Blue birds are a beloved species of bird in Alabama and are a symbol of joy and beauty throughout the state. They are a common sight in the spring and summer months, often seen nesting in old trees or in special nest boxes that have been built to attract them.
Blue birds are also a favorite of bird watchers, with their bright blue coloring and cheerful call drawing attention from far and wide. The blue bird is also a symbol of the state of Alabama and is found on state flags and other official documents.
With their cheerful colors and melodic song, blue birds are sure to bring a smile to any Alabamian’s face.
1. Eastern Bluebird
The eastern bluebird is a small bird, native to North America, that is known for its bright blue plumage. It can be found in open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards, usually perched on a wire or other open perch.
During the breeding season, the male’s bright-blue feathers become particularly vibrant, making it easily visible and a favorite of birders.
The eastern bluebird is a migratory species, meaning that many individuals will travel vast distances between their summer and winter homes. During the summer months, they can be found in the habitats mentioned above, such as open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards.
In the winter, they migrate to areas with more temperate climates. The eastern bluebird is a beautiful species, and its bright blue feathers are a big part of what makes it so visually appealing.
Its plumage is a stunning sight, particularly when the male is in breeding plumage, which is why it is such a beloved bird among birders. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but its song is also quite beautiful.
Its melodious call can often be heard in the open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards where it is found. The eastern bluebird is an important part of many North American ecosystems, as it helps to control insect populations.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, which it consumes in large numbers during the breeding season.
In addition to helping to keep insect populations in check, the eastern bluebird also plays an important role in plant pollination, as it feeds on the nectar and pollen of various flowers. This makes it an important species for the health of the environment.
In conclusion, the eastern bluebird is an important species to North American ecosystems. Its bright-blue plumage makes it a favorite of birders, while its diet of insects and its role in plant pollination make it an important part of the environment.
Its migratory nature also means that it can spread its influence far and wide, helping to ensure the health of ecosystems across North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. Sialis |
2. Blue Jay
The blue jay is a type of bird belonging to the family Corvidae, which is native to eastern North America. It is found in many parts of the eastern and central United States, while some eastern populations may migrate seasonally.
Resident populations of blue jays can be found in Newfoundland, Canada, and breeding populations are located across southern Canada. The blue jay is an iconic species of North America and is often seen in backyards and parks.
It is easily identified by its blue-and-white plumage, with hints of black and grey. The blue jay is a social bird, and can often be seen in small flocks. It is also known for its loud, harsh call, which is used to communicate with other birds.
It has a wide variety of vocalizations and is known to mimic the calls of other birds. In addition, the blue jay is an opportunistic feeder and will eat a wide range of foods including insects, small mammals, nuts, and seeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
3. Indigo Bunting
The indigo bunting is a small, seed-eating bird that is part of the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. It is a migratory bird, traveling from southern Canada to northern Florida during the breeding season and from southern Florida to northern South America during the winter.
To accomplish this long journey, the indigo bunting uses the stars to navigate during the night. It is thought that the stars provide it with a sense of direction, allowing it to find the right location to breed and migrate.
This navigation method is an impressive feat of nature and helps the indigo bunting to survive and thrive in its environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. cyanea |
4. Blue Grosbeak
The blue grosbeak is a beautiful passerine bird that is native to North America. It belongs to the Cardinalidae family, which includes cardinals, finches, and buntings. The male has an unmistakable blue color, with two brown wing bars.
It is a medium-sized bird, typically ranging between 6 and 8 inches in length. The blue grosbeak is migratory, traveling between northern Mexico and the United States during the summer months and traveling to Central America during the winter months.
This pattern of migration helps the species survive in areas where food is scarce. During the summer months, the blue grosbeak can be found in open woodlands, fields, and grasslands where they feed on seeds, insects, and fruits.
The blue grosbeak is a popular bird among bird watchers and photographers. Its bright blue coloring, coupled with its melodious song, make it a delightful addition to many habitats.
However, it is threatened by habitat destruction and climate change, making it important to protect its habitats and to help ensure its conservation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. caerulea |
5. White-Breasted Nuthatch
The white-breasted nuthatch is a species of bird belonging to the nuthatch family Sittidae. It is a medium-sized bird, with an average length of 15.5 cm. Its distinguishing feature is the white breast, which is usually bright white in color.
