Welcome to Oregon! Home to a variety of bird species, one of the most iconic birds found in Oregon is the blue bird. These small birds are known for their brilliant blue color and sweet song.
Blue birds are found in many parts of the state, from the coast to the high desert, and from the mountains to the valleys. They inhabit many different habitats, such as woodlands, meadows, orchards, and gardens.
Blue birds are both beautiful and beneficial, as they feed on a variety of insects that are considered pests. They are also known to bring joy to many people who take pleasure in watching and listening to their cheerful songs.
1. Western Bluebird
The western bluebird is a species of small songbird found in North America. It is a member of the thrush family of birds, which are known for their beautiful singing voices. The western bluebird is a medium-sized bird with a wingspan of around seven inches.
It has a light blue-gray back with a white belly and bright blue wings and tail. Its face is bright orange-red with a white throat and black and white stripes on its forehead. It lives in open woodlands and meadows where it feeds on insects, fruits, and berries.
The western bluebird builds its nest in cavities of trees and in nesting boxes provided by humans. It is a social species and can often be found in small flocks. They are also popular with bird watchers and are a symbol of hope and joy in many cultures.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. mexicana |
2. Mountain Bluebird
The mountain bluebird is a small migratory bird found in the mountainous regions of western North America. It has a light-colored underside and dark eyes. Adult males have slender beaks and are a bright, turquoise-blue color that is slightly lighter in color on the underside.
The mountain bluebird has a distinct plumage which makes it easily recognizable. The upperparts are turquoise-blue with a lighter color on the throat and belly. The bird also has a white patch on the wings and black eyes.
The blue of the wings is brighter than the blue of the body. The bill is slender and black, and the legs and feet are gray. The mountain bluebird is a social bird and is often seen in flocks. They are typically seen foraging for food in open fields or along streams.
They feed on insects, seeds, and berries. During the breeding season, the males become more territorial and may be seen defending their territories from other males. The mountain bluebird is a beautiful bird and an important part of the mountain ecosystem.
It is a symbol of the beauty and diversity of the western wilderness and is an important part of the food web in these regions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. currucoides |
3. Barn Swallow
The barn swallow is an extraordinary species of swallow found in many areas of the world. It is the most widespread species of swallow, found in over 251 million square kilometers of the world. This makes it one of the most widespread passerine birds in the world.
It has a unique and distinctive appearance, with its bright blue upperparts and long, deeply forked tail. The barn swallow is an important species, as it plays a vital role in the environment, consuming large numbers of insects, which helps to balance the ecosystem.
They are known to form large flocks, which makes them a beautiful sight to behold. The barn swallow has been a symbol of hope and freedom for millennia, as they are able to survive in many different climates, and are able to travel long distances.
The barn swallow is an amazing creature that is found all over the world and deserves to be appreciated and admired.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Species | H. rustica |
4. Steller’s Jay
Steller’s jay is a species of bird that is native to areas of western North America and Central America, but not east of the Rocky Mountains.
It is closely related to the blue jay, which is commonly found in eastern North America, however, the Steller’s jay is the only species of crested jay that can be found west of the Rocky Mountains.
This species of bird is known for its distinctive blue coloring, and they are also known for their loud and boisterous calls. Their diet consists of insects, nuts, seeds, fruits, berries, and even small animals.
Steller’s jays are a common sight in many forests, and they are an important part of some ecosystems. They can often be seen gathering in large groups on the tops of trees, and they are also known to steal food from other animals.
These birds are an important part of the North American avian landscape, and they are an interesting species to observe and study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. stelleri |
5. California Scrub Jay
The California scrub jay is a species of bird found in western North America. Its range stretches from the southern parts of British Columbia, throughout California, and then to western Nevada near the city of Reno. Its range extends west of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
This species of scrub jay is unique to North America and is not found anywhere else in the world. The California scrub jay is a medium-sized bird, measuring between 7 and 9 inches in length.
Its upper parts are a mixture of brown and gray, while its underparts are paler, usually a cream color. It has a light blue crown and a darker blue line running through its eyes.
Its wings are gray, and its tail is black. The California scrub jay is an omnivore, meaning that it eats both plants and animals. Its diet consists of a variety of foods including insects, nuts, fruits, small lizards, eggs, and even small birds.
It also scavenges for food, often stealing food from other birds or rummaging through human garbage. California scrub jays are generally found in open woodlands, oak savannas, and chaparral.
They often live in pairs or small family groups, but they can also be found in larger flocks. They are very vocal birds and produce a variety of calls. The California scrub jay is a beautiful and unique species of bird, found only in the western parts of North America.
