Maine is a state full of beauty and life, and blue birds are just one of the many species of birds that make their home here. Known for their bright and cheerful blue plumage, blue birds are a welcome sight to any Maine backyard.
They are the state bird of Maine and have been a favorite of birdwatchers for years. Blue birds are also beneficial to the environment, as they are excellent insect predators that help keep insect populations in check.
With their lovely songs and beautiful feathers, blue birds make a great addition to any Maine landscape.
1. Eastern Bluebird
The eastern bluebird is a charming and popular bird species native to North America. It is a small thrush with a migratory nature, found in a variety of habitats such as open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards.
Its bright-blue breeding plumage makes it easily distinguishable from other birds. Male eastern bluebirds can be observed perched on a wire or in an open area, making them a favorite of avid birders.
The male’s vivid blue colors, combined with its social nature, make it a frequent sight in nature reserves and other outdoor areas. The female eastern bluebird is typically more brownish in color, though her feathers are still quite striking.
Eastern bluebirds are popular birds for birders and nature enthusiasts alike, as they are easy to identify and often quite active.
| 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 belongs to the family Corvidae. It is native to eastern North America, where it is found in most of the eastern and central United States.
Some of the eastern populations of blue jays may be migratory, while there are also resident populations that can be found in Newfoundland, Canada. Additionally, there are breeding populations of blue jays that can be found across southern Canada.
The blue jay is a passerine bird, which means that it is a perching bird. It is a common sight in yards and parks, and it is well known for its loud and distinctive call. The blue jay is a colorful bird, with a blue head, wings, and tail, and a white chest and belly.
They are also omnivores, meaning that they feed on both plants and animals. Blue jays are often seen gathering in flocks, and they are often aggressive toward other birds that may be competing for food or nesting sites.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
3. Indigo Bunting
The indigo bunting is a small bird that can be found in the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. The bird is migratory, meaning it travels between two different places at different times of the year.
During the breeding season, the indigo bunting can be found ranging from southern Canada all the way down to northern Florida. During the winter months, the bird migrates to more southern climates, specifically to northern South America.
The indigo bunting is known for its navigation by using the stars to guide its flight. The nighttime migration is a unique behavior of the bird, which is why it is able to make the long journey between its two different homes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. cyanea |
4. American Robin
The American robin is a species of migratory bird belonging to the true thrush genus and the wider thrush family, Turdidae. It is named after the European robin due to its reddish-orange breast, but the two species are not closely related.
The European robin actually belongs to the Old World flycatcher family, which is different from the American robin family. The American robin is found throughout North America and is a familiar sight in many backyards.
It is a fairly large bird, with a length of around 25 cm and a wingspan of around 40 cm. The male has a black head and grey back, while the female is a duller brown. Both sexes have an orange-red breast and a yellow beak.
The American robin is mainly insectivorous, but will also eat fruits and berries. It is an important part of the ecosystem, as it helps to control insect populations, disperse seeds and pollinate flowers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
5. Cardinalidae
Source: thefeatheredbird.com
The Cardinalidae family is a group of birds that are found only in the New World. The family consists of cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings which are all species of passerine birds.
The family also consists of other species such as the tanager-like Piranga and the warbler-like Granatellus. Cardinals are small to medium-sized birds that have strong beaks and relatively large crests.
They are typically brightly colored and can be found in a variety of habitats. Grosbeaks are larger than cardinals and have thick, conical bills. They are usually a bit duller in color than cardinals. Buntings are small, seed-eating birds that are usually brightly colored.
The family also consists of the tanager-like Piranga, which are brightly colored songbirds that are mainly found in the tropical parts of the Americas. They are often seen foraging in flocks.
The warbler-like Granatellus are small, insect-eating birds that are mostly found in North and South America. They have brightly colored plumage and are often seen in open areas. Overall, the Cardinalidae family is a diverse group of birds that are found in the New World.
