Additionally, its size intimidates smaller kingfishers.
24. Cuban Martin:
- Scientific Name: Progne cryptoleuca
- Life Span: 5-10 years
- Size: 7.1-7.9 inches
- Weight: 1.4-1.8 oz
- Wingspan: 12.6-13.8 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Catches insects mid-air
- Habitat: Open coastal areas
Florida Cuban Martins fly smoothly with shiny blue-black feathers. It breeds in Cuba and then goes to the southern U.S. shores. More specifically, it captures insects in the air and makes nests in holes. Coastal protection helps with its visits. Also, its fast flying is amazing. It also regularly joins groups of other kinds of birds.
25. Gray-breasted Martin:
- Scientific Name: Progne chalybea
- Life Span: 5-10 years
- Size: 6.7-7.5 inches
- Weight: 1.3-1.7 oz
- Wingspan: 12.2-13.4 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Catches insects in flight
- Habitat: Open areas
The Gray-breasted Martin is a bird that flies over southern areas and has wings that are blue-black in color and a neck that is gray. It lives in Central America and southern Texas, where it captures flies in the air. Also, it makes its home in tree holes. Keeping its habitat safe helps its range. For instance, its elegant dives are really impressive. It also likes open, sunny places.
26. Purple Martin:
- Scientific Name: Progne subis
- Life Span: 5-10 years
- Size: 7.1-7.9 inches
- Weight: 1.6-2.1 oz
- Wingspan: 15.0-16.1 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Colonial, sings melodiously
- Habitat: Open areas near water
The Purple Martin shines with dark blue feathers as it flies in big numbers. It builds nests in communal dwellings all across North America. It also captures bugs in midair while humming a beautiful song. Martin dwellings help the population grow. Its colonies, in particular, make a lot of noise. It also travels a long way to South America.
27. Western House-Martin:
- Scientific Name: Delichon urbicum
- Life Span: 4-8 years
- Size: 4.7-5.1 inches
- Weight: 0.5-0.7 oz
- Wingspan: 10.2-11.4 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Catches insects in flight
- Habitat: Open skies
The Western House-Martin has blue-black in color upperparts and doesn’t get to Alaska very often. It breeds in Europe but sometimes ends up in North America’s northwest. It captures gnats in flight and nests beneath eaves. Birdwatchers love to see it when it shows up. Also, it can move quickly in the air. It also likes to hunt for food at high altitudes.
28. Blue Mockingbird:
- Scientific Name: Melanotis caerulescens
- Life Span: 5-10 years
- Size: 9.8-10.6 inches
- Weight: 1.8-2.2 oz
- Wingspan: 13.0-14.2 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, berries
- Behavior: Elusive, sings richly
- Habitat: Dense thickets
The Blue Mockingbird is an uncommon bird in southern Texas, where it hides in thick bushes. Its slate-blue feathers blend in with the dark. It also eats berries and insects and sings a lot. Protecting its habitat makes sure it stays around. For example, its reclusive character makes it hard for birders. It also sings like other birds.
29. Red-breasted Nuthatch:
- Scientific Name: Sitta canadensis
- Life Span: 6-10 years
- Size: 4.3-4.7 inches
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
- Wingspan: 7.9-8.7 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Seeds, insects
- Behavior: Climbs down trees
- Habitat: Coniferous forests
The Red-breasted Nuthatch climbs down trees. Its back is blue-gray and its breast is red. It lives in coniferous woodlands and pushes seeds into bark. In addition, its nasal cries may be heard in the forests. Protecting forests helps its range. It is important to note that it spreads sap around the openings of nests. In the winter, it also joins mixed flocks.
30. White-breasted Nuthatch
- Scientific Name: Sitta carolinensis
- Life Span: 6-10 years
- Size: 5.1-5.5 inches
- Weight: 0.6-1.0 oz
- Wingspan: 7.9-10.6 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, nuts
- Behavior: Probes bark, caches seeds
- Habitat: Deciduous forests
The White-breasted Nuthatch has a blue-gray back and a white face. It clings to tree trunks. It digs under bark to find bugs in deciduous woodlands. Also, its yank-yank cries are quite different from other birds’. These birds do well in mature woodlands. For instance, it travels down trees headfirst. It also keeps seeds in cracks in the bark.
31. Siberian Blue Robin:
- Scientific Name: Larvivora cyane
- Life Span: 5-7 years
- Size: 5.5-5.9 inches
- Weight: 0.5-0.7 oz
- Wingspan: 8.7-9.8 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, berries
- Behavior: Forages low, sings flute-like
- Habitat: Tundra scrub
Straying to Alaska, the Siberian Blue Robin is a rare gem with vibrant blue upperparts. Found in tundra scrub, it eats ants and berries. Moreover, its flute-like song is enchanting. Arctic conservation protects its breeding grounds. Notably, its shy demeanor hides it in thickets. Additionally, it migrates to Asia.