Its unique coloration and behaviors, as well as its wide range, make it an interesting and important part of the local ecology.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. californica |
6. Purple Martin
The purple martin is a type of bird that belongs to the family Hirundinidae, which includes all swallows. It is the largest swallow species found in North America. Although it has the word “purple” in its name, the purple martin does not actually have any purple coloration.
Instead, its body is mostly black, with some blue or grey feathers on its head, back, wings, and tail. Its beak is also black. The purple martin is a migratory species, traveling from northern parts of North America to the southern parts during the winter months.
It is found in both rural and urban areas and is a common sight in many backyards. It feeds mainly on insects, and its diet includes several types of beetles, moths, flies, and other insects.
Its nesting habits are also quite unique, as it builds large colonies of nests on man-made structures, such as houses and barns.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Progne |
| Species | P. subis |
7. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird belonging to the genus Turdidae, which is part of the larger thrush family. This bird is named after the European robin due to its reddish-orange breast, though the two species do not have any close relation.
The European robin actually belongs to a different family, the Old World flycatcher family. The American robin is known to migrate to different parts of North America during the winter months and is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
The American robin is also known for its melodious song which is usually heard during the spring and summer. This bird is a very popular species and is well-known for its presence in parks, gardens, and other open areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
8. Belted Kingfisher
The belted kingfisher is one of the largest and most easily recognizable water kingfishers in North America. It is a member of the Alcedinidae family, a group of kingfishers that were once all classified under one family.
However, recent studies have suggested that this should be divided into three distinct subfamilies. This is because the Alcedinidae family contains many species of kingfishers that are quite different from one another.
The three subfamilies are the Alcedininae, Cerylinae, and Halcyoninae. Each of these subfamilies contains species of kingfishers that share similar characteristics.
For instance, the Alcedininae are known for their strong, downward bill and short wings, while the Cerylinae have longer wings and a more slender bill. The Halcyoninae are known for their large size and bright colors.
By dividing the Alcedinidae family into these three distinct subfamilies, scientists are better able to study each type of kingfisher and understand their differences and similarities.
This helps us to better understand the evolution of this unique family of birds and the role they play in the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. alcyon |
9. Cyanocitta
Cyanocitta is a genus of birds belonging to the family Corvidae, which is a group of birds that includes crows, jays and magpies. The genus was established by Hugh Edwin Strickland in 1845 and contains several species.
The name is Cyanocitta is derived from two Greek words: kuanos, which means “dark blue”, and kitta, which means “jay”. This reflects the fact that many of the species in this genus are blue-colored jays.
The other species in this genus include the Steller’s Jay of western North America, the Blue Jay of eastern North America, and the Grey Jay of Canada.
All of these birds are known for their intelligence, boldness, and adaptability, which has enabled them to thrive in human-altered environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
10. Varied Thrush
The varied thrush is a species of songbird belonging to the thrush family, Turdidae. It is the only species in its monotypic genus, Ixoreus. This means that it is the only species in its genus, and is therefore quite unique.
The varied thrush can be found throughout the forests of the Pacific Northwest, with most of its population located in western Canada and the United States. It has a beautiful song, and its plumage is mostly gray with an orange breast.
It is a medium-sized bird, with a length of around 10 inches and a wingspan of around 16 inches. It feeds mainly on fruits, berries, and insects, and is often seen in flocks.
The varied thrush is an important part of the Pacific Northwest’s ecosystem, and its presence is an indication of the health of the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Ixoreus |
| Species | I. naevius |
11. Lazuli Bunting
The Lazuli Bunting is a species of North American songbird found in the western and central parts of the continent. It is a small bird with a bright blue coloration on its head, wings, and tail, and a chestnut-colored body.
The bird’s name is derived from the gemstone lapis lazuli, which is known for its bright blue hue. The Lazuli Bunting is a migratory species, spending its winters in Mexico, Central America, and the southern United States.
During the summer months, they can be found in the western and central parts of North America, where they inhabit open woodlands, fields, and grasslands. They feed mainly on insects and seeds, and they use their bright colors to attract mates during the breeding season.
Their songs are often described as a pleasant combination of rapid chirps and trills, and they are considered to be one of the most beautiful songbirds in North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. amoena |
12. Red-Breasted Nuthatch
The red-breasted nuthatch is a small songbird with distinct features. Its upper parts are a blue-grey color, while its underparts are a cinnamon color, making it a very colorful bird.
Its face is white with a black stripe running through the eyes, and its bill is a straight grey color. It also has a black crown on its head. Its call is high-pitched and has been likened to a tin trumpet, giving it an unusual sound compared to other small songbirds.
The red-breasted nuthatch is a common sight in many parts of the world, and its distinctive call is easily recognizable. It lives in coniferous forests, and its diet consists mainly of seeds and insects.
