15 Types Of BLUE BIRDS In Florida (ID Guide With Photos)!

Do You Ever Seen BLUE BIRDS In Florida? In the sunny state of Florida, where palm trees sway and the ocean breeze kisses the shore, there’s more to discover than just its beautiful landscapes. Florida is also home to a stunning array of avian residents, including some exquisite blue-feathered beauties. If you’re a bird enthusiast or simply curious about the feathered friends you might encounter in the Sunshine State, this comprehensive guide will introduce you to the mesmerizing world of blue birds in Florida.

Why Blue Birds?

Before we embark on our journey to discover the 15 types of blue birds in Florida, it’s essential to understand why bluebirds are so captivating. Bluebirds are not only visually striking, but they also hold a special place in folklore and symbolism, representing happiness, hope, and freedom. Whether you’re an avid birder or just enjoy the sight of these vibrant creatures, you’ll be delighted by the variety of blue birds that call Florida home.

Table of Contents

What Types of Birds Are Blue in Florida?

1. Florida Scrub Jay

If you’re looking for a blue bird with a bit of Florida flair, the Florida Scrub Jay is the one to watch out for. Known for its striking blue plumage with a grayish head, this bird is a unique Florida native.

Habits:

Florida Scrub Jays are highly social birds, often seen in family groups.
They are known for their fondness for acorns, which they hide for later consumption.

Appearance:

Their striking blue plumage sets them apart.
They have a crest on their head, which they can raise or lower depending on their mood.

Feeding Habits:

Florida Scrub Jays primarily feed on acorns and insects.
They are also known to eat small vertebrates and fruits.

Fun Facts:

Florida Scrub Jays are non-migratory and can be found year-round in Florida’s scrubby habitats.
They are considered a threatened species and are protected by conservation efforts.

2. Eastern Bluebird

The Eastern Bluebird is a beloved sight across the eastern United States, including the sunny state of Florida. These azure wonders sport a charming orange chest, creating a striking contrast to their blue feathers.

Habits:

Eastern Bluebirds are cavity nesters, often using old woodpecker holes or nest boxes provided by humans.
They are known for their melodious songs, which they use to communicate with other bluebirds.

Appearance:

Male Eastern Bluebirds have bright blue plumage on their heads and backs.
They have a rusty orange throat and breast, which is more subdued in females.

Feeding Habits:

They primarily feed on insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles.
In winter, they may switch to a diet of fruits and berries.

Fun Facts:

Eastern Bluebirds have been nicknamed “America’s favorite backyard bird” due to their widespread popularity among birdwatchers.
They are known to engage in a behavior called “anting,” where they rub ants on their feathers, possibly to remove parasites.

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3. Blue Jay

Don’t be fooled by the name; the Blue Jay is more than just blue. With its distinct blue crest and white face, it’s a true Florida favorite. And you’re in for a surprise when you hear its distinctive, loud call.

Habits:

Blue Jays are highly vocal birds with a wide range of calls and vocalizations.
They are known for their intelligence and may even mimic the calls of hawks to scare away other birds from food sources.

Appearance:

Blue Jays are predominantly blue, with white undersides and black markings on their wings and tails.
They have a prominent crest on their heads.

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Feeding Habits:

Blue Jays are omnivorous and will eat a wide range of foods, including nuts, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates.
They are known to store food for later use by burying it, which helps them survive during harsh winters.

Fun Facts:

Blue Jays are known to be excellent imitators and can mimic the calls of various bird species.
They are sometimes seen feeding on the blue eggs and nestlings of other bird species, earning them a reputation as nest predators.

4. Barn Swallow

While not entirely blue, the Barn Swallow still deserves a spot on our list. These acrobatic flyers boast iridescent blue feathers on their upperparts, creating a mesmerizing effect as they glide through the Florida skies.

Habits:

Barn Swallows are known for their agile and acrobatic flight, often seen swooping and darting to catch insects in mid-air.
They are highly social birds, often nesting in colonies.

Appearance:

Barn Swallows have cobalt-blue upperparts, russet throats, and creamy undersides.
Their deeply forked tails are a distinctive feature.

Feeding Habits:

They primarily feed on flying insects, making them valuable for pest control.

Fun Facts:

Barn Swallows are known for their long-distance migrations, traveling between North and South America.
They often build their cup-shaped nests in barns, which is how they got their name.

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5. Black-throated Blue Warbler

The Black-throated Blue Warbler is another enchanting blue bird you might encounter in Florida. With its striking black throat and azure wings, it’s a charismatic member of the warbler family.

Habits:

These warblers are agile foragers, hopping among branches and foliage in search of insects.
They are known for their rapid and high-pitched songs.

