Golden beaches, towering redwoods, rolling vineyards – California’s diverse landscapes are only rivaled by its diverse birdlife. Among the myriad colors that streak the Californian skies, the varying shades of blue stand out prominently, evoking the vast Pacific that hugs the state’s western boundary and the cloudless skies of its summer days.
Dive into the world of California’s blue-feathered residents, from the coastal cliffs to the desert plains, and discover the magic they add to the already vibrant biodiversity of this state. Whether you’re an avid birder or just someone who appreciates nature’s splendor, the blue birds of California will for sure leave you in awe!
Blue Jay
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
- Size: 25-30 cm (9.8-11.8 inches)
- Wingspan: 34-43 cm (13.4-16.9 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Year-round
The Blue Jay is a stunning bird known for its vibrant blue feathers with black and white markings. It is a common sight throughout California, making it easily recognizable to both residents and visitors. This medium-sized bird, measuring around 25-30 cm in length, is often seen perched on tree branches or flying gracefully through the air.
Blue Jays are known for their intelligence and vocal abilities. They have a wide range of calls, including their well-known “jay-jay” call, which they use to communicate with each other. These birds are also known to mimic the sounds of other birds and even some human noises.
Did you know? Blue Jays are avid collectors. They have a habit of hoarding and hiding food for later consumption. In fact, they have been known to hide thousands of acorns each year, often forgetting where they buried them and unintentionally aiding in the dispersal of oak trees.
Indigo Bunting
- Scientific Name: Passerina cyanea
- Size: 11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 inches)
- Wingspan: 19-24 cm (7.5-9.4 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Spring to Summer
The Indigo Bunting is a small but vibrant bird that graces California with its presence during the spring and summer months. With its deep blue plumage and striking indigo tones, it is a true delight to observe. This bird measures around 11-13 cm in length and has a wingspan of 19-24 cm.
During the breeding season, male Indigo Buntings showcase their breathtaking blue feathers to attract mates. Their melodious songs fill the air, adding a touch of musical beauty to California’s landscapes. These birds prefer open habitats such as grasslands, meadows, and brushy areas where they can forage for seeds and insects.
Did you know? The vibrant blue color of male Indigo Buntings is not actually from pigments but rather from light scattering through their feathers. This phenomenon, called structural coloration, gives them their stunning blue hue.
Mountain Bluebird
- Scientific Name: Sialia currucoides
- Size: 17-20 cm (6.7-7.9 inches)
- Wingspan: 28-32 cm (11-12.6 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Winter to Spring
The Mountain Bluebird is a graceful and iconic bird that is often associated with California’s stunning natural beauty. These birds can be observed during the winter and spring seasons when they migrate to lower elevations in search of food. With their soft blue plumage, they bring a touch of serenity to the landscapes they inhabit.
Measuring around 17-20 cm in length, the Mountain Bluebird is slightly larger than a sparrow. Its wingspan ranges from 28-32 cm, allowing it to glide effortlessly through the air. These birds are insectivorous and primarily feed on insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars.
Did you know? Mountain Bluebirds are known to engage in “hover-hunting.” They hover in mid-air, similar to hummingbirds, while searching for their prey. Once they spot an insect, they swiftly dive down to catch it in their beak.
Lazuli Bunting
- Scientific Name: Passerina amoena
- Size: 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches)
- Wingspan: 20-24 cm (7.9-9.4 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Summer to Fall
The Lazuli Bunting is a small but striking bird that visits California during the summer and fall seasons. With its vibrant blue head, back, and tail, it stands out like a small gem among the trees and shrubs. Measuring around 12-14 cm in length, this bunting has a wingspan of 20-24 cm.
These birds prefer open habitats with some trees and shrubs, such as woodland edges, parks, and gardens. Male Lazuli Buntings showcase their vibrant blue plumage to attract mates and defend their territories. Their sweet and melodious song adds a cheerful note to California’s avian world.
Did you know? The word “lazuli” in Lazuli Bunting refers to the gemstone lapis lazuli, known for its deep blue color. The male Lazuli Bunting’s plumage resembles the vibrant blue shade of this precious stone.
