Birds that Lay Blue Eggs
by Emma Mo
on Jun 18, 2024
Birds are known for their diverse and vibrant egg colors, with blue being one of the most fascinating. This captivating color not only adds to the beauty of bird nests but also serves various evolutionary purposes, such as camouflage and signaling the health of the mother. Let's explore the remarkable birds that lay blue eggs, spanning across different continents and habitats.
Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a small, vibrant songbird native to North America, known for its striking blue plumage and rusty-red breast. Males exhibit more vivid colors compared to the females, who are more subdued in hue. These birds thrive in open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards, where they nest in tree cavities or nest boxes. Eastern Bluebirds feed primarily on insects and berries, often seen perching on fence posts or flying low over fields. Their melodious songs and beneficial insect control make them cherish visitors in many areas.
The Eastern Bluebird lays eggs that are typically light blue in color, although occasionally, white eggs can occur. The eggs are smooth and slightly glossy, usually measuring about 0.83 inches in length and 0.63 inches in width. A typical clutch consists of 3 to 7 eggs, which the female incubates for about 13 to 16 days. These blue eggs are laid in nests made of grasses, pine needles, and other plant materials, often in tree cavities or nest boxes provided by humans.
American Robin
The American Robin is a common sight in gardens and parks across North America. These birds are often seen hopping across lawns, searching for earthworms and insects. They also eat fruits and berries, especially during the winter months. American Robins are known for their melodious song, often heard at dawn and dusk. They are one of the first birds to start singing in the morning, marking the arrival of spring. Robins build cup-shaped nests made of mud, grass, and twigs, typically located in trees, shrubs, or on building ledges.
The eggs of the American Robin are a distinctive light blue color, often referred to as "robin's egg blue." They are smooth and slightly glossy, measuring about 1.1 inches in length and 0.75 inches in width. A typical clutch consists of 3 to 5 eggs. The female incubates the eggs for about 12 to 14 days until they hatch. These vibrant blue eggs are a hallmark of the American Robin's breeding season and are easily recognizable by bird enthusiasts.
Eurasian Jackdaw
The Eurasian Jackdaw is a small, black-and-gray member of the crow family, found across Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. With its glossy black plumage, pale gray nape, and striking pale eyes, the jackdaw is a distinctive and intelligent bird. Known for its sociable and curious nature, the Eurasian Jackdaw often forms large flocks and engages in complex social behaviors. These birds are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, from rural areas and woodlands to urban settings. They are omnivorous, feeding on a diverse diet that includes insects, seeds, fruits, and human food scraps.
The eggs of the Eurasian Jackdaw are typically pale blue or greenish-blue with darker speckles and blotches. They are smooth and slightly glossy, measuring around 3.4 cm (1.3 inches) in length and 2.4 cm (0.9 inches) in width. The female jackdaw incubates the eggs for about 17 to 18 days, and both parents participate in feeding the chicks once they hatch. These eggs are usually laid in nests built in tree cavities, cliffs, or even buildings, showcasing the jackdaw's adaptability and resourcefulness.
Eurasian Magpie
The Eurasian Magpie is a striking bird known for its bold black and white plumage and long, iridescent tail. Found across Europe and Asia, these intelligent and highly adaptable birds are members of the crow family. Magpies are known for their complex social structures and vocalizations, often seen in pairs or small groups. They inhabit a wide range of environments, from woodlands and farmland to urban areas, where they forage for a varied diet that includes insects, small animals, seeds, and food scraps.
The eggs of the Eurasian Magpie are typically blue-green with brown speckles. They are smooth and glossy, measuring about 1.3 inches in length and 0.9 inches in width. Magpies build large, domed nests made of sticks, often in tall trees, and both parents take part in incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.
Emu
The Emu is the second-largest bird in the world, native to Australia, and is known for its impressive height, reaching up to 6 feet tall. These flightless birds have long necks, strong legs, and shaggy brown feathers that provide excellent camouflage in their natural habitats, which range from forests to grasslands and arid regions. Emus are fast runners, capable of reaching speeds up to 30 miles per hour, and they have a diverse diet that includes plants, seeds, insects, and small animals. Their booming calls and drumming sounds are distinctive and can be heard over long distances.
Emu eggs are large, dark green to blue, and have a rough, textured surface. They typically measure about 5 inches in length and 3.5 inches in width, weighing around 1.1 pounds. The male emu takes on the role of incubating the eggs for about 8 weeks and caring for the chicks after they hatch, showcasing a unique example of paternal care in the bird world.