Appearance:

Males have striking black throats and blue upperparts, while females have more subdued plumage.
They have a white belly and a distinctive white patch on their wings.

Feeding Habits:

Black-throated Blue Warblers primarily feed on insects, including caterpillars, spiders, and beetles.
During migration, they may also consume berries.

Fun Facts:

Black-throated Blue Warblers are known to exhibit “reverse sexual dimorphism,” where females have brighter plumage than males.
They are neotropical migrants, traveling from their breeding grounds in North America to winter in the Caribbean.

6. Northern Parula

Prepare to be charmed by the Northern Parula, a petite blue and yellow songbird that’s a true delight to behold. These agile birds flit through the treetops, singing their sweet songs.

Habits:

Northern Parulas are known for their high-pitched and buzzy songs, often described as a “rising zeee-zeee-zeee.”
They are highly active birds, hopping and flitting through tree branches in search of insects.

Appearance:

These warblers have blue-gray upperparts, yellow throats, and distinctive white eye crescents.
Males have a bluish-gray crown, while females have a greenish one.

Feeding Habits:

Northern Parulas primarily feed on insects, including caterpillars, flies, and ants.
They may also consume small fruits and nectar.

Fun Facts:

Northern Parulas often nest in Spanish moss, creating pendulous nests that sway in the breeze.
They are known to perform a “wing-quiver” display during courtship, where they flutter their wings while perched.

7. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Small but full of character, the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a tiny blue bird often found in Florida’s woodlands. Its perky tail and energetic nature make it a captivating species to observe.

Habits:

Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are highly active and agile, often seen flitting about in search of tiny insects.
They are known for their soft and melodious calls.

Appearance:

These gnatcatchers have blue-gray upperparts with a distinctive white eyering.
They have long tails with white outer tail feathers, which they often fan out.

Feeding Habits:

Blue-gray Gnatcatchers primarily feed on small insects and spiders.
They are known to hover in mid-air while foraging, similar to hummingbirds.

Fun Facts:

Despite their small size, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers are known to be fierce defenders of their nests, even mobbing much larger birds to protect their young.
They are highly territorial during the breeding season.

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8. Tree Swallow

Tree Swallows are graceful, aerial performers with iridescent blue plumage. They’re often seen in flight, swooping and diving to catch insects on the wing. Their acrobatics are a treat for birdwatchers.

Habits:

Tree Swallows are known for their elegant and agile flight, often gliding gracefully as they hunt for insects.
They are highly social birds, often nesting in colonies near water.

Appearance:

Tree Swallows have bright blue-green upperparts and white undersides.
They have a slightly forked tail and distinctive white cheeks.

Feeding Habits:

These swallows primarily feed on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air.
They are known to drink on the wing, skimming the water’s surface for a quick sip.

Fun Facts:

Tree Swallows are cavity nesters and often use nest boxes provided by humans.
They are known to engage in “aerial courtship,” where they perform synchronized flight displays during the breeding season.

9. Purple Martin

The Purple Martin is another avian gem with a dash of blue. These charming birds are known for their aerial acrobatics and their melodious songs that fill the Florida air during the breeding season.

Habits:

Purple Martins are known for their gregarious nature, often nesting in large colonies.
They are highly vocal birds with a wide range of calls.

Appearance:

Male Purple Martins have iridescent blue-black plumage and a distinctive forked tail.
Females have more subdued plumage with some grayish-blue feathers.

Feeding Habits:

They primarily feed on flying insects, which they catch in mid-air during acrobatic flights.
Purple Martins are known to be effective at reducing insect pest populations.

Fun Facts:

Purple Martins are known to have a strong affinity for human-made housing, such as multi-compartment birdhouses.
They are neotropical migrants, spending the winter in South America and returning to North America for breeding.

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10. Belted Kingfisher

With its shaggy crest and distinctive blue-gray plumage, the Belted Kingfisher is a master of fishing in Florida’s waterways. Its rattling call is a familiar sound near lakes and rivers.

Habits:

Belted Kingfishers are solitary birds, often seen perched near bodies of water, where they hunt for fish.
They are known for their distinctive “rattling” call, which sounds like a mechanical laugh.

Appearance:

These kingfishers have a blue-gray upper body and head with a white collar and belly.
They have a prominent crest on their head, giving them a shaggy appearance.

Feeding Habits:

Belted Kingfishers primarily feed on fish, which they catch by diving from perches into the water.
They may also consume aquatic insects and small crustaceans.