They consist of cardinals, grosbeaks, buntings, tanager-like Piranga, and warbler-like Granatellus. These birds are brightly colored and are found in a variety of habitats, from forests to open areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
6. Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a species of bird that is native to North America. It is a very small bird, measuring only about 5.5 inches long from its beak to the tip of its tail.
Its head is a light blue-gray, while its body is a darker blue-gray with white on its lower belly and throat. Its wings are a light blue-gray and its tail is a darker blue-gray with a white tip.
The blue-gray gnatcatcher is a member of the family Polioptilidae, which includes other small songbirds such as the gnatwren and the verdin. Its diet consists of small insects, such as gnats. It is a solitary bird, usually nesting in the branches of trees and shrubs.
It is a fairly common bird in its native range, although its numbers have been declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation. The blue-gray gnatcatcher is listed as a species of 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 |
7. Tree Swallow
The tree swallow is a species of bird from the Hirundinidae family that is known to migrate. It can be found in the Americas and was first officially described in 1807 by French ornithologist Louis Vieillot.
Initially, Vieillot classified it under the genus Hirundo but it has since been moved to its own genus, Tachycineta. Despite its placement in this new genus, the exact phylogenetic ranking of the tree swallow within Tachycineta is still a subject of debate.
The tree swallow is quite small in size with a length of around 5.5 inches and a wingspan of about 11 inches. Its upper parts are a glossy, dark blue-green color while its lower parts are a beautiful white.
It has a dark gray cap on its head and a distinct, white line from its eyes to its bill. It also has a distinctive, forked tail, which it uses for graceful, aerial movements. The tree swallow is an insectivore, primarily relying on flying insects for its diet.
It makes its nest in cavities of trees and often uses man-made nest boxes. Though tree swallows migrate to warmer climates in the winter, they often remain close to their home areas and return each spring. There is still much to learn about the tree swallow and its behavior.
Its migratory patterns and breeding habits are of particular interest to researchers. With further study, scientists hope to gain a better understanding of the species and better protect it and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. bicolor |
8. Common Starling
The common starling is a type of bird that belongs to the Sturnidae family. It 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 has a long and thin body type.
It has a wingspan of around 20–25 cm, a body length of 17–20 cm, and a weight of around 40–60 g. In terms of physical appearance, its plumage is quite varied as it can be seen in a range of colors including black, gray, purple, and brown.
It also has a bill that is pointed and short, and its legs are a reddish-pink color. The common starling is a species that is found in many parts of the world, including most of Europe, North Africa, parts of the Middle East, and some regions of Asia.
It is also found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The habitat of this bird consists of open woodlands, fields, and meadows, as well as urban areas.
It will also inhabit parks, gardens, and other human-made structures. Common starlings feed on a variety of items including insects, berries, grains, and seeds. They are most active during the day, and will often form large flocks in order to forage for food.
They are also known for their loud and complex vocalizations, which are used to communicate with one another. Common starlings are known for their ability to adapt to their environment and to quickly learn new behaviors.
This has allowed them to become successful in urban areas, and they are now one of the world’s most widespread bird species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
9. Common Grackle
The common grackle is a species of large icterid bird that is found in large numbers throughout North America. It was first described in 1758 by the famous naturalist Carl Linnaeus.
The common grackle has three distinct subspecies, which can be identified by their physical characteristics. The adult common grackle has a long and dark bill, pale yellow eyes, and a long tail.
These features, along with its size, distinguish it from other birds of the same family. The common grackle can be found in open areas, such as fields and grasslands, as well as in urban and suburban parks.
They feed on insects, grains, and fruits, and are often seen in flocks of up to several hundred birds. In addition to their diet, common grackles are also known for their loud and raucous calls, which can be heard from a long distance away.
Common grackles have a wide range and can be found in many different parts of North America, from the southern United States all the way up to the northern reaches of Canada.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
10. American Goldfinch
Source: kids.nationalgeographic.com
The American goldfinch is a tiny bird native to North America that belongs to the finch family. It is a migratory species, which means it moves seasonally from one place to another.