It has a short, thick bill, usually gray in color, and a greyish back. Its wings and tail are generally dark gray. Its underparts are pale grayish or whitish, and its eyes are dark brown.
The white-breasted nuthatch is a year-round resident in North America and is found mainly in deciduous and coniferous forests. It is an agile climber and often clambers up and down tree trunks and branches in search of food.
Its diet consists of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates, as well as nuts, seeds, and berries. It is a vocal bird, and can often be heard making a loud, nasal “yank-yank” call. It is also known to sing a variety of songs.
The white-breasted nuthatch is an important seed disperser and plays an important role in the health of North American forests.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. carolinensis |
6. Common Grackle
The common grackle is a species of large icterid bird found primarily in North America. It was first described by the famous biologist Carl Linnaeus in 1758. The common grackle has three distinct subspecies that can be identified by their physical characteristics.
Adult common grackles have a long, curved beak, pale yellow eyes, and a long, forked tail. Their plumage ranges in color from black, brown, and blue-green, depending on the subspecies. Common grackles are omnivorous and feed on insects, berries, and other small animals.
They often inhabit wooded areas near streams and lakes, and gather in large flocks during migration.
They have an unmistakable call, which is described as a harsh, metallic “grack.” Common grackles are known for their intelligence and ability to recognize humans, making them popular in avian research.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
7. Barn Swallow
The barn swallow is a species of swallow that is found around the world. It has a particularly large range, covering over 251 million square kilometers, making it one of the most widespread passerines on the planet.
Its distinctive appearance makes it easy to identify in the wild, with its blue upperparts and long, deeply forked tail. It is a common sight in many parts of the world, and can often be seen in open fields and meadows, near rivers, and near farms.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, which it hunts on the wing. It’s aerial agility and beautiful flight make it a pleasure to watch as it dives and swoops through the air.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Species | H. rustica |
8. Purple Martin
The purple martin is an interesting bird that belongs to the family of swallows, Hirundinidae. It is the largest swallow species in North America and is distinguishable from other swallows by its size and distinct colors.
Despite its name, the purple martin is not actually purple in color. In fact, it has a combination of black and blue colors, which gives it a purple hue. Its head is a glossy black and it has a blue-black back and wings.
It has a white belly with reddish-brown streaks on the underside of its wings and tail. The purple martin also has a forked tail and a pointed bill which is yellow in color. This species of swallow is found in North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
They breed in large colonies and migrate south in late summer and fall. It is believed that purple martins were once entirely dependent on humans for nesting sites, but they have adapted to nesting in natural cavities.
The purple martin is a sociable bird and often gathers in large flocks when migrating. They feed mainly on insects and can be seen swooping and diving through the air to catch their prey. They also consume berries, fruits, and seeds.
The purple martin is a fascinating bird and is an important part of the North American ecosystem. It is an important part of the food chain, helping to keep insect populations in check. It is also an important pollinator, helping to spread the pollen of plants and flowers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Progne |
| Species | P. Subis |
9. Common Starling
The common starling is a type of bird found in both Europe and North America, with the species being known by different names in each region. In Europe, it is simply referred to as the starling, while in North America it is known as the European starling.
It is a medium-sized passerine bird that belongs to the Sturnidae family, commonly referred to as the starling family. Common starlings are mostly found in urban areas, although they can also be seen in rural areas and woodlands.
They have an overall blackish plumage, although the feathers on their heads and backs are often iridescent and appear to have a greenish or purplish sheen in the light. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, insects, and other invertebrates.
Common starlings are also well known for their vocalizations, which include a variety of chirps, whistles, and other sounds. They are also highly intelligent and can be trained to do various tasks in captivity.
They are also known for their impressive ability to mimic other birds and even human speech. The common starling is a widely distributed species, found in both Europe and North America.
It is an important species in both regions and is considered a beneficial species due to its ability to control pest populations and its role in dispersing seeds and aiding in the pollination of flowers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
10. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird belonging to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family, which is part of the wider thrush family. It was given its name due to its resemblance to the European robin, with its reddish-orange breast.
Although they have similar coloring, the two species are not closely related. While the American robin belongs to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family, the European robin belongs to the Old World flycatcher family.
This is likely because of the geographical distance between the two species, which has created genetic and physical differences.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
11. Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a species of songbird native to North America. It is a small bird, measuring only about 4.5 inches in length on average. It is mostly gray and blue in color with a white belly, black bill, and white wing bars.
