Explore 17 Blue Colored Birds (with Pictures)
What did you know about Blue Colored Birds? Blue, the color of the sky and the sea, has an undeniable allure. It symbolizes tranquility, depth, and serenity. It’s no wonder that birds adorned in various shades of blue have captured the imagination of bird enthusiasts around the world. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on an avian adventure to explore 25 mesmerizing blue-colored birds. Each bird is a unique masterpiece of nature, showcasing not only its stunning blue plumage but also intriguing characteristics that make them stand out in the avian world.
So, let’s explore all blue colored birds and unravel the mysteries of their size, weight, wingspan, lifespan, habits, and locations.
1. Eastern Bluebird
In the list of Blue Colored Birds, The first one we have is The Eastern Bluebird, with its vibrant azure plumage, is a cherished symbol of North America. These delightful creatures grace our backyards with their presence, filling the air with their melodious songs. Eastern Bluebirds are small, typically measuring around 6.3 to 8 inches in length, with a wingspan of 9 to 12 inches. They have a relatively short lifespan of 6 to 10 years.
Eastern Bluebirds prefer open woodlands and rural areas, often nesting in man-made birdhouses. You can spot them in eastern and central North America.
2. Western Bluebird
In the list of Blue Colored Birds The second and most popular bird we have is The Western Bluebird, a close relative of the Eastern Bluebird, is equally captivating. They possess a vibrant blue plumage with a touch of rust-colored chest feathers. These birds are slightly smaller, with an average length of 6.5 to 7 inches and a wingspan of 9 to 12 inches.
Western Bluebirds prefer open woodlands, meadows, and deserts of western North America. They are known for their cheerful calls and can often be seen perched on fences or tree branches.
3. Mountain Bluebird
The Mountain Bluebird is a true gem of the mountainous regions of North America. They exhibit a brilliant sky-blue plumage, making them stand out against the rugged terrain. These birds are relatively small, measuring around 6 to 7 inches in length, with a wingspan of 13 to 16 inches.
Unlike their eastern and western counterparts, Mountain Bluebirds prefer open areas at higher altitudes. They are known for their long migratory journeys and can be found in the western United States and parts of Canada.
4. Hyacinth Macaw: Majestic in Blue
Moving away from North America, we delve into the world of parrots with the Hyacinth Macaw. This majestic bird boasts stunning cobalt-blue feathers and can reach an impressive length of 40 inches with a wingspan of around 42 inches. Hyacinth Macaws have a long lifespan, often exceeding 50 years in captivity.
These parrots are native to the Amazon rainforest in South America, where they inhabit palm groves and riverine forests. Their powerful beaks enable them to crack open even the toughest nuts.
5. Blue-and-yellow Macaw
The Blue-and-yellow Macaw is a masterpiece of vibrant colors. Its deep blue feathers, contrasted with bright yellow and green, create a visually stunning spectacle. They are slightly smaller than the Hyacinth Macaw, measuring around 30 inches in length with a wingspan of 41 inches.
These macaws are native to the rainforests of Central and South America. They are excellent mimics and can mimic human speech, making them popular pets worldwide.
6. Indian Ringneck Parakeet
Shifting our focus to Asia, we encounter the Indian Ringneck Parakeet. While they are smaller in size, measuring about 16 inches in length and weighing around 4.2 ounces, their blue plumage is no less impressive. These parakeets exhibit a striking blue ring around their neck, which adds to their charm.
Indian Ringneck Parakeets are native to South Asia but have become popular pets globally due to their captivating appearance and ability to mimic sounds.
7. Blue Jay: The Smart and Sassy
The Blue Jay is a familiar sight in North America, known for its striking blue plumage with white markings. These birds are of medium size, measuring about 9 to 12 inches in length, with a wingspan of 13 to 17 inches. Blue Jays are intelligent and resourceful, often mimicking the calls of hawks to scare away other birds from their territory.
These birds are commonly found in forests, woodlands, and suburban areas across eastern and central North America.
8. Kingfisher: The Dive Bomber
The Kingfisher, with its electric blue and orange plumage, is a marvel to behold. These birds are small, measuring around 6 to 7 inches in length, with a wingspan of 9 to 12 inches. They are renowned for their exceptional fishing skills.
Kingfishers can be found near freshwater bodies such as rivers, lakes, and ponds. They are agile fliers and have a distinctive hovering technique when hunting for fish.
9. Common Kingfisher: A Worldwide Celebrity
The Common Kingfisher, while smaller in size compared to its relatives, is a global celebrity due to its stunning blue plumage. These birds measure around 5 to 7 inches in length, with a wingspan of 7 to 9 inches.