During the breeding season, it can be found in the mid-Alberta region in Canada and as far south as North Carolina in the United States. During the winter, it travels south and can be observed from just south of the Canada-United States border to Mexico.
This bird is an important part of many ecosystems, as it plays an important role in the pollination of plants. It also helps to disperse the seeds of many plants, ensuring the continuation of these species.
As a result, it is important to protect this species and its habitats in order to maintain a healthy balance in the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
11. House Finch
Source: reddit.com
The house finch is a type of bird in the Fringillidae family, which consists of finches. It is native to the western parts of North America but has been introduced to the eastern part of the continent as well as Hawaii.
This species, along with the other two American rosefinches, are all a part of the genus Haemorhous. House finches are quite small birds, with a length of 5-6 inches. They have a variety of colors, ranging from brown to red, with brown being the most common.
These birds are extremely social, often found in large flocks. They feed mainly on seeds and fruits, and they are known for their cheerful songs. House finches are popular among birdwatchers and are often seen in gardens and parks.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
12. Tufted Titmouse
The tufted titmouse is a small songbird found in North America, belonging to the family of tit and chickadees. This species is predominantly found in central and southern Texas and is characterized by its black crest.
It was once classified as a subspecies of the tufted titmouse, however, recent studies have determined that it is actually a distinct species known as the Baeolophus atricristatus.
This species is similar to the tufted titmouse in its size and overall coloration but is distinguished by its black crest and other subtle physical differences.
The tufted titmouse is a vocal bird, often singing in a way that resembles a squeaky wheelbarrow wheel and is also known to mimic the sounds of other birds.
The tufted titmouse is an important member of the North American bird community, and its distinct characteristics make it an interesting species to observe and study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. bicolor |
13. Red-Winged Blackbird
Source: vtecostudies.org
The red-winged blackbird is a passerine bird, belonging to the family Icteridae. It is a medium-sized passerine, measuring up to 8.5 inches in length. Its distinctive black body is marked with bright red and yellow patches on the wings and tail.
The red-winged blackbird is found in most of North America and much of Central America. It is a highly adaptable species, found in a variety of habitats including wetlands, grasslands, and agricultural fields.
It feeds on a variety of invertebrates, such as insects, spiders, and snails, as well as grain, fruit, and nectar. The red-winged blackbird is also an important part of the ecosystem, preying on crop pests and helping to disperse seeds.
It is a well-known and easily recognizable bird, making it a popular choice for birders and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
14. Gray Catbird
The gray catbird, also spelled grey catbird, is a type of songbird native to North America and Central America. It belongs to the mimid family, which includes thrashers, mockingbirds, and New World catbirds.
As its name suggests, the gray catbird is typically gray in color with a black cap on its head. It is also marked with white spots on its wings and tail.
The gray catbird is typically around nine inches in length and can be found in open woodlands, gardens, and other areas with dense vegetation. It has an unusual, mewing call, which has been likened to a cat’s meow.
This species is the only member of its genus, Dumetella, and is quite social, often gathering in large flocks to forage for food. It feeds mainly on insects and fruits, and its diet varies seasonally.
The gray catbird is an important species in its range, providing important insect control services, and is an interesting species to observe in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Dumetella |
| Species | D. carolinensis |
15. Northern Gannet
The northern gannet is a large seabird native to the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest species of the gannet family, Sulidae, and is the largest seabird in the northern Atlantic. It breeds mainly in Western Europe and Northeastern North America.
In terms of appearance, both males and females are similar in size and plumage. The northern gannet has a white head, neck, and underparts, with a black cap and back. Its wings are dark blue-gray, while its bill and legs are yellow.
It is a large bird, with a wingspan of up to 1.5 meters. The northern gannet is an expert hunter and feeds mainly on fish. It dives into the water from the air to catch its prey, using its powerful wings to propel it.
