20 Types of Blue Birds That Every Bird Lover Needs to Know
Blue birds are fascinating creatures that capture attention with their unique colors and behaviors. Whether you see one perched on a fence or flying through a field, they always leave an impression.
Take some time to watch and learn more about these amazing birds in their natural spaces.
List of 20 Types of Blue Birds
1.Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a small, brightly colored songbird that adds a splash of vivid blue to the landscapes it inhabits.
Known for its gentle demeanor and melodious song, this bird is often seen perched on fences or low branches.
It thrives in areas with open fields and sparse tree cover, making it a common sight in rural and suburban settings where natural or artificial nesting sites are available.
- Location: Open woodlands, farmlands, orchards, and suburban areas across North America.
- Size: 6.5–7 inches long, wingspan 9–12 inches.
- Migration: Northern populations migrate south in winter; southern populations are typically year-round residents.
2.Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is a striking bird with vibrant blue feathers and bold black markings.
Its intelligent behavior and loud, distinctive calls make it a common presence in various habitats. Often seen collecting acorns or visiting feeders, it is both resourceful and social.
- Location: Forests, parks, and residential areas across eastern and central North America.
- Size: 9–12 inches long, wingspan 13–17 inches.
- Migration: Typically year-round residents, though some populations migrate short distances in the fall.
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3.Indigo Bunting
The Indigo Bunting is a dazzling bird with deep blue plumage in males, often lighting up open fields and woodland edges.
Its cheerful song and active foraging behavior make it a delightful sight during the breeding season.
- Location: Open fields, brushy areas, and woodland edges in North and Central America.
- Size: 4.5–5.5 inches long, wingspan 7.5–8.5 inches.
- Migration: Migrates south to Central and South America during winter.
4.Mountain Bluebird
The Mountain Bluebird is a sky-colored bird often found in open grasslands and mountainous regions.
Known for its graceful flight and gentle presence, it frequently perches on fences or hovers while foraging.
- Location: Western North America, including grasslands, sagebrush, and alpine meadows.
- Size: 6–7 inches long, wingspan 11–14 inches.
- Migration: Migrates to lower elevations and southern regions during winter.
5.Tree Swallow
The Tree Swallow is a sleek, iridescent bird often seen darting through the air in search of insects.
Its graceful flight and habit of nesting in cavities make it a familiar sight near wetlands and open fields.
- Location: Wetlands, open fields, and near water throughout North America.
- Size: 5–6 inches long, wingspan 11–13 inches.
- Migration: Migrates to Central and South America for winter.
6.Belted Kingfisher
The Belted Kingfisher is a robust bird with a distinctive crest and a loud, rattling call. It is often seen perched near water, scanning for fish before making a dramatic dive to catch its prey.
- Location: Streams, rivers, lakes, and coasts across North America.
- Size: 11–14 inches long, wingspan 19–23 inches.
- Migration: Northern populations migrate to southern areas in winter; southern populations are mostly resident.
7.Blue Grosbeak
The Blue Grosbeak is a striking bird with deep blue plumage and chestnut wing bars. Known for its melodic song, it often perches conspicuously in shrubs and small trees.
- Location: Shrubby areas, farmlands, and forest edges in the southern United States and Mexico.
- Size: 6–7 inches long, wingspan 10–11 inches.
- Migration: Migrates to Central America during the winter months.
8.Steller’s Jay
The Steller’s Jay is a bold and curious bird with dark blue feathers and a striking crest. It is often found in forests, scavenging for food and interacting with other jays in noisy groups.
- Location: Coniferous and mixed forests in western North America.
- Size: 11–12 inches long, wingspan 16–18 inches.
- Migration: Generally non-migratory, but some populations may move to lower elevations in winter.
9.Lazuli Bunting
The Lazuli Bunting is a brightly colored songbird with sky-blue plumage and a cheerful tune. It is often seen flitting through brushy habitats, especially during the breeding season.
- Location: Western North America in scrubby areas and thickets.
- Size: 5.5–6 inches long, wingspan 8–9 inches.
- Migration: Migrates to Mexico and Central America for winter.
10.Cerulean Warbler
The Cerulean Warbler is a small, vibrant bird with sky-blue feathers. It is most often found in the canopy of mature forests, where its presence is marked by its quick movements and high-pitched song.
- Location: Eastern North America in deciduous forests.
