Welcome to the beautiful world of bluebirds in Kansas! Bluebirds are a beloved species in the state and have been a favorite sight for generations of Kansans.
As a member of the thrush family, these beautiful birds are a welcome addition to any backyard, park, or garden.
In Kansas, bluebirds are especially abundant in the prairie regions, where they can be found in large flocks. The bluebird is an integral part of the state’s natural history, and preserving their habitats is essential to protecting the species.
In this article, we will explore the history, habits, and habitats of bluebirds in Kansas and how you can help protect them.
16 Vibrant Blue Birds Brighten Up Kansas
If you love bluebirds, then Kansas is the place to be. The Sunflower State is home to 21 bird species with some blue plumage, ranging from the familiar Blue Jay to the rare Lazuli Bunting.
Here are 16 bluebirds that you can find in Kansas.
1. Eastern Bluebird
The eastern bluebird is a species of thrush, a small- to medium-sized found throughout North America. It is known for its bright blue breeding plumage of the male, which can easily be seen when perched atop a wire or open perch.
This makes it a particularly beloved species amongst birders. The eastern bluebird mainly inhabits open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards. It typically migrates during the summer and winter, with the winter months being the peak of its migration.
During the breeding season, the male eastern bluebird has a distinct bright blue plumage with a rust-colored breast and a white belly. The female is duller in color, with grayish-brown plumage and a faint hint of blue on the wings.
The eastern bluebird is a sociable species often found in pairs or small groups. Its diet consists mainly of insects, fruits, and berries, and it will usually form flocks to feed in open fields.
The eastern bluebird is a vital part of the North American ecology, helping to control insect populations and providing a unique source of beauty in the landscape.
| 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 that belongs to the Corvidae family and is native to eastern North America. It is found in most of the eastern and central United States, and some of these populations may migrate seasonally.
There is also a permanent population in Newfoundland, Canada, with breeding populations across southern Canada. The blue jay is a colorful and beautiful bird with a distinctive crest of feathers on its head.
It is a medium-sized bird, usually measuring around 9 inches in length. They are mainly blue on the upperparts and white on the underparts, with a white-ringed black throat and a black-streaked face.
Its wings are black-barred with white, and its tail is long and blue. Blue jays are omnivorous birds that feed on various items such as insects, nuts, seeds, and fruits. They also steal food from other birds or feed on carrion.
In addition, they are also known to hoard food, storing it in hiding places for later use. Blue jays are highly social birds that live in flocks and can be very vocal. They communicate through various calls and sounds and often engage in cooperative breeding.
They also have a variety of mating rituals, including the famous “jay swoop,” in which one bird dives from a high perch towards the other. The blue jay is an integral part of the North American ecosystem, helping to disperse seeds and control insect populations.
They are also popular with birdwatchers due to their colorful plumage and vocalizations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
3. Cyanocitta
Cyanocitta is a genus of birds in the Corvidae family, including crows, jays, and magpies. Cyanocitta was established by Hugh Edwin Strickland in 1845 and currently comprises several species.
Cyanocitta is derived from two Greek words: ‘kuanos’ meaning ‘dark blue’ and ‘kitta’ meaning ‘jay’. These two words together form the description of the birds in this genus, which are predominantly dark blue and are jays.
The genus Cyanocitta is an integral part of the Corvidae family, as it helps to identify and differentiate between the various species of birds in this family.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
4. Barn Swallow
The barn swallow is an impressive species of bird that can be found all over the world. It has a distinctive appearance, with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail. Its range is imposing, covering an area of over 251 million square kilometers.
This makes it the most widespread species of swallow in the world, with the most significant natural distribution of any of its passerines. The barn swallow is an incredibly adaptable species, living in any open country with low vegetation and access to water.
It can be found in urban and rural environments, from open fields and grasslands to farms and orchards.
It is even known to take advantage of artificial structures like barns, bridges, etc. Other birds are often seen in flocks. It feeds mainly on insects, which it catches in its beak while in flight.
It builds a cup-shaped nest of mud pellets, lined with grass and feathers, in sheltered places such as barns, caves, buildings, and other artificial structures. The barn swallow is an important species, providing considerable benefits to humans.
It helps to keep insect populations under control, providing a natural form of pest control. It is also a famous bird among birdwatchers, as its unique appearance and behavior make it an exciting bird to observe.
| 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 of the family Hirundinidae, which is found in the Americas. It was first described by French ornithologist Louis Vieillot in 1807 and was initially classified as Hirundo bicolor.
However, it has since been reclassified to the genus Tachycineta, and its precise phylogenetic placement within the genus remains debatable. The Tree Swallow is a small bird with a length of around 16 cm (6 inches) and a wingspan of around 33 cm (13 inches).
Its plumage is mainly grey-blue on the upperparts and white on the underparts, with a conspicuous white forehead. It also has a yellow chin and throat, leading to a blue-black crown. It has a forked tail and long, narrow wings, giving it a distinctive silhouette in flight.
