Top 15 Types Of Blue Birds In Oregon (With Pictures)

Discover fascinating photos and insights on Oregon's top 15 blue birds, from the brilliant Blue Jay to the elusive Mountain Bluebird…

blue birds of oregon

Oregon's rich avian tapestry includes a striking variety of blue-hued birds. Among the most remarkable are the Blue Jay, known for its bright plumage and intelligent nature, and the Steller's Jay, prominent in Oregon's coniferous forests with its vibrant blue feathers. The Western Bluebird displays a vivid blue with a rusty chest, commonly found in gardens and woodlands. The Mountain Bluebird, seamless against open, high-altitude landscapes, showcases a brilliant blue. Finally, the California Scrub-Jay, with its striking azure blue and gray colors, inhabits various open landscapes. Each species adds a unique splash of color and character to the state's diverse ecosystem, hinting at further wonders of avian diversity in Oregon.

Blue Jay

vibrant blue bird species

Among the various bird species in Oregon, the Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) stands out due to its vibrant blue plumage and remarkable intelligence. These medium-sized birds are omnivores, thriving in forests and visiting bird feeders for peanuts and sunflower seeds.

Known for their vocal nature, Blue Jays' distinctive calls often announce their presence, making them a notable part of Oregon's avian community.

Steller's Jay

colorful and intelligent bird

Similar to the Blue Jay, the Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri) is another vibrant blue bird found in Oregon, distinguished by its large size and striking appearance.

Thriving in coniferous forests across the western United States, this bird showcases deep blue plumage with a distinct vocal presence.

Omnivorous in nature, Steller's Jays enjoy a varied diet, enhancing their presence in diverse ecological environments.

Western Bluebird

vibrant blue bird species

The Western Bluebird, known scientifically as Sialia mexicana, graces the woodlands and gardens of Oregon with its vivid blue plumage and rusty orange chest.

These social birds, part of the thrush family, thrive across North America, favoring Oregon's habitats.

Their striking blue plumage and melodious songs make them a delightful sight in small groups or pairs, as they forage for insects, fruits, and berries.

Mountain Bluebird

vibrant blue bird species

In Oregon's expansive open meadows, the Mountain Bluebird, known scientifically as Sialia currucoides, captivates observers with its brilliant blue plumage.

A member of the thrush family, this bird thrives in open habitats and high elevations, enriching Oregon's vibrant landscapes.

Commonly found in grasslands, they are small to medium-sized birds that play an essential role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations.

California Scrub-Jay

distinctive blue and gray bird

While traversing the diverse landscapes of Oregon, one may often encounter the striking California Scrub-Jay, notable for its vivid azure blue and gray plumage.

Commonly found along the west coast in open areas, this bird's varied diet includes insects, nuts, and small animals.

They are known for building open-cup nests in trees, where they lay 2-3 pale green eggs.

Belted Kingfisher

vibrant blue bird species

Diving gracefully into Oregon's rivers and lakes, the Belted Kingfisher is easily recognized by its striking blue/gray plumage and distinctive white neck ring. This large bird thrives on a fish diet, showcasing expert diving skills.

Females are noted for their chestnut band. Known for unique nesting habits, they excavate burrows along waterways, raising 1-2 broods annually in Oregon.

Tree Swallow

beautiful iridescent blue feathers

Tree Swallows are often seen gracefully swooping through the sky. They are distinguished by their iridescent deep-blue heads and backs, contrasting sharply with their white underbellies. These social birds, with black wings, are skilled aerialists across North America, adept at insect chasing in open fields.

Their graceful flight and social nature during large group migrations make them a mesmerizing sight for bird watchers.

Purple Martin

beautiful bird with iridescent plumage

Purple Martins, recognized for their striking iridescent purple-blue plumage, are among the larger species of swallows found in Oregon. These cavity nesters thrive in open areas near water, where they can easily forage.

Utilizing birdhouses, they often nest in colonies, enhancing their chances of attracting mates. Ensuring suitable foraging areas and nesting sites can help maintain their presence in Oregon's diverse avian landscape.

Lazuli Bunting

bright blue songbird species

While Purple Martins captivate with their aerial displays near water, the Lazuli Bunting enchants with its vivid blue and orange hues in Oregon's open woodlands.

These small birds, with blue tops and orange-cinnamon chests, thrive on a diet of insects and fruits.

Their presence is marked by sweet songs and the distinctive appearance of males, making them a delightful sight in Oregon.

Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher

small agile songbird species

In the verdant expanses of Oregon's deciduous forests, the Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher thrives, mesmerizing observers with its diminutive stature and agile hunting skills.

This tiny bird meticulously feeds on insects and spiders, constructing elegant, cup-shaped nests for breeding.

With its sleek blue-gray plumage and white eye-rings, the gnatcatcher adds a touch of grace to the woodland, producing 1-2 broods per season.

Indigo Bunting

vibrant blue bird species

The Indigo Bunting, known for its radiant blue plumage, is a striking presence in Oregon's brushy landscapes. Passerina cyanea flourishes during the breeding season, enchanting observers with melodious songs.

These buntings contribute to ecological balance by consuming seeds, insects, and berries. Their migration extends to Central and South America, underscoring their resilience and the interconnectedness of bird species across regions.

Pinyon Jay

high elevation bird species

Pinyon Jays, recognized for their vibrant blue feathers, thrive in Oregon's woodlands and sagebrush areas. These medium-sized birds with striking blue plumage specialize in eating pinyon-pine seeds, making a substantial contribution to Oregon's ecosystem.

Known for their social nature, these birds exhibit communal behavior, often seen foraging and nesting in groups, making them a fascinating subject amongst Oregon's diverse avian population.

Common Grackle

gregarious bird with iridescent plumage

Common Grackles, distinguished by their iridescent blue and purple head feathers, are a prominent feature of Oregon's bird population. These social birds exhibit striking yellow eyes and long tails. They thrive in various habitats, including urban areas, showcasing their adaptability.

Omnivorous, grackles feed on a diverse diet and gather in large flocks, particularly during migration, adapting seamlessly to their environments.

Red-Breasted Nuthatch

small bird with distinctive red breast

Red-Breasted Nuthatches, characterized by their vibrant red-orange breast and striking black eye stripe, are a mesmerizing sight in Oregon's coniferous forests.

These small birds adeptly navigate tree trunks, utilizing their agility as cavity nesters. Often occupying old woodpecker holes, they lay 5-6 eggs per clutch.

Their diet primarily consists of insects, nuts, and seeds, which they skillfully forage and store.

Are the Types of Blue Birds Found in Alabama Similar to Those Found in Oregon?

Yes, the types of blue birds in Alabama are similar to those found in Oregon. Both states are home to the Eastern Bluebird and the Mountain Bluebird. While the specific habitats and behaviors of these birds may differ, the overall types of blue birds found in both states are quite similar.

Black-Throated Blue Warbler

bird with blue throat

Shifting our focus to another species, the Black-Throated Blue Warbler offers a striking contrast with its vivid blue, black, and white plumage. Known scientifically as Setophaga caerulescens, this stunning bird inhabits forests and shrubs across the eastern United States and Canada.

Its dazzling colors make it a delightful sight during migration periods to Central America, appealing to birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.