It can often be seen clinging to the trunks of trees, and its short wings let it move quickly and easily through the branches. The red-breasted nuthatch is a small, but distinctive bird that adds colour and music to the world.
It’s colorful plumage and unique call make it an attractive and interesting species to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. canadensis |
13. White-Breasted Nuthatch
The white-breasted nuthatch is a species of bird belonging to the nuthatch family, known as Sittidae. It is a medium-sized bird compared to other species of nuthatches, typically measuring around 15.5 cm in length.
This measurement is from the tip of the bill to the tip of the tail and does not include the length of the wings. The white-breasted nuthatch is typically grayish-brown in color, with a white breast and belly.
Its back is usually a darker shade of gray, with a black cap and a white line above its eyes. The wings and tail are usually darker in color, sometimes having a slight black or brownish tint.
This species of nuthatch is found in deciduous and coniferous forests throughout North America. It can often be spotted hopping around tree trunks, searching for insects and other small prey. It is also known to store food in crevices in the bark of trees.
The white-breasted nuthatch is an important part of the ecosystem, helping to keep insect populations in check and dispersing seeds of the plants they eat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. carolinensis |
14. Common Starling
The common starling is a species of bird found in many parts of the world. It belongs to the starling family, Sturnidae, and is also known as the European starling in North America and simply as the starling in Great Britain and Ireland.
It is a medium-sized passerine bird, meaning it is a perching bird that is usually active during the day. It has a slender body with short legs, and its wings are pointed and long. Its wingspan is approximately 28 – 33 cm and its body length is typically around 18 – 20 cm.
The common starling has a glossy black plumage with white spots and streaks. Its bill is short and pointed, and its legs are yellowish-brown. Its call is a loud and harsh “churr” sound.
Common starlings can be found in a variety of habitats, such as open fields, woodlands, pastures, and suburban areas. They feed mainly on the ground, eating insects, seeds, and fruit. They are also known to be very social birds, often gathering in large flocks.
They have been known to roost in large numbers, sometimes up to a million individuals in a single roost. The common starling is a species of bird that is found in many parts of the world. It is a medium-sized passerine bird, belonging to the starling family, Sturnidae.
Its body is slender with short legs and pointed wings, and it has a glossy black plumage with white spots and streaks. It is a social bird, often found in large flocks, and it feeds on insects, seeds, and fruit.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
15. House Finch
The house finch is a species of bird that is part of the Fringillidae family of finches, commonly referred to as the rose finches. It is native to western North America but has since been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and to the Hawaiian islands.
The house finch is one of three American rosefinches, along with the Cassin’s finch and the purple finch, that are all placed in the genus Haemorhous, which is derived from the Greek words for “blood” and “red”.
This is due to the fact that all three species have red and pink tones in their plumage. The house finch is easily identified by its bright red head, chest, and flanks. It also has a grey back and wings, and a white belly.
The house finch is a gregarious species and can often be seen in large flocks. It feeds mainly on seeds, fruit, and small insects.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
16. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small bird that is native to North America and belongs to the finch family. It is a migratory species, meaning that it will travel great distances in order to find suitable breeding and wintering grounds.
During the breeding season, it will travel from mid-Alberta all the way to North Carolina, while during the winter it will be found as far south as just south of the Canada-United States border and even into Mexico.
This species has adapted well to its environment and will travel great distances in order to survive and reproduce. The American goldfinch is an important part of the North American avifauna, and its presence in the wild serves to provide valuable benefits to the local ecology.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
17. Black-Billed Magpie
The black-billed magpie, also known as the American magpie, is a member of the corvid family and is found in the western half of North America.
It is easily recognizable by its black and white plumage, with black and white wings and tail feathers displaying iridescent hints of blue or blue-green. This bird is considered to be quite intelligent and is known to be quite vocal, often making a variety of calls and sounds.
It is also quite inquisitive and often interacts with humans in its natural habitat. The black-billed magpie has a varied diet that includes insects, small rodents, and reptiles, as well as human-provided foods such as bread, cereals, and other grains.
They have also been known to scavenge for food and will often fly in flocks to search for food. They are also known to be quite acrobatic in the air, performing a variety of aerial maneuvers.
The black-billed magpie is an important part of the ecosystem of the western United States, playing a vital role in controlling insect populations and helping to disperse seeds and other vegetation.
They are also a valuable source of food for other animals in the area, including hawks, owls, and eagles. Because of this importance, they are protected by law in many states.
Overall, the black-billed magpie is an interesting and important species, with its striking black and white plumage and its acrobatic aerial displays.