Its flight is swift and direct, and its song is a faint, high buzzing. The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a social bird that can often be seen in small flocks. It prefers open woodlands and forest edges, but can also be found in open fields and even suburban parks.
Its diet includes flying insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates which it catches in mid-air. The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a species of special concern in some areas because of habitat destruction and other environmental factors.
Conservation efforts are needed to help protect this species and ensure its future in North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. caerulea |
12. House Finch
The house finch is a species of bird belonging to the finch family, Fringillidae. It is native to western North America but has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and to Hawaii.
It is classified as part of the genus Haemorhous, which also includes two other species of American rosefinches.
This genus is distinguished from other finch species by a number of morphological and behavioral characteristics, such as its small size, its bright red, yellow, and brown plumage, and its habit of eating small fruits and seeds.
House finches are found in a variety of habitats, from suburban gardens to open woodlands, and are a common sight in many North American cities. They are sociable birds, often found in small flocks, and are known for their cheerful chirps and calls.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
13. American Goldfinch
Source: kids.nationalgeographic.com
The American goldfinch is a small bird belonging to the finch family. It is found across North America and is migratory in nature. During the breeding season, its range extends from mid-Alberta in Canada all the way down to North Carolina in the United States.
During the winter, it migrates south, from just south of the Canada-US border, down to Mexico. The American goldfinch is a common sight in gardens and parks, where it feeds on flower buds, thistles, and other seeds.
Its bright yellow body, black and white wings, and distinctive call make it easily identifiable. It is a social bird and often gathers in large flocks.
During the breeding season, it builds its nest in coniferous trees, typically in areas with plenty of food sources. The American goldfinch is an important species in North America, playing a vital role in the ecosystem.
It helps to disperse the seeds of various plants, aiding in their propagation. Its presence is also beneficial for farmers, as it helps to keep insect populations in check. Thus, it serves an important purpose in the natural balance of the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
14. Tufted Titmouse
The tufted titmouse is a small songbird native to North America and is part of the tit and chickadee family. It has a distinctly tufted head and is mostly gray in color, with some white and rust accents.
The black-crested titmouse, which is found in central and southern Texas and southward, was originally considered a subspecies of the tufted titmouse. However, it has since been reclassified as a separate species, Baeolophus atricristatus.
This species is similar in size and coloration to the tufted titmouse but is distinguished by its black crest and white-tipped tail. Both species are popular backyard birds and feed on insects, nuts, seeds, and berries.
They are also known to join mixed flocks of other small birds in winter and are especially common in the southeastern United States.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. bicolor |
15. Red-Winged Blackbird
The Red-winged Blackbird is a type of bird belonging to the Icteridae family. It is a passerine bird, which means it is a member of the perching bird order. This species of bird can be found in a wide range of locations, stretching from much of North America to Central America.
It is a medium-sized bird, typically with a glossy black head, wings, and tail. The wings are marked with a bright red shoulder patch, which is why it is called the Red-winged Blackbird. The diet of the Red-winged Blackbird consists mainly of insects, grains, and other seeds.
It is an opportunistic feeder, eating whatever is available. It is generally found near wetlands or other bodies of water, where it can catch its food.
It is also known to visit bird feeders in urban areas. The Red-winged Blackbird is a fairly social bird, often seen in large flocks. They are known to nest in large colonies, with each male defending its own territory.
Females construct the nest, which is typically a cup-shaped structure made of grass and other plant material. The female will incubate the eggs and raise the chicks on her own. The Red-winged Blackbird is a common sight throughout much of North America and Central America.
It is a beautiful bird that adds an extra splash of color to any landscape. It is also a symbol of resilience and perseverance, as it is often seen in areas with harsh environmental conditions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
16. Brown-Headed Cowbird
The brown-headed cowbird is a small icterid, belonging to the family of birds commonly referred to as “blackbirds”. It is native to temperate and subtropical North America and is a permanent resident in the southern parts of its range.
The northern birds of the species migrate to the southern United States and Mexico during the winter months, typically arriving in March or April and returning to their summer habitats.
The brown-headed cowbird is an obligate brood parasitic species, meaning that it relies on other birds to raise its young. It does not build its own nests, but instead lays its eggs in the nests of other species of birds.