Blue Grosbeak
- Scientific Name: Passerina caerulea
- Size: 15-18 cm (5.9-7.1 inches)
- Wingspan: 27-29 cm (10.6-11.4 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Summer
The Blue Grosbeak is a majestic and rare bird that can be spotted in California during the summer months. With its vibrant blue plumage, contrasting chestnut-colored wingbars, and thick bill, it is a sight to behold. This grosbeak measures around 15-18 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 27-29 cm.
These birds prefer open habitats such as grasslands, shrublands, and edges of woodlands. They feed on a variety of seeds, berries, and insects. Male Blue Grosbeaks sing a beautiful and melodious song to attract mates and establish their territories.
Did you know? The Blue Grosbeak’s bill is specially adapted for cracking open seeds. Its large and powerful beak allows it to consume a wide range of seeds, including those with tough shells.
Azure-Winged Magpie
- Scientific Name: Cyanopica cyanus
- Size: 31-35 cm (12.2-13.8 inches)
- Wingspan: 52-58 cm (20.5-22.8 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Year-round
The Azure-winged Magpie is an enchanting bird that calls California its home throughout the year. With its unique combination of blue, black, and white feathers, it is a colorful resident of the state. This magpie measures around 31-35 cm in length, with an impressive wingspan of 52-58 cm.
These birds are highly social and often seen in small groups or pairs. They are known for their intelligence and ability to mimic sounds, including human voices. Azure-winged Magpies primarily feed on insects, fruits, and seeds, making them valuable contributors to ecosystem balance.
Did you know? The Azure-winged Magpie is native to Western Europe and Eastern Asia and was introduced to California in the early 20th century. Its striking appearance and captivating behavior have made it a beloved resident of the state.
Blue-Crowned Motmot
- Scientific Name: Momotus momota
- Size: 38-48 cm (15-18.9 inches)
- Wingspan: 46-60 cm (18.1-23.6 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Year-round
The Blue-crowned Motmot is a charming and fascinating bird that can be observed year-round in California. It stands out with its colorful plumage, featuring a vibrant blue crown and a long, racket-shaped tail. This motmot measures around 38-48 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 46-60 cm.
These birds are often found in forested areas, where they perch on branches and scan their surroundings for insects, fruits, and small vertebrates. Blue-crowned Motmots are known for their unique behavior of swinging their tails back and forth, creating a mesmerizing visual display.
Did you know? The racket-shaped tail of the Blue-crowned Motmot is not just for show. It serves a purpose in their feeding behavior. When hunting for insects, they wag their tails to flush out potential prey from hiding spots.
Cerulean Warbler
- Scientific Name: Setophaga cerulea
- Size: 11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 inches)
- Wingspan: 18-21 cm (7.1-8.3 inches)
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened (NT)
- Observation Period: Spring to Summer
The Cerulean Warbler is a captivating bird that adds a touch of beauty to California during its migration. These warblers can be observed during the spring and summer seasons as they pass through the state on their way to their breeding grounds. Measuring around 11-13 cm in length, they have a wingspan of 18-21 cm.
Male Cerulean Warblers don stunning cerulean blue plumage on their upper parts, while females have a more muted greenish-blue color. These birds prefer mature deciduous forests, where they forage for insects and spiders among the foliage.
Did you know? The Cerulean Warbler’s population has been declining due to habitat loss in both its breeding and wintering grounds. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore the forests that are vital to their survival.
Blue-Throated Hummingbird
- Scientific Name: Lampornis clemenciae
- Size: 11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 inches)
- Wingspan: 13-15 cm (5.1-5.9 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Year-round
The Blue-throated Hummingbird is an endearing and tiny marvel that enchants California’s skies throughout the year. With its emerald green plumage and a sparkling blue throat patch, it is a true gem among hummingbird species. This hummingbird measures around 11-13 cm in length, with a wingspan of 13-15 cm.
Despite its small size, the Blue-throated Hummingbird is a fierce defender of its territory. Males engage in aerial battles, performing impressive dives and displaying their vibrant throat patches. These hummingbirds primarily feed on nectar from flowers and are important pollinators in California’s ecosystems.
Did you know? The Blue-throated Hummingbird is known for its remarkable hovering abilities. It can hover in mid-air for extended periods, allowing it to feed on nectar from flowers with precision and grace.