The Tree Swallow is known for its aerial acrobatics, engaging in quick twists and turns and even performing barrel rolls. It primarily feeds on insects, which it catches in mid-air, but will also feed on berries, nectar, and other small fruits.
It builds its nest in tree cavities in natural or nest boxes provided by humans. The Tree Swallow is a widespread bird species, appreciated for its beauty and acrobatic displays.
It provides essential ecological services, such as controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds, and its presence is a sign of healthy natural habitats.
Conservation of the species is essential to maintain its populations and ensure its continued presence in the Americas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. bicolor |
6. Painted Bunting
The painted bunting is a bird species belonging to the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. It is native to North America and is known for its vivid and colorful feathers.
The male birds of this species are especially noteworthy, as their plumage is more vibrant than the female birds.
However, the males can only be distinguished from the female birds in their first year of life by careful and close inspection, as the bright plumage they will later possess is not present at this stage.
After the first year, the males will develop the brightly colored feathers they will keep for the rest of their lives.
This makes the painted bunting unique, as male birds of other species do not usually take more than a year to develop their distinctive characteristics.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. ciris |
7. Mountain Bluebird
The mountain bluebird is a migratory small thrush seen in western North America’s mountainous districts. It has a light underbelly and black eyes, which gives it a distinctive look.
Adult males of this species have thin bills and are a bright turquoise-blue color on top, while their underside is somewhat lighter. The bluebird’s bright color and slender bill make it stand out from many other birds in the area, making it easy to spot.
The mountain bluebird is an important species to the local environment. Its diet consists mainly of insects, which helps to keep populations of certain insect pests in check.
The bluebird also serves as an important pollinator of many native plants, helping to maintain the local ecosystem’s health. In addition to its ecological value, the mountain bluebird is also beloved by bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
It symbolizes the beauty of the western mountains, and its bright turquoise-blue color stands out in the landscape. The mountain bluebird is a species worth protecting and preserving, and it is a welcome sight when it appears during its annual migration.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. currucoides |
8. Lazuli Bunting
The lazuli bunting is a species of songbird native to North America. Its name is derived from the gemstone lapis lazuli, a bright blue-colored stone that many cultures have prized for thousands of years.
The bird’s plumage is a vivid blue at the head, wings, and tail, and a rust-colored chest and belly. The bright colors of the bird are similar to the stone, making the name an apt description. The lazuli bunting is a small bird, usually 5 to 6 inches long.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, berries, and seeds. The birds can be found in open fields, woodlands, meadows, and gardens during the summer months.
They are often seen perched on poles, fence posts, and trees. The lazuli bunting is an integral part of North American ecosystems. They help to control the population of insect pests and spread the seeds of wildflowers.
During the winter, the birds migrate south to find more suitable habitats. The bright blue coloring of the lazuli bunting is a reminder of the precious stone lapis lazuli. Seeing the bird flitting from branch to branch in search of food is a beautiful sight.
The lazuli bunting is an integral part of the North American landscape and is beloved by bird watchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. amoena |
9. Cerulean Warbler
The cerulean warbler is a small songbird belonging to the Parulidae family. It is a long-distance migratory bird, breeding in hardwood forests in eastern North America.
During the non-breeding season, the cerulean warbler travels to the eastern side of the Andes in South America, where it prefers subtropical forests.
This species is a crucial part of the ecosystem, helping to pollinate plants, disperse seeds, and maintain the balance of the environment.
The cerulean warbler is also known to be a sensitive species, meaning it can be affected by human activities, such as deforestation and climate change, that can disrupt its migratory patterns and reduce its food sources.
It is essential to protect the habitats of this species to ensure their survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. cerulea |
10. Common Starling
The common starling is an abundant bird found across much of the world. It is a medium-sized passerine bird in the Sturnidae family, commonly known as the starling family.
In North America, it is known as the European starling; in Great Britain and Ireland, it is referred to as the starling. It is a highly adaptable species found in various habitats, including urban areas, parks, and agricultural fields.
The common starling has a large, rounded body and a short tail, with a noticeable “V” shape when in flight. Its plumage is mainly dark with white spots and has a glossy black head and throat.
It has a powerful, rapid flight and is an agile aerial acrobat, often seen in large flocks as it swoops and dives. Its diet consists of insects, fruits, and seeds.
Common starling is an important species to many ecosystems, as it is a significant predator of insect pests and helps disperse the seeds of many native plants.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
11. Common Grackle
The common grackle is a species of large icterid bird found in abundance throughout much of North America. It was first documented in 1758 by the Swedish scientist and zoologist Carl Linnaeus. This bird species is composed of three distinct subspecies.
The adult common grackle has a long dark beak, bright yellow eyes, and a long tail. The bird has iridescent black feathers that are darker along the back and lighter around the head and throat.