Fun Facts:

Belted Kingfishers are known for their excavating skills. They dig nest burrows in riverbanks and cliffs.
They have specialized transparent third eyelids, called nictitating membranes, which protect their eyes while diving.

11. Great Blue Heron

Although not entirely blue, the Great Blue Heron features subtle blue-gray plumage on its body. These majestic waders are a common sight in Florida’s wetlands.

Habits:

Great Blue Herons are patient hunters, often seen standing motionless in shallow water while stalking fish.
They are known for their slow and deliberate flight, with their necks folded in an “S” shape.

Appearance:

These herons have bluish-gray plumage on their bodies, with a white head and a black stripe running down their faces.
They have long legs and necks, which they use to strike at prey in the water.

Feeding Habits:

Great Blue Herons primarily feed on fish, which they catch with lightning-fast strikes.
They may also consume amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.

Fun Facts:

Great Blue Herons have a specialized hunting technique known as “bill vibrating.” They rapidly open and close their bills in the water to attract fish.
They are known for their elaborate courtship displays, including stretching their necks skyward and offering sticks to potential mates.

12. Little Blue Heron

The Little Blue Heron, as its name suggests, is adorned in shades of blue during its juvenile stage. As they mature, their plumage transitions to a more subtle bluish-gray hue.

Habits:

Juvenile Little Blue Herons are often seen foraging alongside other waders, as their white plumage resembles that of snowy egrets.
They are known for their stealthy stalking of prey in shallow water.

Appearance:

Juvenile Little Blue Herons are entirely white during their first year, with a purplish-blue bill and legs.
Adults have bluish-gray plumage on their bodies and wings, with a reddish-brown neck.

Feeding Habits:

Little Blue Herons primarily feed on fish, which they catch with a slow, deliberate strike.
They also consume crustaceans, amphibians, and insects.

Fun Facts:

The transition from white to blue plumage in juvenile Little Blue Herons is gradual and takes about a year.
They often use their wings to create shade while hunting, attracting fish seeking refuge from the sun.

13. Blue Grosbeak

Blue Grosbeaks are known for their rich blue plumage and distinctive, sturdy beaks. These songbirds add a touch of color to Florida’s grasslands and shrubby habitats.

Habits:

Blue Grosbeaks are often heard before they are seen, as they have a distinctive and melodious song.
They are known for their agile hopping and perching behaviors.

Appearance:

Male Blue Grosbeaks have vibrant blue plumage on their heads, backs, and wings.
They have a sturdy, conical bill adapted for cracking seeds.

Feeding Habits:

Blue Grosbeaks primarily feed on seeds, especially during the breeding season.
They also consume insects and fruits, especially when feeding their young.

Fun Facts:

Blue Grosbeaks are known to occasionally visit bird feeders, where they may enjoy sunflower seeds.
They are considered “near-threatened” due to habitat loss in some regions.

14. Blue-winged Teal

The Blue-winged Teal is a dabbling duck that graces Florida’s wetlands during migration. With its striking blue wing patch, it’s easy to spot when it takes to the skies.

Habits:

Blue-winged Teals are highly social birds, often seen in flocks, especially during migration.
They are known for their rapid, twisting flight patterns.

Appearance:

Male Blue-winged Teals have a distinctive blue patch on their wings, along with a white crescent on their faces.
Females are more subdued in appearance, with brown plumage.

Feeding Habits:

They primarily feed on aquatic plants, seeds, and small invertebrates found in wetland habitats.
They are dabblers, often tipping forward in the water to feed.

Fun Facts:

Blue-winged Teals are among the earliest duck species to migrate south for the winter.
They are known for their distinctive, high-pitched “peeping” calls.

15. Blue-headed Vireo

The Blue-headed Vireo is a small, migratory songbird that can be spotted in Florida during the winter months. Its azure crown and striking facial markings make it a standout among winter visitors.

Habits:

Blue-headed Vireos are known for their slow and deliberate foraging behavior, often hopping along branches in search of insects.
They have a distinctive and clear song that they use to communicate.

Appearance:

These vireos have blue-gray crowns and white spectacles around their eyes.
They have olive-green upperparts and white undersides.

Feeding Habits:

Blue-headed Vireos primarily feed on insects, especially during their winter stay in Florida.
They may also consume small fruits and berries.

Fun Facts:

Blue-headed Vireos are known for their distinctive call, often described as a “fee-bee-oh.”
They are part of a group of vireo species known for their complex songs and vocalizations.

What are the small blue birds in Florida?

If you’re particularly interested in smaller blue birds, Florida has plenty to offer in that category as well. These petite wonders add charm to the state’s diverse avian population.