32. Bahama Swallow:
- Scientific Name: Tachycineta cyaneoviridis
- Life Span: 5-8 years
- Size: 5.5-5.9 inches
- Weight: 0.5-0.6 oz
- Wingspan: 11.0-11.8 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Catches insects mid-air
- Habitat: Open coasts
Soaring over islands, the Bahama Swallow has glossy blue-green wings. Breeding in the Bahamas, it visits southern Florida. Specifically, it catches flies mid-air, nesting in cavities. Coastal protection aids its sightings. For instance, its swift dives are captivating. Also, it favors coastal pines.
33. Barn Swallow:
- Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica
- Life Span: 4-8 years
- Size: 6.7-7.5 inches
- Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz
- Wingspan: 11.8-13.4 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Catches insects in flight
- Habitat: Open areas
Swooping over fields, the Barn Swallow has deep blue upperparts and a forked tail. Common across North America, it nests under eaves. Furthermore, it catches mosquitoes in flight. Its twittering songs are cheerful. Notably, it builds mud nests. Also, it migrates to South America.
34. Cave Swallow:
- Scientific Name: Petrochelidon fulva
- Life Span: 4-8 years
- Size: 5.5-5.9 inches
- Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz
- Wingspan: 11.8-12.6 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Colonial, catches insects
- Habitat: Rocky areas
Nesting in caves, the Cave Swallow has blue-black upperparts. Found in the Southwest and Florida, it catches flies mid-air. Moreover, it uses mud nests in colonies. Cave preservation supports its range. For example, its colonies are noisy. Additionally, its range is expanding.
35. Cliff Swallow:
- Scientific Name: Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
- Life Span: 4-8 years
- Size: 5.5-5.9 inches
- Weight: 0.7-0.8 oz
- Wingspan: 11.8-13.4 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Builds mud nests
- Habitat: Open areas
Building mud nests, the Cliff Swallow has glossy blue upperparts. Common across North America, it nests under cliffs. Specifically, it catches gnats in flight. Its chattering calls fill colonies. Furthermore, it migrates to South America. Also, its nests are gourd-shaped.
36. Mangrove Swallow:
- Scientific Name: Tachycineta albilinea
- Life Span: 5-8 years
- Size: 4.7-5.1 inches
- Weight: 0.4-0.5 oz
- Wingspan: 10.6-11.4 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Catches insects mid-air
- Habitat: Mangroves, rivers
Gliding over wetlands, the Mangrove Swallow has blue-green upperparts. Visiting southern Texas, it inhabits mangroves. Moreover, it catches flies mid-air. Wetland conservation aids its sightings. Notably, its small size aids agility. Additionally, it nests in tree holes.
37. Tree Swallow:
- Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor
- Life Span: 5-8 years
- Size: 5.1-5.9 inches
- Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz
- Wingspan: 11.8-13.4 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Catches insects in flight
- Habitat: Wetlands, fields
Shining in sunlight, the Tree Swallow has iridescent blue-green upperparts. Common across North America, it nests in cavities near water. Specifically, it catches insects in flight. Its twittering calls are lively. For instance, it competes for nest boxes. Also, it migrates to Central America.
38. Blue-gray Tanager:
- Scientific Name: Thraupis episcopus
- Life Span: 5-10 years
- Size: 6.3-7.1 inches
- Weight: 1.0-1.3 oz
- Wingspan: 9.8-11.0 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Fruits, insects
- Behavior: Social, sings chirps
- Habitat: Gardens, forests
Visiting southern Texas, the Blue-gray Tanager has soft blue-gray plumage. Found in gardens, it eats berries and insects. Furthermore, its cheerful chirps brighten surroundings. Habitat protection supports its appearances. Notably, it forages in small flocks. Also, it favors flowering trees.
39. Red-legged Thrush:
- Scientific Name: Turdus plumbeus
- Life Span: 5-10 years
- Size: 10.2-11.0 inches
- Weight: 2.0-2.5 oz
- Wingspan: 13.4-14.6 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Berries, insects
- Behavior: Forages low, sings
- Habitat: Coastal thickets
Straying to Florida, the Red-legged Thrush has slate-blue upperparts and red legs. Breeding in the Caribbean, it visits coastal thickets. Moreover, it eats fruits and insects. Its melodious songs are captivating. For example, its shy nature hides it in shrubs. Additionally, it forages on the ground.