It is an important part of the western United States’ ecosystem and provides an important source of food for many other animals in the area.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Pica |
| Species | P. hudsonia |
18. Lesser Goldfinch
The lesser goldfinch is a tiny songbird that is native to the Americas. It belongs to the New World goldfinch clade, which is part of the genus Spinus. This group includes the American goldfinch and Lawrence’s goldfinch.
Males of the lesser goldfinch have a distinct feature that sets them apart from the females: a black forehead. This is true of all three species in the New World goldfinch clade. The black forehead on males is not present in females, making them easily identifiable in a flock.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. psaltria |
19. Cardinalidae
Cardinalidae is a family of birds that are native to the New World. This family is comprised of cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings, but also includes some other genera such as the tanager-like Piranga and the warbler-like Granatellus.
Tanagers are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds that are found in the Americas and on some islands in the Caribbean, while warblers are a group of small, often colorful, birds that are found in the Old World.
The cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings are all brightly-colored birds that generally have stout, conical bills. They are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals and can be found in a wide variety of habitats, from woodlands to gardens.
The Piranga and Granatellus genera both have some characteristics of both tanagers and warblers, making them unique within the family of Cardinalidae.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
20. New World Warblers
The New World warblers, also known as wood-warblers, are small, often brightly colored, passerine birds that make up the family Parulidae. They are found exclusively in the New World and are not related to Old World warblers or Australian warblers.
These birds are known for their vibrant colors, such as yellow, green, blue, and orange. They are also known for their melodic songs, which can be heard throughout the day. The New World warblers inhabit a variety of habitats, ranging from forests to open marshes.
They are typically found in North and Central America, though some species can be found as far south as South America. The New World warblers feed on insects, fruits, and berries, and some species also eat seeds.
They are vital to the ecosystems in which they live, as they help to keep insect populations in check. The New World warblers are an important part of the avian community, and their presence is essential to the health and functioning of the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
21. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a species of songbird that is part of the family Icteridae. This family of birds is found in most of North America and much of Central America.
The red-winged blackbird is a passerine bird, meaning it is a perching bird that typically has an upright stance and strong feet with three toes directed forward and one toe directed backward.
The red-winged blackbird is a medium-sized bird, with males having a length of 16–18 cm (6.3–7.1 in) and a wingspan of 32–40 cm (13–16 in). They have a glossy black body with a bright red shoulder patch edged with yellow, and a yellow bar on the wing.
The male’s song, a musical trill, is often heard during the breeding season. The female’s call is a harsh mew. This species is found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, fields, and open woodlands. They feed on insects, grains, and other small invertebrates.
Red-winged blackbirds are known to form large flocks and often nest in colonies that contain hundreds or thousands of birds. This species is a long-distance migrant, with many individuals flying south for the winter.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
22. Brown-Headed Cowbird
The brown-headed cowbird is a species of icterid, which is a type of blackbird. It is found throughout temperate and subtropical regions of North America. It is a permanent resident in the southern parts of its range, such as the southern United States and Mexico.
During the winter months, birds in the northern parts of its range migrate south to the warmer climates of the southern United States and Mexico.
By March or April, the birds begin their journey back north to their summer breeding grounds. The brown-headed cowbird is an obligate brood parasite, which means that rather than building a nest and caring for its own eggs, it lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species.
This means that the eggs of the cowbird will hatch first, giving their chicks an advantage in terms of food and resources. This has caused some species of birds to suffer population declines due to the competition posed by the cowbird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
23. Old World Flycatchers
The Old World flycatchers are a family of birds known as the Muscicapidae. These small passerine birds are mostly found in the Old World, which includes Europe, Asia, and Africa.
However, there are a few exceptions, such as two species of flycatchers, the bluethroat and northern wheatear, that have been spotted in North America. These two species are thought to be vagrants, meaning they have traveled outside of their normal range.
The Old World flycatchers vary in size and shape. Some species are brightly colored, while others are drab. Most of them feed on insects, although some will occasionally eat fruit or nectar. They are found in a wide variety of habitats, from open woodland to wetland areas.
The Old World flycatchers are an important part of the ecosystem. They help to control insect populations, which can benefit both agricultural crops and our natural environment. They also provide food for other birds, such as woodpeckers and shrikes.
The Old World flycatchers are an interesting and diverse group of birds. They play an important role in the environment, and their presence is a clear indication of a healthy ecosystem.
They are also a great source of enjoyment for birdwatchers, as they can be seen in many different habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
Conclusion
Blue birds are an integral part of Oregon’s ecosystem and are a beloved sight to its residents. The state supports these birds by providing ample habitat and food sources, as well as various conservation efforts.
Although their population is declining, with continued efforts, Oregon’s blue birds can be preserved for generations to come.