The bluebirds of Connecticut are a sight to behold. Found throughout the state, these birds symbolize joy and beauty, bringing a splash of color to the landscape. Their bright blue plumage and sweet songs make them popular in many backyards.
These birds are a protected species in Connecticut, so it is essential to take care when observing them. Learning about their natural habitats, behaviors, and how to protect them is crucial.
With a little effort, you can help ensure these beautiful creatures remain part of the Connecticut landscape for generations.
11 Blue Birds in Connecticut
If you love bluebirds, you’re in luck! Connecticut is home to 11 different species of birds that have some blue coloration on their feathers.
Here are the 11 blue birds in Connecticut that you can look for:
1. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a species of thrush native to North America. It is a migratory bird, meaning that it spends part of the year in colder climates and moves to warmer climates during winter.
This species is typically found in open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards. Its bright, blue feathers make the male of the species easy to spot, even when perched on a wire or open perch.
This, combined with its attractive appearance, makes the Eastern Bluebird a favorite among birders. The Eastern Bluebird has various physical characteristics that make it stand out from other birds of its species.
Its body is generally a light grey-brown, with dark spots on the wings and tail. The male has particularly striking plumage, a bright blue head, neck, and chest, white and grey on the back and wings.
On the other hand, the female is plainer in color, with a brownish-olive hue on the wings and tail. The Eastern Bluebird is known for its beautiful song during the breeding season. It sings a variety of musical tunes, which are often used to attract a mate.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but will also eat fruits and berries when available. In recent years, concerns have been about the decline of the Eastern Bluebird population.
Factors such as habitat loss, predation, and competition with other species have all contributed to its decline. Conservation efforts have been put in place to protect its habitat and ensure its survival.
Overall, the Eastern Bluebird is a beautiful and beloved bird species that is integral to the North American ecosystem. Its bright blue plumage and melodious song make it a favorite among birders and nature enthusiasts.
As such, it is essential to safeguard its habitat and ensure its continued survival for generations to come.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. sialis |
2. Blue Jay
The blue jay is a species of bird that is part of the Corvidae family. It is native to eastern North America and lives in most of the eastern and central areas of the United States. Some of these populations may migrate during certain times of the year.
In addition, there are permanent resident populations of blue jays in Newfoundland, Canada. Breeding populations of the blue jay can also be scattered across southern Canada.
The blue jay is a relatively large songbird, with a length of around 8-12 inches and a wingspan of around 13-17 inches. It is known for its bright blue feathers and distinctive white throat.
The underside of its wings and tail have a bright white hue, and the top feathers are a deeper blue. The blue jay is a very vocal bird with a vast repertoire of calls and songs.
It is also renowned for its intelligence and curiosity, often seen gathering food and exploring its environment. Blue jays mainly feed on fruits, nuts, seeds, and insects. In the summer, they eat spiders, snails, and other small invertebrates.
They are known to steal eggs and nestlings from other birds and rob other birds of their food. Blue jays are also known to cache food, which they can access during times of scarcity.
The blue jay is an integral part of eastern North American ecosystems, often indicating a healthy environment. Its numbers have declined in recent years due to habitat loss, but its populations remain stable in most of its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
3. Common Starling
The common starling is a species of bird that is part of the starling family, Sturnidae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa and has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, New Zealand, and Australia.
In Europe, the bird is often referred to as the European starling; in North America, it is known as the common starling. However, the bird is referred to as the starling in Great Britain and Ireland.
The common starling is a medium-sized passerine, meaning it is a perching bird with a relatively long, strong beak. It usually grows between 16 and 18 cm long and has a wingspan of around 30 cm.
The common starling is known for its iridescent black feathers with purple and green sheens and yellow bill. It is a highly social bird, often seen in large flocks, and has a distinctive, chattering call.
It is omnivorous, and its diet consists mainly of insects, fruits, and seeds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
4. Barn Swallow
The barn swallow is an impressive bird that is found all around the world. It has a deep blue color on its upperparts and a long forked tail that sets it apart from other species of swallow.
This bird is particularly unique due to its vast natural distribution, covering an area of 251 million square kilometers. This makes it the most widespread species of swallow found in the world. The barn swallow is a passerine bird, a perching or songbird.
They have short legs and toes for gripping onto perches and short, rounded wings for quick and agile flight. Their long, forked tail helps them maneuver quickly and accurately in the air, which is essential for catching their insect prey in flight.
This swallow species is an integral part of the ecosystem as it helps control insect populations. As a result, they are often seen flying low over fields and marshes, where they feast on flying insects.
They are also exceptionally social and often nest in colonies with other barn swallows. The barn swallow is a remarkable species that is found all around the world. Its impressive range and distinct features make it an iconic species of bird.
It is an excellent example of how nature can adapt to different environments and thrive even in the most remote areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Species | H. rustica |
5. Tree Swallow
The tree swallow is a migratory bird from the family Hirundinidae found in the Americas. It was first discovered in 1807 by French ornithologist Louis Vieillot, who classified it as Hirundo bicolor.
However, it has since been reclassified into its current genus, Tachycineta, and its exact phylogenetic placement is still being debated. The tree swallow is a small bird measuring between 4.7 and 5.5 inches.
Its upperparts are a glossy blue-green, and its underparts are a pale blue-grey. The male and female tree swallows appear similar, but the male has a brighter iridescent blue-green back.
