Last Updated on April 13, 2022 by Marco C.
Many new birdwatchers take some time to recognize birds by color, and there are many birds that are blue and so similar in appearance that they can trick even more experienced watchers. In today’s article, we’ll be taking a look at a few species of birds that are blue, their territories, and habitats, to learn where to look for and find these species.
Table of Contents
Blue Grosbeak
This is the first of the six most common species of bluebirds in the USA. The blue grosbeak is a large bird that usually lives in the south and the central USA, while it also spends a lot of time in Mexico and Central America. It feeds primarily on insects and lives in open woodlands.
These birds aren’t really difficult to find as they’re very loud singers – especially the males. They’re usually exposed when singing, so spotting them with a pair of binoculars shouldn’t be a problem.
A breeding male blue grosbeak is entirely blue – they seem to be large and buff, almost stocky. Sometimes, they’ll have a little bit of red or brown on their wings, but they’re entirely blue except for that.
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Indigo Bunting
The second bird on our list, the indigo bunting, lives in a wide range from southern and south-western USA, through eastern and central states, all the way to Canada. It also spends a lot of time in Central America.
These birds enjoy spending their time in open woodlands where they feed on insects. Unlike our previous entry, these birds will spend their time on telephone lines and sing, where you can easily spot them.
Unmistakably blue, these birds are stocky and they have a short tails. The blue color is a bit cleaner on their heads, while there are spots of black on their wings. Their song is a high-pitched, bright sound.
Lazuli Bunting
The lazuli bunting lives primarily in the west, northwest, and southwest USA, stretching their territory into Mexico. Just like our previous entries, they live in open woodlands and feed on insects.
They usually occupy hillsides and large gardens where they hide in tall shrubbery. To find them, listen for a fast song, especially in April, May, and June when they’re usually at their loudest.
Males are a little less blue than in our previous entry, as they’re not entirely blue. Their chest is orange, while their bellies are white and there’s also a white shoulder patch on their wings. The rest of their bodies are entirely blue.
Eastern Bluebird
Just like the name says, the eastern bluebird lives predominantly near the east coast, stretching into Canada and Mexico (through Texas). They prefer living in grasslands and they spend a lot of their time sitting on manmade structures such as telephone wires.
The eastern bluebird feeds primarily on insects. It’s not difficult to find this bird at all, given that they’re really not afraid of people. They’ll often inhabit golf courses and other large manmade structures, while you can also find them on meadows and large fields.
Similar to the lazuli bunting, they’re blue, but their chest, throat, and stomach are a combination of rust and white. They’re small birds, but their bellies are large and round for their size.
Mountain Bluebird
The northernmost bird on this list, the mountain bluebird can be found all the way in Alaska! They also drop down to Mexico, where they live in open woodlands and feed on insects.
They live in open spaces and they’ll spend time on fences and powerlines, where you can find them throughout the entire year. This bird isn’t that afraid of humans and it won’t run on sight.
Recognizing them shouldn’t be a problem since they’re small, entirely bluebirds. Their wings and heads are a more intense note of blue, while their stomachs are sort of a sky-blue. They’re small birds that are entirely blue with a few different notes of the color.
Western Bluebird
The least common bird from all the birds on our list, the western bluebird is a species you’ll find in the west and a few southern states (Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona). There, these birds live in open woodlands and they eat insects by catching them in the air.
You can find them in the summer, where they spend time on perches and fences. Identifying these birds by their call isn’t as easy, since it’s a very subtle and quiet call.
Adult males are blue on the wings, throat, and head. However, a rusty color extends from their chest to below and over their wings (just imagine a bluebird wearing an orange vest). There’s also a patch of light blue to white just above their legs.
FAQ
Is there a bird that is blue?
In the USA, there are at least six species of bird that are either entirely or almost entirely blue. The blue grosbeak and the indigo bunting are some of the most common examples.
What birds are blue in color?
In the USA, the blue grosbeak, indigo bunting, lazuli bunting, eastern bluebird, mountain bluebird and the western bluebird are the most common species of blue birds.
What kind of bird is totally blue?
Indigo bunting is entirely blue with a small patch of black on its wings and the mountain bluebird is also entirely blue, with even a few different notes of the color. Other species are mostly blue, but they all have noticeable patches of other colors on their bodies.
Read more about: Blue Bird That Looks Like A Cardinal
To End
There are six types of bluebird in the USA that should be pointed out if we’re talking about color. Out of those six, there are only two species of bird that are entirely blue, as most species have at least a single small patch of some other color on themselves.
Because they’re so widespread, you can find these six species of bird all over the USA, even as far north as Alaska. It’s best to locate them by listening to their call, after which you can find them in the trees, on poles, on fences, and on street lights.