40. Black-throated Blue Warbler:
- Scientific Name: Setophaga caerulescens
- Life Span: 3-7 years
- Size: 4.7-5.1 inches
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.3 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, berries
- Behavior: Gleans insects, sings
- Habitat: Dense forests
Flitting through forests, the Black-throated Blue Warbler has deep blue upperparts and a black throat. Breeding in eastern North America, it winters in the Caribbean. Specifically, it gleans insects from leaves. Its buzzy songs echo in woods. Furthermore, males and females differ in plumage. Also, it migrates long distances.
41. Cerulean Warbler:
- Scientific Name: Setophaga cerulea
- Life Span: 3-7 years
- Size: 4.7-5.1 inches
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.3 inches
- Status: Vulnerable
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Forages high, sings
- Habitat: Mature forests
Glowing in treetops, the Cerulean Warbler has sky-blue plumage. Breeding in eastern forests, it winters in South America. Moreover, it forages high for bugs, singing high-pitched songs. Habitat loss threatens its populations. Notably, its small size aids agility. Additionally, it prefers tall trees.
42. Northern Parula:
- Scientific Name: Setophaga americana
- Life Span: 3-7 years
- Size: 4.3-4.7 inches
- Weight: 0.2-0.3 oz
- Wingspan: 6.3-7.1 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Gleans insects, sings
- Habitat: Swampy forests
Darting through trees, the Northern Parula has blue-gray upperparts and a yellow throat. Common in eastern North America, it nests in mossy trees. Specifically, it gleans spiders from foliage. Its trilling songs are lively. For instance, it builds nests in hanging moss. Also, it migrates to Central America.
43. Blue-headed Vireo:
- Scientific Name: Vireo solitarius
- Life Span: 5-10 years
- Size: 5.1-5.9 inches
- Weight: 0.5-0.7 oz
- Wingspan: 9.4-10.2 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects, berries
- Behavior: Forages slowly, sings
- Habitat: Mixed forests
Perching in treetops, the Blue-headed Vireo has a slate-blue head and olive back. Found across North America, it eats caterpillars and berries in mixed forests. Furthermore, its deliberate songs resonate. Forest conservation supports its range. Notably, its spectacles-like eye markings stand out. Also, it migrates to Central America.
44. Violet-green Swallow:
- Scientific Name: Tachycineta thalassina
- Life Span: 5-8 years
- Size: 5.1-5.5 inches
- Weight: 0.5-0.6 oz
- Wingspan: 11.8-12.6 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Catches insects mid-air
- Habitat: Open woodlands
Soaring in the West, the Violet-green Swallow has glossy blue-green upperparts. Common in western North America, it nests in cavities. Specifically, it catches flies mid-air. Its agile flight captivates onlookers. Moreover, it forms large flocks in migration. Also, it prefers high elevations.
45. Blue-winged Warbler:
- Scientific Name: Vermivora cyanoptera
- Life Span: 3-7 years
- Size: 4.7-5.1 inches
- Weight: 0.3-0.4 oz
- Wingspan: 7.5-8.3 inches
- Status: Least Concern
- Diet: Insects
- Behavior: Gleans bugs, sings
- Habitat: Brushy fields
Singing in shrublands, the Blue-winged Warbler has blue-gray wings and a yellow body. Breeding in eastern North America, it winters in Central America. Furthermore, it gleans bugs from leaves. Its nasal songs carry far. For example, it hybridizes with other warblers. Also, it favors young forests.
FAQs:
What kind of bird is blue but not a bluebird?
Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) are vivid blue crows, not bluebirds. It is known for being smart and forceful, which sets it apart from bluebirds in the thrush family.
What makes Eastern Bluebirds and Mountain Bluebirds different?
Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) live in the woodlands of eastern North America and have rusty orange chests. The mountain bluebird, scientifically known as Sialia currucoides, is a hoverfeeder native to the western high plains. Its plumage is all blue.
In the US, what bird is blue?
The Eastern Bluebird, Blue Jay, Indigo Bunting, and Purple Martin are some of the blue birds that live in the US. Each of these species has its own environment and way of life.
What does it mean if there are a lot of bluebirds in your yard?
Many bluebirds in your yard indicate a good food (berries, insects), nest box, or water habitat. It may also mean that the local population is healthy, which is often the result of conservation efforts.
Final Thoughts:
There are 50 Blue Birds of North America, ranging from the flashy Eastern Bluebird through the mysterious Blue-black Grassquit. They adorn the sky of the continent in beautiful colors. These birds live in forests, deserts, and on beaches, and they show how smart and opportunistic nature can be. They make ecosystems more beautiful and remind ourselves of how fragile the balance is that we must maintain.
We can help keep these blue beauties inspiring awe for decades to come by doing things like putting up nest boxes, planting native plants, or doing citizen science. Let’s keep their homes clean and their wings flying.