Colorado hosts a variety of blue birds, notable for their striking colors and diverse habitats. Among them, the Mountain Bluebird stands out with its vivid cerulean plumage in males, primarily seen at higher elevations. The Western Bluebird features vibrant blue feathers and a distinctive rusty chest, prevalent in wooded areas. The Eastern Bluebird is easily spotted in open fields thanks to its bright blue and rusty plumage. The Blue Jay, recognized for its bold blue coloring and mimicry skills, adds a dynamic presence. Lastly, the Steller's Jay showcases a blend of black and blue feathers, common in evergreen forests. Each bird offers a glimpse into the colorful avian life in Colorado.
Mountain Bluebird
The Mountain Bluebird is a charismatic species found at high elevations in Colorado. It exhibits a striking cerulean plumage in males, while females display an ashy grey with hints of blue.
This bird thrives across a broad range, where the vivid blue of the males contrasts sharply with the subtler hues of the females. This contrast enhances their visibility against the rugged Colorado landscapes.
Western Bluebird
Western Bluebirds, distinguished by their vibrant blue plumage and rusty chests, inhabit the wooded regions of western Colorado. Males flaunt blue throats enhancing their striking appearance, while females exhibit subtler hues.
These birds gracefully skim close to the ground to snatch insects, nestling in enclosed cavities. Their presence is often heralded by their soft calls, adding a serene soundtrack to their habitat.
Eastern Bluebird
Shifting focus to another regionally common species, Eastern Bluebirds display a similar charm with their vibrant blue and rusty plumage. Found in Colorado's open areas like fields and meadows, both males and females enchant with their warbling songs.
While males boast brighter hues, females exhibit more subdued tones. These birds primarily feed on insects and fruit, depending on the season.
Blue Jay
Renowned for their striking blue plumage and complex behaviors, Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata) are a vibrant presence in Colorado's bird community. They display blue feathers with black bars and a prominent crest, showcasing mimicry skills by imitating hawk calls.
Both genders frequent feeders, attracted to peanuts, sunflower seeds, and corn, reflecting their intelligence and boldness in the local avian landscape.
Steller's Jay
Steller's Jays, characterized by their striking black and blue plumage, are prevalent in the evergreen forests of Colorado. These larger birds showcase distinctive black heads and long tails.
Attracting them to bird feeders can be done by offering peanuts. Known for their unique coloration and behaviors such as nest robbing, Steller's Jays also have distinct calls, distinguishing them from other species.
Pinyon Jay
Native to the pinyon-juniper woodlands of Colorado, the Pinyon Jay is a medium-sized bird known for its mostly blue plumage and long, sharp bill.
These birds, displaying vibrant blue tones, primarily feed on pinyon-pine seeds.
They form large, vocal flocks, enhancing their adaptation to the specific woodlands of Colorado, underscoring their unique niche within the state's rich avian tapestry.
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay, a medium-sized bird characterized by its light blue and gray plumage, inhabits the pinyon-juniper woodlands of Colorado.
These birds construct basket-shaped nests mainly in pinyon pine trees, reflecting their specialized nesting behaviors.
Woodhouse's Scrub-Jays primarily feed on pinyon-pine seeds and are known for their distinctive vocalizations, cementing their unique place in Colorado's avian community.
Blue Grosbeak
While the Blue Grosbeak is less commonly known than other blue birds, its striking deep blue plumage and robust silver bill make it a remarkable sight in Colorado's birding landscape.
This stocky bird showcases vibrant deep blue coloration, large silver bill, and distinctive chestnut wing bars.
They are particularly fond of sunflower seeds, often visiting backyard feeders nestled near protective shrubs.
Indigo Bunting
Shifting focus to another vibrant avian species, the Indigo Bunting stands out with its entirely blue males and subtly hued females. These blue beauties thrive in Colorado's open woodlands, feeding on nyjer thistle and live mealworms.
Migrating by night using the stars for guidance, males can sing over 200 songs at dawn, while females meticulously build nests to lay their pale blue eggs.
Lazuli Bunting
The Lazuli Bunting, a small and stocky bird, captivates with its vivid sky blue plumage and distinctive white belly. Found across western Colorado, these birds thrive near water and in shrubby areas.
Males display a striking blue, while females are more subdued with grayish-brown and hints of blue. They adaptably forage for insects and seeds, making them a favorite among local birdwatchers.
Tree Swallow
Continuing our exploration of Colorado's blue birds, let us now focus on the Tree Swallow, known for its dazzling dark metallic blue plumage and aerial agility.
In Colorado, Tree Swallows display striking blue-green plumage and a distinctive notched tail. These birds excel in aerial insect hunting and exhibit cooperative nesting behaviors.
They often nest in cavities, enhancing their presence in local ecosystems.
Barn Swallow
Gleaming with metallic blue and rusty brown underparts, Barn Swallows are a common sight in Colorado's open fields and coastal areas. These small birds, distinguished by their black head and white belly, primarily feed on larger insects and display unique behaviors during breeding seasons, such as males disrupting parenting to mate.
Both genders contribute melodious warbler songs, enriching the local soundscape.
Purple Martin
Purple Martins, distinctive for their deep bluish-purple plumage, thrive near Colorado's lakes and ponds in open areas. These larger swallows are avid insect foragers, often seen soaring high during their search for food.
Both sexes can sing, with males performing deep gurgling warblers. Encouraging their presence with specially designed birdhouses can make for a melodious and vibrant addition to local avian communities.
Belted Kingfisher
While Purple Martins are often spotted in the air, the Belted Kingfisher is more commonly found along the shores of Colorado's rivers and lakes. Sporting a black mask and long bill, this bird's bluish-gray plumage and rust-colored belly are distinctive.
Adapted to water habitats, they are known for their mechanical rattles. Females are particularly colorful, making them a spectacular sight for birdwatchers.
Are Blue Birds in Ohio Similar to Blue Birds in Colorado?
Yes, both types of blue birds in Ohio and Colorado are Eastern Bluebirds and Mountain Bluebirds, respectively. Eastern Bluebirds prefer open woodlands or meadows, while Mountain Bluebirds inhabit open grasslands or sagebrush. Both species have distinct differences in their habitats and behaviors, but they share the same stunning blue plumage.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, adorned in soft blue-gray plumage and marked by a distinctive forehead stripe, inhabits the tree-rich landscapes of Colorado.
As tree-dwelling birds, these gnatcatchers are particularly territorial during the breeding season. They construct cup-shaped nests and typically have 1-2 broods annually, laying 3-5 pale blue eggs per clutch, showcasing their commitment to nurturing the next generation in their chosen arboreal homes.