The host bird then incubates the egg and cares for the young cowbird, which often receives more attention and resources than the host bird’s own chicks.
This behavior has been detrimental to some species of birds, as the cowbirds outcompete the native chicks for food and resources.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
17. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic bird found in many parts of the world. It is part of the heron family Ardeidae, a family of large wading birds.
This species can be found near the shores of open water and in wetlands in North and Central America, as well as far northwestern South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands.
It is a majestic sight to see this bird in its natural habitat, wading through the shallow waters of its home. The great blue heron is a large bird, typically standing around four feet tall with a wingspan of up to six feet.
It has a long, slender neck and a long bill which it uses to catch its prey. Its feathers are a mix of grey and white, with its head and wings being a deep shade of grey, while its body and tail are a lighter grey.
Its legs are greenish-grey in color. The great blue heron is a solitary bird, usually found alone or in small groups. It is a carnivore, preying on small fish, amphibians, lizards, and insects.
It also scavenges carrion and relies on fruit and berries as a supplement to its diet. The great blue heron is an important species to many ecosystems, helping to maintain the balance of the food chain.
It is also an important indicator species, used to measure the health and quality of the environment. This species plays an essential role in keeping wetlands healthy and productive.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
18. Brown Pelican
The brown pelican is a species of bird belonging to the Pelecanidae family. This family of birds is native to the Americas, and the brown pelican is one of three species found in this region.
The brown pelican is distinguished from other species of pelicans by its unique feeding behavior: it dives into the water to catch its food. This behavior sets the brown pelican apart from the other two American species, which typically feed on the surface of the water.
The other species of pelican found in the Americas is the American white pelican, which feeds by scooping up its food from the surface of the water. This difference in feeding behavior is an important distinction between the two species, as it affects their diet and habitats.
The brown pelican is also found in parts of the Caribbean and along the coasts of Mexico and Central America. It is an important species for many coastal ecosystems, as its presence helps maintain the balance of species in the area.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. occidentalis |
19. Blue-Throated Mountain gem
The blue-throated mountain gem is a species of hummingbird that belongs to the tribe Lampornithini of the subfamily Trochilinae. This species is found in both the United States and Mexico, where it is also known as the blue-throated mountain gem or blue-throated hummingbird.
This species of hummingbird is characterized by its brilliant blue throat and its tiny size. It is a beautiful bird that measures only around 3 inches in length and weighs only around 4-5 grams.
This species of hummingbird is found in open habitats such as grasslands, deserts, and savannahs, but it also makes use of perches in trees and shrubs when foraging for nectar and small insects.
Despite its small size, the blue-throated mountain gem is an important pollinator of many plants and flowers in its range, helping to ensure the health of the local ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Trochilidae |
| Genus | Lampornis |
| Species | L. clemenciae |
20. Boat-Tailed Grackle
The boat-tailed grackle is a type of bird that belongs to the family Icteridae. It is found as a permanent resident along the coasts of the Southeastern United States and is not a migratory species.
Its common name comes from its distinctive tail, which is broad, boat-shaped, and dark in color. This bird is black in color overall, with a glossy blue-green sheen across its wings and tail. It is an omnivorous bird, meaning it feeds on both plant and animal matter.
Its diet includes insects, small reptiles, fruits, and grains. It is a highly visible species, often seen in large flocks near beach fronts and wetlands. The boat-tailed grackle is not endangered and its populations remain healthy in the Southeastern United States.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. major |
21. Gray Catbird
The gray catbird is a type of bird native to North America and Central America. It belongs to the mimid family, which includes other birds like mockingbirds and thrashers. It is also unique as it is the only bird in its genus, Dumetella.
It is a medium-sized bird, with a mottled gray appearance that gives it its common name. It is found in a variety of habitats, from forests to grasslands, and is quite active during the day.
It is on the list of species of least concern, meaning it is abundant and not considered threatened. Its diet consists of a variety of fruits and insects, and it is often seen perched atop high branches, singing its characteristic song.
The gray catbird is an interesting and important member of the avian community, and its presence is a reminder of the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Dumetella |
| Species | D. carolinensis |
Conclusion
Blue birds in Alabama are an important indicator of the health of the state’s ecosystems. They are an iconic species found throughout the state and play an important role in the balance of nature.
By protecting and preserving their natural habitats, we can ensure that blue birds continue to thrive in Alabama.