- Size: 4–5 inches long, wingspan 7–8 inches.
- Migration: Winters in the Andes of South America.
Read also: 20 Birds With Colorful Beaks (Picture & Call)
11.Blue-winged Teal
The Blue-winged Teal is a small dabbling duck with distinctive blue patches on its wings. It is often seen gliding across calm waters or feeding in shallow wetlands during migration.
- Location: Marshes, wetlands, and ponds across North and Central America.
- Size: 14–16 inches long, wingspan 22–24 inches.
- Migration: Migrates to Central and South America during winter.
12.California Scrub-Jay
The California Scrub-Jay is a striking blue bird with a long tail and bold personality. It is frequently spotted foraging on the ground or calling loudly from perches.
- Location: Open woodlands and scrublands in western United States.
- Size: 11–12 inches long, wingspan 15–16 inches.
- Migration: Non-migratory, remains in its range year-round.
13.Purple Martin (Male)
The male Purple Martin is a large swallow with iridescent blue-black plumage. These birds are often seen swooping gracefully over open areas in search of insects.
- Location: Open areas near water across North America.
- Size: 7.5–8 inches long, wingspan 15–16 inches.
- Migration: Migrates to South America during winter.
14.Eastern Indigo Bunting
The Eastern Indigo Bunting is a vibrant bird with deep blue feathers that shimmer in sunlight. It is often seen singing from high perches during the breeding season.
- Location: Open woodlands, fields, and edges across eastern United States.
- Size: 4.5–5 inches long, wingspan 7.5–8.5 inches.
- Migration: Migrates to Central and South America in winter.
15.Common Kingfisher
The Common Kingfisher is a small, vibrant bird with brilliant blue plumage and orange underparts. It is known for its precision diving while hunting for fish.
- Location: Rivers, lakes, and streams worldwide, including parts of Europe and Asia.
- Size: 6–7 inches long, wingspan 9–10 inches.
- Migration: Mostly resident but may migrate short distances in winter.
Read also: 25 Birds with Red Heads: A Comprehensive Guide
16.Barn Swallow
The Barn Swallow is a graceful bird with deep blue feathers and a deeply forked tail. It is often seen flying low over fields, catching insects in mid-air.
- Location: Farmlands, open fields, and near water worldwide.
- Size: 6–7 inches long, wingspan 11–13 inches.
- Migration: Migrates to Central and South America or Africa for winter.
17.Indian Roller
The Indian Roller is a colorful bird with bright blue wings and a striking flight pattern. It is often seen perched on wires or trees in open areas.
- Location: Open fields, grasslands, and forests across South Asia.
- Size: 12–13 inches long, wingspan 20–22 inches.
- Migration: Generally non-migratory but may move locally in search of food.
18.Blue-and-Yellow Macaw
The Blue-and-Yellow Macaw is a large, striking parrot with vivid blue and yellow plumage. It is known for its loud calls and social nature.
- Location: Rainforests and savannas in South America.
- Size: 30–34 inches long, wingspan 41–45 inches.
- Migration: Non-migratory, remains in its habitat year-round.
19.Tree Pipit (Breeding Plumage)
The Tree Pipit is a small songbird with subtle blue hues during breeding. It is often seen perched on treetops or fluttering down to the ground.
- Location: Open fields, woodlands, and grasslands in Europe and Asia.
- Size: 6–7 inches long, wingspan 9–11 inches.
- Migration: Migrates to Africa or South Asia during winter.
20.Verditer Flycatcher
The Verditer Flycatcher is a striking bird with turquoise-blue plumage. It is often found perched on branches, making short flights to catch insects.
- Location: Open forests, gardens, and foothills in South and Southeast Asia.
- Size: 6–7 inches long, wingspan 9–10 inches.
- Migration: Moves to lower elevations during winter.
FAQs
What is the most common blue bird in North America?
The Eastern Bluebird is one of the most common and recognizable blue birds in North America.
Do blue birds migrate?
Yes, many blue birds like the Eastern Bluebird and Indigo Bunting migrate south during the winter.
Where can I see blue birds?
Blue birds are commonly found in open woodlands, farmlands, and suburban areas with scattered trees.
What do blue birds eat?
Blue birds typically eat insects, seeds, berries, and small fruits.
Are male blue birds always more colorful?
Yes, in most species, male blue birds have brighter plumage to attract mates, while females are more subdued for camouflage.