The tree swallow is known for its acrobatic flight, often flying in large flocks in an undulating pattern. Tree swallows feed mainly on insects, which they catch in mid-air. During the breeding season, they will also feed on fruits and berries.
They typically nest in cavities of trees, but they can also be found in nest boxes or other artificial structures. Tree swallows are social birds and often form large flocks. They are also known to migrate and can cover long distances during winter.
Migration is believed to help the birds avoid areas of cold temperatures and access food sources that are only available during certain times of the year. The tree swallow is a fascinating species whose taxonomic and phylogenetic placement is still being studied.
This is important as it allows us to understand better the species’ biodiversity and the importance of environmental conservation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. bicolor |
6. Belted Kingfisher
The belted Kingfisher is a large bird and one of the most recognizable species of water kingfisher. Found in North America, this bird is known for its distinctive coloring and features, such as its crest of feathers and the large white stripe that circles its neck.
The Kingfisher is a member of the family Alcedinidae, a group of birds that includes other species of Kingfisher, such as the kookaburra.
Recent research has suggested that the Alcedinidae family should be divided into three subfamilies: Alcedininae, Halcyoninae, and Cerylinae. Each subfamily includes different species of kingfishers, all with similar characteristics.
For example, the Alcedininae includes species such as the belted and sacred Kingfisher. In contrast, the Halcyoninae contains species such as red-backed Kand white-throated Kingfisher.
Further research is necessary to understand better the differences between kingfishers’ various species and subfamilies.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. alcyon |
7. Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a species of small songbird found in North America. It has a distinctive grayish-blue color, which is how it got its name. The bird is about 4.5 inches long, and its wingspan is more minor, reaching only 3.5 inches.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, which it catches with its long, thin bill. The blue-gray gnatcatcher can often be found in open woodlands and forests, as well as in shrubs and hedges.
It also frequents nearby wetlands and other damp areas, making it an essential part of the local ecology. The bird is a migratory species, meaning it will travel long distances to find suitable habitats.
During the winter, it can be seen in the southeastern United States and Central and South America. Its song is a distinctive trill, and it tends to sing in the mornings and evenings.
The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a species of conservation concern due to the threats posed by habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change. It is currently listed as “Least Concern” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. caerulea |
8. New World Warblers
The New World warblers, also known as wood-warblers, are a unique group of birds belonging to the Parulidae family and found only in the New World. These birds are small and often brightly colored, making them easily recognizable.
They are classified as passerine birds, which means they have feet adapted for perching. The New World warblers are not closely related to Old World warblers or Australian warblers.
Old World warblers are a group of small passerine birds found in the Old World, Europe, Asia, and Africa, while Australian warblers are found in Australia and nearby islands.
Although the three groups of singers have a few similarities, such as size and habitat, they are not closely related. Each group has developed its unique traits and characteristics over time, making them distinct.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
9. Common Grackle
The common grackle is a species of bird belonging to the Icteridae family, which includes blackbirds and orioles. This bird is found in large numbers across much of North America and was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
It has three distinct subspecies, each with its unique characteristics. Adult common grackles are distinctive, with a long, dark bill, pale yellow eyes, and long tails. They also have glossy black feathers that give them a unique sheen.
In addition to their distinctive markings, they are also quite loud, with various vocalizations that can be heard from a distance. Common grackles are omnivorous, eating both insects and small fruits.
They often form large flocks and can be seen foraging in open fields and wooded areas. They also enjoy perching in trees and shrubs, where they can rest and enjoy the scenery.
Common grackles are an essential part of North American ecosystems, as they help to keep insect populations in check. They also play a vital role in seed dispersal, which helps to promote the growth of native plants.
Overall, the common grackle is a fascinating species, with its distinctive features and vibrant behavior. It is an integral part of the North American environment and is enjoyed by bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
10. Little Blue Heron
The little blue heron is a species of heron that belongs to the genus Egretta. It is a small bird, typically darkly colored, with a two-toned bill. Young birds look very different, as they are entirely white and have a strong resemblance to the snowy egret.
During the breeding season, the adult birds take on various colors on their heads, legs, and feet. These colors are usually a combination of gray, black, or white and may be used as camouflage.
These changes in coloration are very distinct and can help distinguish between juvenile and adult birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. caerulea |
11. Cliff Swallow
The cliff swallow, also known as the American cliff swallow, belongs to the family of passerine birds known as Hirundinidae. This family comprises swallows and martins, two distinct bird families with many of the same characteristics.
The cliff swallow is a small- to medium-sized bird, typically measuring between 4 and 5 inches in length. Its plumage is highly varied, mixing black, white, brown, and gray feathers. It usually has a light-colored forehead and a dark-colored throat and breast.
The bill is short and broad, and the tail is forked. The cliff swallow is typically found near cliffs or buildings, hence its name. It is an aerial insectivore, meaning it feeds on insects while flying.
It typically nests in colonies, using mud pellets to construct its nests on the sides of cliffs or buildings. The cliff swallow is widely distributed across North and South America and can also be found in parts of Europe and Asia.
It is relatively common and is not considered a species of concern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Petrochelidon |
| Species | P. pyrrhonota |
Conclusion
Bluebirds are a common sight in Connecticut, bringing joy and beauty to the state. Bluebirds provide essential ecosystem services, including pollinating flowers and controlling insect populations.
They are also crucial to the state’s cultural heritage and are celebrated in many folk songs and stories. Bluebirds are essential to the Connecticut landscape, and their presence should be welcomed and cherished.