It has a wingspan of around 40 inches and typically weighs between 2 and 5 ounces. The bird is known for its loud and harsh vocalizations, often heard from a great distance.
They are also known for their aggressive behavior, often chasing away other birds from their territory. Common grackles feed on insects, small fish, grains, and fruits. They are usually seen in large flocks, gathering in areas with plenty of food and water.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
12. Northern Parula
The northern parula is a small songbird that belongs to the New World warbler family. It is mainly found in eastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida.
It is a migratory species and spends its winters mainly in the tropical parts of Central and South America. The northern parula has a bright yellow chest with a blue-gray back, white underparts, and two white wing bars. Its head has a blue-gray crown and a yellow-green nape.
The male and female have similar plumage, but the male is slightly brighter overall. The northern parula is a woodland species, usually found in deciduous and mixed forests. It can also be seen in wetlands, shrublands, and gardens.
It feeds on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. It usually forages by gleaning from foliage or by catching insects in mid-air. The northern parula breeds during the summer months. The female builds a cup nest from grass, moss, lichens, and plant fibers.
She typically lays three to four eggs, which are incubated for about two weeks. Both parents help in the raising of the young birds. The northern parula is a common species, and its population is stable.
However, it is vulnerable to habitat destruction and other human-related disturbances. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure its protection and survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. americana |
13. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a species of wading bird that belongs to the Ardeidae family. This species is native to many regions across North and Central America and far northwestern South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands.
It is most commonly seen near the shorelines of large bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands. This heron species is large, measuring up to 5 feet in height, with an impressive wingspan of up to 6 feet.
Its long neck and long legs make it well-suited for wading in shallow water in search of food. Its gray and blue feathers provide camouflage and protection while hunting for fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other small animals.
The great blue heron is an integral part of the ecosystem and helps to keep the population of certain types of prey in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
14. Great-Tailed Grackle
The great-tailed grackle, also known as the Mexican grackle, is a type of bird found in North and South America. It is medium-sized and is a very social bird, meaning it enjoys living in large groups.
This bird is a member of the family Icteridae, a type of songbird, and is one of 10 species of grackles still living today. It is closely related to the boat-tailed grackle and the now-extinct slender-billed grackle, both of which are members of the same family.
The great-tailed grackle is a ubiquitous sight in many parts of the Americas. It is usually found near water and can often be seen around rivers, lakes, and ponds.
They have a distinctive appearance with glossy black feathers and long tails that can measure up to 8 inches. They also have yellow eyes and beaks. The great-tailed grackle is omnivorous and feeds on a wide variety of foods.
They eat insects, small fish, grains, fruits, and seeds. They are also known to scavenge for food and often feed on carrion. This bird species is quite vocal and makes various calls, including whistles, squawks, and chattering.
Overall, the great-tailed grackle is an interesting species of bird. It is highly social, and its large size and unique appearance make it a very recognizable bird in the Americas.
It is an integral part of the local ecology, and its wide range ensures that it will remain a familiar sight for many years.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. mexicanus |
15. Brewer’s Blackbird
Brewer’s blackbird is a common species of bird found in the New World. It is a medium-sized blackbird with a glossy black body and yellow eyes. It is often found in open, grassy fields, meadows, and pastures.
It was named after the American ornithologist Thomas Mayo Brewer, who studied the species in the mid-19th century. Brewer studied the ecology and behavior of the Brewer’s blackbird and wrote extensively about its range, diet, and nesting habits.
He was one of the first to suggest that it was a migratory species with two distinct populations in the United States and Canada. Brewer’s blackbird is an important species to conservation efforts, as it is an important seed disperser and insect eater.
It is also a famous bird for birders, as its distinctive black plumage and yellow eyes make it easy to identify.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Euphagus |
| Species | E. cyanocephalus |
16. Rusty Blackbird
The Rusty Blackbird is a member of the blackbird family native to North America. It is a species of medium size and is closely related to grackles.
During the breeding season, the bird prefers wet forested areas in the boreal and muskeg areas spread across northern Canada. As winter approaches, the Rusty Blackbird migrates to the southeastern United States, where it spends the colder months.
It is an important bird in the North American ecosystem, as its diet consists mainly of aquatic insects, which it uses to feed its young during breeding season. The Rusty Blackbird is a threatened species due to habitat loss, and its numbers are declining.
Conservation efforts are needed to ensure this unique species has a place in the world for future generations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Euphagus |
| Species | E. carolinus |
Conclusion
Bluebirds are a common sight in Kansas and are significant in the state. They are found in many different habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and urban areas, and they are also commonly found in parks, gardens, and other outdoor spaces.
They provide various benefits to the environment, including providing food for other wildlife, controlling insect populations, and providing a source of beauty and enjoyment to those who observe them.
As such, bluebirds are an essential part of the Kansas ecosystem and should be protected and conserved.