Connecticut is home to a beautiful array of blue birds that add a burst of color to the state’s natural landscapes. From the striking Blue Jay to the elusive Cerulean Warbler, these beautiful birds captivate bird enthusiasts and casual observers alike. In this article, we will explore some of the notable blue birds that can be found in Connecticut.
Blue Jay
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
- Size: 25-30 cm (10-12 inches)
- Wingspan: 34-43 cm (13-17 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Year-round
The Blue Jay is a familiar sight in Connecticut, with its brilliant blue plumage, black crest, and white underparts. These intelligent birds often visit backyard bird feeders and are known for their distinctive calls and mimicry abilities.
Blue Jays are highly adaptable and can be found across a variety of habitats, including woodlands and suburban areas. They are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a wide range of seeds, nuts, insects, and even small vertebrates.
Did you know? Blue Jays have the ability to imitate the calls of other birds, as well as human-made sounds such as doorbells or car alarms.
Indigo Bunting
- Scientific Name: Passerina cyanea
- Size: 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches)
- Wingspan: 20-23 cm (7.9-9.1 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Spring to early fall
The Indigo Bunting is a small songbird with brilliant blue plumage that seems to change shade depending on the angle of light. These birds prefer open habitats such as fields, meadows, and forest edges, where they can forage for seeds, berries, and insects.
During the breeding season, male Indigo Buntings sing a sweet, melodic song to attract mates and defend their territories. Their arrival in Connecticut during the spring months is eagerly awaited by birdwatchers.
Did you know? The Indigo Bunting’s vibrant blue color is not due to pigment, but rather the structure of its feathers that scatters and reflects blue light.
Eastern Bluebird
- Scientific Name: Sialia sialis
- Size: 16-21 cm (6.3-8.3 inches)
- Wingspan: 25-32 cm (9.8-12.6 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Year-round
The Eastern Bluebird is a symbol of happiness and hope, with its soft blue plumage, rusty red breast, and white belly. These birds are found in open habitats with scattered trees, such as fields, pastures, and golf courses.
Eastern Bluebirds are cavity nesters, meaning they rely on pre-existing holes in trees or nest boxes provided by humans. They primarily feed on insects and berries, often perching on low branches or fences to spot their prey.
Did you know? Eastern Bluebirds are known for their cooperative breeding behavior, where several males assist a single female in raising the brood.
Blue Grosbeak
- Scientific Name: Passerina caerulea
- Size: 15-18 cm (5.9-7.1 inches)
- Wingspan: 26-29 cm (10.2-11.4 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Late spring to early fall
The Blue Grosbeak is a stunning bird with rich blue plumage, reddish-brown wing bars, and a thick, seed-crushing bill. These birds can be found in brushy habitats, including thickets, open woodlands, and shrub borders.
Blue Grosbeaks are primarily seed-eaters, but they also consume insects during the breeding season to provide nourishment to their nestlings. Males often sing a vibrant, melodious song to establish their territories and attract mates.
Did you know? The Blue Grosbeak’s song has been described as a combination of a “sweet sweet chew” and a “high-pitched buzz.”
Blue-Headed Vireo
- Scientific Name: Vireo solitarius
- Size: 11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 inches)
- Wingspan: 17-19 cm (6.7-7.5 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Spring and fall migration
The Blue-headed Vireo is a small songbird with a bluish-gray crown, white eyering, and olive-green upperparts. These birds breed in coniferous forests and can be found in Connecticut during their spring and fall migration periods.
Blue-headed Vireos feed primarily on insects and spiders, foraging actively in the tree canopies. Their persistent, warbling song adds a delightful melody to the forest during the breeding season.
Did you know? The Blue-headed Vireo often builds its nest on the branches of coniferous trees, using spider silk to secure it.
Mountain Bluebird
- Scientific Name: Sialia currucoides
- Size: 16-20 cm (6.3-7.9 inches)
- Wingspan: 32-39 cm (12.6-15.4 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Winter
The Mountain Bluebird is a breathtaking bird with bright blue plumage, a pale blue chest, and a slender bill. While not a resident breeder in Connecticut, these birds can occasionally be spotted during the winter months, especially in open fields and agricultural areas. Mountain Bluebirds primarily feed on insects, but they also consume berries and seeds when insects are scarce.
Did you know? Mountain Bluebirds are known for their habit of hovering over the ground while hunting for insects, a behavior uncommon among other thrush species.
Cerulean Warbler
- Scientific Name: Setophaga cerulea
- Size: 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches)
- Wingspan: 17-22 cm (6.7-8.7 inches)
- Conservation Status: Near Threatened (NT)
- Observation Period: Spring and fall migration
The Cerulean Warbler is a small, neotropical migrant with striking blue plumage, a white underbelly, and two white wingbars. These birds breed in deciduous forests and can be observed in Connecticut during their spring and fall migration periods.
Cerulean Warblers primarily feed on insects and caterpillars, actively foraging in the tree canopies. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and deforestation in their wintering grounds, their populations have been declining.
Did you know? The Cerulean Warbler is one of the rarest and fastest-declining warbler species in North America.
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
- Scientific Name: Polioptila caerulea
- Size: 10-11 cm (3.9-4.3 inches)
- Wingspan: 16-17 cm (6.3-6.7 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Year-round
The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a tiny bird with a blue-gray upper body, a long tail, and a distinctive white eyering. These agile birds can be found in various woodland habitats, including mixed forests, riparian areas, and scrublands.
Blue-gray Gnatcatchers feed on small insects and spiders, actively searching for prey in trees and shrubs. Their soft, high-pitched calls and constant movement make them a joy to observe.
Did you know? Blue-gray Gnatcatchers build intricate, pendant-shaped nests using spider silk, lichens, and other fine materials.
Lazuli Bunting
- Scientific Name: Passerina amoena
- Size: 12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 inches)
- Wingspan: 20-23 cm (7.9-9.1 inches)
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (LC)
- Observation Period: Late spring to early fall
The Lazuli Bunting is a small songbird with a vibrant blue body, contrasting rusty wingbars, and a conical bill. Although not a resident breeder in Connecticut, these birds can be observed during their migration period.
Lazuli Buntings prefer open habitats with scattered trees, including brushy areas, meadows, and forest edges. They primarily feed on seeds and insects, foraging on the ground or from low perches.
Did you know? Male Lazuli Buntings undergo a molt after breeding, replacing their bright blue feathers with a duller plumage similar to that of the females.
As you explore Connecticut’s diverse habitats, keep an eye out for these splendid blue birds. Their enchanting colors and charming behaviors make them a true delight to observe. So grab your binoculars and enjoy the beauty of these feathered wonders!