Western Bluebird
The Western Bluebird, found in open woodlands and farmlands of western North America, is a close relative of the Eastern Bluebird. With its vivid blue plumage and gentle song, it brings a splash of color to the western landscapes. They lay sky-blue eggs in tree cavities or nest boxes.
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is a small finch with bright yellow plumage found across North America. Known for its acrobatic flight and sweet song, this bird frequents gardens and meadows. Goldfinches lay pale blue eggs in a small, cup-shaped nest high in a tree or shrub.
Red-winged Blackbird
The Red-winged Blackbird, recognizable by its black body and red shoulder patches, inhabits marshes and wetlands across North America. These birds are highly territorial and known for their distinctive calls. They lay blue-green eggs with brown markings in nests built among reeds and cattails.
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
The Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher is a tiny, insectivorous bird found in woodlands and forests across North and Central America. With its slender build and distinctive blue-gray plumage, it is an active forager. These birds lay delicate blue eggs in a small, cup-shaped nest.
Blue Jay
The Blue Jay, with its vibrant blue and white plumage and bold personality, is a familiar sight in North American forests and suburban areas. Known for its loud calls and intelligence, the Blue Jay builds a large, sturdy nest where it lays blue-green eggs.
Black Tinamou
The Black Tinamou, a ground-dwelling bird found in Central and South American forests, is known for its elusive nature and haunting calls. These birds lay glossy, blue-green eggs in a simple ground nest, well-hidden among the undergrowth.
Northern Mockingbird
The Northern Mockingbird, famed for its mimicking ability, is found throughout North America. These birds have gray plumage and are known for their diverse and complex songs. Mockingbirds lay blue-green eggs in a cup-shaped nest built in shrubs or trees.
Blue-footed Booby
The Blue-footed Booby, a seabird found along the Pacific coasts of Central and South America, is known for its distinctive blue feet and dramatic courtship displays. These birds lay pale blue eggs in a shallow scrape on the ground, often on rocky islands.
Mountain Bluebird
The Mountain Bluebird, found in the western United States and Canada, is known for its brilliant sky-blue plumage. These birds inhabit open country and are often seen perched on fence posts. They lay light blue eggs in tree cavities or nest boxes.
Blue Finch
The Blue Finch, a small passerine bird found in South America, is known for its vibrant blue plumage and cheerful song. These birds lay light blue eggs in a cup-shaped nest built in trees or shrubs.
House Finch
The House Finch, with its reddish plumage and cheerful song, is a common sight in North American urban and suburban areas. These birds build their nests in trees, shrubs, or even on buildings, laying pale blue eggs with fine speckles.
Snowy Egret
The Snowy Egret, a graceful white heron found in wetlands across the Americas, is known for its elegant plumage and yellow feet. These birds build their nests in colonies, laying pale blue eggs in a platform nest made of sticks.
Dunnock
The Dunnock, also known as the Hedge Sparrow, is a small, inconspicuous bird found across Europe and Asia. With its brown and gray plumage, it blends well into hedgerows and gardens. Dunnocks lay blue eggs in a neat cup-shaped nest hidden in dense vegetation.
European Starling
The European Starling, introduced to North America, is known for its iridescent plumage and noisy flocks. These birds build their nests in cavities, laying glossy blue eggs. Starlings are highly adaptable and thrive in both urban and rural environments.
European Robin
The European Robin, with its iconic red breast, is a beloved bird found across Europe. Known for its melodious song, the robin builds a cup-shaped nest in dense shrubs or on building ledges, where it lays pale blue eggs.
Common Linnet
The Common Linnet, a small finch found across Europe and Asia, is known for its melodious song and streaked brown plumage. These birds build their nests in shrubs, laying pale blue eggs with fine speckles.
Little Blue Heron
The Little Blue Heron, found in wetlands across the southeastern United States and Central America, is known for its striking blue-gray plumage. These birds build their nests in colonies, laying pale blue eggs in platform nests made of sticks.
Gray Catbird
The Gray Catbird, known for its cat-like calls and mimicry, is found in dense shrubs and thickets across North America. With its slate-gray plumage and distinctive black cap, it builds a cup-shaped nest where it lays blue-green eggs.
Common Myna
The Common Myna, native to South Asia but now found in many parts of the world, is known for its bold behavior and loud calls. These birds build their nests in tree cavities or buildings, laying blue-green eggs.
Song Thrush
The Song Thrush, with its spotted breast and melodious song, is found across Europe and Asia. These birds build cup-shaped nests in trees or shrubs, laying bright blue eggs speckled with black.
Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron, a large wading bird found across North America, is known for its majestic appearance and slow, deliberate movements. These birds build large platform nests in trees, laying pale blue eggs.