Cerulean Warbler

The Cerulean Warbler is a tiny blue bird with a cerulean crown that blends seamlessly into its blue back. Their delicate appearance and sweet songs make them a favorite among birders.

Habits:

Cerulean Warblers are known for their high-pitched, buzzy songs, often described as “zee-zee-zee.”
They are agile foragers, hopping along branches and foliage in search of insects.

Appearance:

These warblers have bright blue upperparts and a cerulean crown on their heads.
Their white undersides have a bluish tinge.

Feeding Habits:

Cerulean Warblers primarily feed on insects, including caterpillars, spiders, and flies.
They are known to glean insects from leaves and branches.

Fun Facts:

Cerulean Warblers are considered a “near-threatened” species due to habitat loss in their breeding and wintering grounds.
They are long-distance migrants, traveling from North America to South America for the winter.

Blue-gray Tanager

A rare visitor to Florida, the Blue-gray Tanager is a tropical delight with stunning blue plumage. It’s a treat for birders lucky enough to spot this exotic beauty.

Habits:

Blue-gray Tanagers are known for their melodious and repetitive songs, often described as “cheery-cherip.”
They are highly social birds, often seen in pairs or small flocks.

Appearance:

These tanagers have bright blue plumage on their heads, backs, and wings.
They have a distinctive pale-blue ring around their eyes.

Feeding Habits:

Blue-gray Tanagers primarily feed on fruits and berries.
They are known to visit fruiting trees and shrubs to forage.

Fun Facts:

The Blue-gray Tanager’s bright plumage makes it a popular cage bird in some regions, leading to concerns about the illegal pet trade.
They are native to Central and South America, with occasional sightings in Florida.

Indigo-capped Hummingbird

Hummingbirds are nature’s flying jewels, and the Indigo-capped Hummingbird is no exception. With its shimmering blue cap, it’s a dazzling sight at nectar feeders in Florida gardens.

Habits:

Indigo-capped Hummingbirds are known for their rapid wing beats and hovering flight.
They are highly territorial around nectar-rich flowers and feeders.

Appearance:

These hummingbirds have iridescent green plumage on their bodies and wings.
Males have a striking indigo-blue cap on their heads.

Feeding Habits:

They primarily feed on nectar from flowers, supplemented with insects and spiders for protein.
They are known to visit a variety of flowering plants and feeders.

Fun Facts:

Hummingbirds have the highest metabolism of any bird species, requiring them to consume large amounts of nectar to fuel their energy-intensive flight.
The humming sound they produce during flight is a result of rapid wing beats, often exceeding 50 beats per second.

Blue-crowned Parakeet

Florida’s urban areas are home to flocks of Blue-crowned Parakeets. These vibrant green parrots have distinct blue crowns that make them easy to identify.

Habits:

Blue-crowned Parakeets are highly social birds, often seen in noisy flocks.
They are known for their raucous calls and chatter.

Appearance:

These parakeets have bright green plumage on their bodies and wings.
They have a blue crown and a distinctive red eye-ring.

Feeding Habits:

Blue-crowned Parakeets primarily feed on fruits, seeds, and flowers.
They are known to visit fruiting trees and urban gardens.

Fun Facts:

Blue-crowned Parakeets are introduced species in Florida and have established self-sustaining populations.
They are often considered pests due to their habit of damaging fruit crops.

Conclusion:

Florida is not just a paradise for sunseekers but also a haven for bird enthusiasts. From the brilliant blue of the Indigo Bunting to the majestic herons gracing the wetlands, the state boasts a diverse array of blue birds. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or simply a nature lover, exploring Florida’s avian wonders is a truly enchanting experience.

FAQ’s

1. Are all blue birds in Florida native species?

No, not all blue birds in Florida are native species. Some, like the Blue-crowned Parakeet, are introduced or non-native species that have established populations in the state.

2. Can I attract blue birds to my backyard in Florida?

Yes, you can! Providing suitable bird feeders and nesting boxes can attract blue birds to your backyard. Species like the Eastern Bluebird and Purple Martin are known to readily accept nesting boxes.

3. Do blue birds in Florida migrate?

Many blue birds in Florida are migratory, traveling to and from the state depending on the season. For example, the Cerulean Warbler is a migratory species that visits Florida during the breeding season.

4. Are there any conservation efforts for blue birds in Florida?

Yes, there are various conservation efforts in Florida to protect and preserve blue bird populations. Organizations like the Florida Bluebird Society work to support the conservation of blue birds and their habitats.

5. Where is the best place to go birdwatching in Florida?

Florida offers numerous birdwatching hotspots, including national and state parks, wildlife refuges, and coastal areas. Some popular locations include the Everglades National Park, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.