It is a social bird and can often be seen in large flocks on the ocean’s surface. It nests on coastal cliffs and islands, usually in colonies of hundreds or thousands of birds. The northern gannet is a long-lived species, with some individuals living up to 25 years.
Overall, the northern gannet is a magnificent seabird that plays an important role in the coastal ecosystem. It is well adapted to its environment and is able to survive in the harsh conditions of the northern Atlantic.
It is an impressive sight to behold, with its white and black plumage and large size. Its fascinating hunting techniques and social behavior make it an interesting species to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Morus |
| Species | M. bassanus |
16. Brown-Headed Cowbird
The brown-headed cowbird is a small icterid bird native to North America. It is an obligate brood parasite, which means that it relies on other bird species to incubate and raise its young.
The cowbird is a permanent resident in the southern parts of its range, including the southern United States and Mexico. In the northern parts of its range, such as Canada, the cowbird migrates south in winter and returns to its summer habitat in March or April.
The brown-headed cowbird is adapted to a wide range of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. It feeds on insects, seeds, and berries, and will also take advantage of food sources provided by humans.
The cowbird is an important part of North American ecosystems, providing a valuable food source for other bird species and helping to control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
17. Black-Throated Blue Warbler
The black-throated blue warbler is a species of bird in the New World warbler family. This species of bird is found in the interior of deciduous and mixed coniferous forests in eastern North America.
This bird has a distinct black throat and is typically found in the summer months during the breeding season. During the cooler months, the black-throated blue warbler migrates to islands in the Caribbean and Central America.
The warbler will often migrate in small flocks and can travel hundreds of miles each year in order to reach their warmer winter habitats. During migration, they will often stop along the way to rest and refuel before continuing on their journey.
The black-throated blue warbler is an important species in its native range and is a symbol of the beauty of North American forests.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. caerulescens |
18. New World Warblers
The New World warblers are a family of birds known as Parulidae, which are found exclusively in the Americas. They are small, usually brightly colored, and belong to the passerine bird order.
These birds are not related to Old World warblers, which are a different family of birds found in Eurasia, Africa, and Australia.
The Australian warblers, also known as Passerines, are a distinct family of birds that are found only in Australia. The New World warblers are generally insectivorous, meaning they primarily feed on insects.
They are also known for their bright and colorful plumage which makes them stand out in the environment.
They range in size from 4–8 inches in length and can be found in a variety of habitats, from woodlands to grasslands. The New World warblers are an important part of the bird population in the Americas.
They help to keep insect populations in check and are also an important part of the food chain. They are also important to humans, as they provide us with a source of enjoyment and beauty in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
19. Blue-Headed Vireo
The blue-headed vireo is a species of songbird native to North and Central America. It migrates long distances south during winter and can be found during summer in Canada and the eastern United States, as well as parts of Mexico and Central America.
There are two recognized subspecies of the blue-headed vireo, both of which share the same range. The bird is easily identified by its striking blue head, which contrasts with its gray back and wings.
The blue-headed vireo is a small songbird, typically measuring around 5 inches in length. Its diet consists mainly of insects, which it captures from trees and bushes. During the summer, it will also feed on berries, fruits, and nuts.
The blue-headed vireo is an important insectivore, and its presence in an area can indicate a healthy ecosystem. The blue-headed vireo breeds during the summer months, and the male will sing a complex song to attract a mate.
The nest is usually built in the low branches of a tree, and the female will lay a clutch of 3-5 eggs. The young will fledge after around two weeks and will be able to fly shortly afterwards.
The blue-headed vireo is a fascinating migratory bird, and its presence in an area is a sign of a healthy and well-functioning ecosystem. Its striking blue head makes it easily identifiable, and its song is a welcome addition to the summertime soundtrack.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Vireonidae |
| Genus | Vireo |
| Species | V. solitarius |
20. Belted Kingfisher
The belted kingfisher is a bird species belonging to the family Alcedinidae, which is part of the order Coraciiformes. This species is native to North America and is one of the largest and most recognizable water kingfishers.