Common Kingfishers have a widespread distribution across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. They are known for their remarkable ability to dive into the water at high speeds to catch fish.
Tropical Treasures
10. Blue-crowned Motmot: A Tropical Marvel
The Blue-crowned Motmot, with its striking blue head and emerald green tail, is a tropical marvel. These birds are of medium size, measuring around 12 to 20 inches in length, including their long tail feathers.
These motmots inhabit the dense tropical forests of Central and South America, where they create burrows in banks and cliffs. They are known for their unique nesting behavior, which involves breaking off the tips of their tail feathers.
11. Lilac-breasted Roller: Jewel of Africa
Venturing into the African continent, we encounter the Lilac-breasted Roller. This avian gem showcases a combination of blue, lilac, and green plumage, creating a spectacular display. They measure around 11 to 14 inches in length.
Lilac-breasted Rollers can be found in sub-Saharan Africa, where they prefer open woodlands and savannahs. They are named after their impressive aerial displays during courtship.
12. Blue-throated Barbet: Asian Delight
In the lush tropical forests of Asia, the Blue-throated Barbet reigns supreme with its blue head and throat. These birds are relatively small, measuring around 6 to 7 inches in length.
Blue-throated Barbets are native to India, Bhutan, and Nepal, where they feed on fruits and insects. Their distinctive calls can be heard echoing through the dense forests.
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The Penguin Connection
13. Little Blue Penguin: The World’s Smallest
The Little Blue Penguin, also known as the Fairy Penguin, holds the title of the world’s smallest penguin species. They are indeed petite, measuring around 12 inches in height and weighing about 2.2 pounds. Despite their small size, they have a strong presence in the southern hemisphere.
These penguins are native to New Zealand and southern Australia, where they navigate the waters in search of fish and small crustaceans.
14. Blue-footed Booby: Nature’s Comedian
The Blue-footed Booby, with its vibrant blue feet and striking appearance, is a comedian of the avian world. They are medium-sized birds, measuring around 28 inches in length, with a wingspan of 59 inches.
These birds are famous for their intricate courtship displays, which involve showing off their blue feet to potential mates. They primarily inhabit the Galápagos Islands and parts of the Pacific coast of the Americas.
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Blue Birds of Prey
15. Peregrine Falcon: Speedster in Blue
The Peregrine Falcon, the fastest animal on the planet, also boasts a touch of blue in its plumage. These birds are of medium size, with a length of about 13 to 23 inches and a wingspan of 29 to 47 inches.
Peregrine Falcons are found worldwide, from urban skyscrapers to remote cliffs. They are known for their incredible speed, which can reach up to 240 miles per hour during hunting dives.
16. Blue Kite: Silent Soarer
The Blue Kite, also known as the Black-shouldered Kite, is a graceful raptor with blue-gray plumage. They are small to medium-sized birds, measuring around 14 to 18 inches in length, with a wingspan of 36 to 45 inches.
These kites are found in open habitats across Asia, Africa, and Australia. They are known for their silent soaring flight as they search for prey on the ground.
17. Harpy Eagle:
The Harpy Eagle, a magnificent apex predator of the Amazon rainforest, features distinctive blue-gray plumage on its head and back. These eagles are large and powerful, with a length of about 35 to 41 inches and a wingspan of 5.5 to 6.5 feet.
Harpy Eagles are found in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. They are known for their strength and agility, preying on a variety of mammals and birds.
Conclusion
In this journey through the vibrant world of blue-colored birds, we’ve encountered avian wonders from every corner of the globe. From the charming bluebirds of North America to the majestic parrots of South America, the coastal wonders, tropical treasures, and even the penguins and birds of prey, each of these blue birds is a testament to the incredible diversity of our natural world.
Their sizes, weights, wingspans, lifespans, habits, and locations tell stories of adaptation, survival, and the beauty of nature. As we marvel at their blue plumage, let us also remember the importance of conservation efforts to protect these remarkable creatures for generations to come.
FAQs
Q1: Are all blue birds the same shade of blue?
- No, the shades of blue can vary from light sky blue to deep indigo, depending on the species.
Q2: Do blue birds only live in specific regions?
- No, Blue colored birds inhabit various parts of the world, from North America to Asia and even remote islands.
Q3: What is the significance of the blue color in these birds?
- Blue coloration serves various purposes, including mate attraction, camouflage, and thermoregulation.
Q4: Are blue birds endangered?
- Some blue bird species face threats due to habitat loss and other factors, while others are stable in population.
Q5: Can you keep blue birds as pets?
- It’s essential to check local regulations, but generally, keeping wild blue birds as pets is discouraged due to their conservation status.