It has a distinctively large, blue-gray body with a white collar and a black belt across its chest. Research into Alcedinidae has recently suggested that this family should be divided into three subfamilies: the Alcedininae, Halcyoninae, and Cerylinae.
Each subfamily contains different species of kingfishers, as the characteristics of the birds vary across the different subfamilies. The Alcedininae, for example, includes the belted kingfisher, while the Halcyoninae includes the tree kingfishers.
The Cerylinae, meanwhile, includes the river kingfishers, such as the Amazon kingfisher. The belted kingfisher is an important species for both humans and the environment.
It feeds mostly on small fish, crustaceans, and aquatic insects, which helps to control the populations of these organisms in its local environment.
It is also an important indicator of the health of aquatic ecosystems, as its presence or absence can be used to gauge the health of the local environment. Furthermore, it is an important species for recreational activities, such as birdwatching and photography.
Overall, the belted kingfisher is a large, conspicuous water kingfisher, native to North America.
Recent research into the Alcedinidae family has suggested that it should be divided into three subfamilies, each of which contains different species of kingfishers with different characteristics.
The belted kingfisher is an important species for both humans and the environment, and it is an important indicator of aquatic ecosystem health.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. alcyon |
21. Black-Crowned Night Heron
The black-crowned night heron, also known as the black-capped night heron, is a species of heron natively found in many parts of the world. It is usually referred to simply as the night heron in Eurasia.
This heron is considered medium-sized, with an average length of around 70 centimeters and a wingspan of around 1 meter.
It is a widespread species, being present in various parts of Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. The black-crowned night heron has a black crown on its head, which is where it gets its name.
Its body is a light grey color, and its wings are dark grey with a white stripe. Its underparts are white, and its eyes are yellow.
It has long, yellow legs and a short yellow bill. The black-crowned night heron is a wading bird that feeds mainly on fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and insects. It is usually found near water sources such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
It is a solitary bird that nests in colonies, usually in tall trees or shrubbery. The black-crowned night heron is an important species in many ecosystems, as it helps to control the population of certain prey species.
It is a protected species in many countries and is listed as either “least concern” or “near threatened” on the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Nycticorax |
| Species | N. nycticorax |
22. Snowy Egret
The snowy egret is a small white heron, so named due to its white plumage.
Its scientific genus name, Egretta thula, is derived from the Provençal French “aigrette,” which means “little egret.” This is a diminutive of the word “aigron,” which translates to “heron.” The species name, thula, was mistakenly given to this species by Chilean naturalist Juan Ignacio Molina in 1782.
The term is actually derived from the Araucano language and refers to the black-necked swan. This misnaming has stuck, however, and the snowy egret continues to be referred to by this incorrect species name.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. thula |
23. Little Blue Heron
The Little Blue Heron is a species of small heron, belonging to the genus Egretta. It is a dark-colored bird, with a bill that is two-toned in color. Juveniles of the species are all white, making them look very much like the Snowy Egret.
During the breeding season, however, adult Little Blue Herons develop different colors on their head, legs, and feet. This gives them a distinct look and helps them to be easily identified amongst other heron species.
The colors that appear on the head, legs, and feet are usually shades of green, blue, and gray. This helps them to blend in with their natural environment, making them difficult to spot.
The colors may also be used to signal potential mates, as well as to protect against predators. By being able to blend in with their environment, the Little Blue Heron is able to survive and thrive in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. caerulea |
Conclusion
Blue birds are a common sight in Maine, particularly during the spring and summer months. They are an important part of the local ecosystem, providing food for other wildlife, helping to control insect populations, and adding to the beauty of the state.
Maine is an ideal habitat for blue birds, and their presence is an important part of the state’s natural beauty and environment.