Welcome to Newfoundland and Labrador, home to some of the most vibrant and beautiful blue birds in the world. Bluebirds are an iconic species to this region, often seen flitting around the many boreal forests and meadows that cover the area.
Not only do these birds add a splash of color to the landscape, but they also have a rich history in the region.
The Mi’kmaq people believed that the bluebird was a symbol of good luck, and many generations of people have been drawn to these birds for their beauty and connection to the natural world.
In this article, we will be exploring the various bluebird species found in Newfoundland and Labrador, their habits, and why they are so important to the region.
1. Thrush
The thrushes are a family of birds known as Turdidae, a Latin word that means ‘thrush’, and they are found all over the world. The family used to be bigger, but biologists have now reclassified some of the birds that were previously part of the thrush family.
These birds are now grouped together as the Old World flycatcher family, which includes the robins and chats that are commonly found in Europe. These birds have a unique song and are usually seen in gardens and parks. They typically forage on the ground for insects and worms.
They are also known to eat berries and other fruits. They are generally small to medium-sized birds with mainly brown and grey plumage, and they often have spotted breasts.
They are usually shy and secretive birds, but they will often be seen in pairs or small groups during the breeding season.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
2. Cardinalidae
Cardinalidae is a family of passerine birds or songbirds, that is unique to the New World. These birds are known as cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings.
This family also contains several other genera, such as Piranga, which is similar to a tanager, and Granatellus, which is like a warbler.
This diverse family of birds is found in a variety of habitats, from woodlands to grasslands, where they can be seen searching for food and singing their beautiful songs. They are highly adaptable and can survive in many different environments.
Their diet consists of various types of seeds, fruits, insects, and even other small animals. Cardinalidae birds are an important part of the ecosystem, as they play a vital role in the food web by providing food for other animals.
They also help to pollinate plants, which is essential for the growth and development of many species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
3. Sulids
The bird family Sulidae consists of two types of seabirds – gannets and boobies. These birds, which are collectively known as sulids, are medium-large in size and inhabit coastal areas. They feed mainly on fish and other similar prey, which they catch by plunging into the water.
In total, there are 10 species of solids, which have previously been grouped together in the same genus, Sula. Generally, older sources consider these species to be congeneric – meaning they are closely related and share a common ancestor.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
4. Old World Flycatchers
The Old World flycatchers are a large family of small passerine birds, known as the Muscicapidae family. This family is restricted to the Old World, which includes Europe, Asia, and Africa.
However, there are a few exceptions, including two species that have been found in North America, the bluethroat and the northern wheat. The bluethroat is a small bird with a bright blue throat and a white stripe on its head.
It is found across Europe and Asia, as well as in North America. The northern wheatear is also a small bird with a white breast and black wings. It is found in the northern parts of Europe and Asia, as well as in North America.
The Old World flycatchers are a very diverse family of birds, with over 330 species. Most of the species have a wide range, while some are found in more localized areas. They are typically found in open areas such as meadows, grasslands, and farmland.
They feed on insects, seeds, and berries, and can often be seen perching on tree branches. The Old World flycatchers are an important part of the global ecosystem, and their populations are mostly stable.
However, some species are threatened due to loss of habitat and other environmental factors. Conservation efforts are being undertaken to help protect these species and ensure their survival in the future.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
5. Gnatcatcher
Gnatcatchers are a family of small passerine birds found in the Americas. They belong to the Polioptilidae family, which consists of 21 different species.
Most of these birds live in tropical and subtropical regions and remain in their habitats year-round, but the blue-grey gnatcatcher of the United States and Canada migrate seasonally. During winter, this species travels south in search of warmer climates.
Gnatcatchers are small, delicate birds with slender, pointed bills and often bright plumage. They feed on insects, spiders, and small lizards, which they catch with their bills as they flit through the air.
Gnatcatchers also often nest in trees and shrubs, building cup-shaped nests on twigs out of grasses, moss, and other plant materials. They are invaluable members of the environment, helping to keep insect populations in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
6. Tanagers
The tanagers are a family of birds belonging to the order Passeriformes and are found mainly in the Neotropical regions. They are the second-largest bird family in the world, making up 4% of all avian species and 12% of the birds that live in the Neotropics.
This family of birds includes members of the genera Tangara, Ramphocelus, Thraupis, and many others. They are known for their bright colors and often have blue, green, yellow, and red plumage. The males and females of some species have very different coloration.
Many species of tanagers are cavity nesters, meaning they will build nests inside tree cavities or other natural openings. They feed on a variety of fruits, insects, and other small creatures.
Tanagers also play an important role in seed dispersal, helping to spread plant species throughout their range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Thraupidae |
Conclusion
Blue birds are an important part of the biodiversity of Newfoundland and Labrador. They provide a valuable source of food for other species and their presence helps to maintain the balance of the local environment.
The province’s diverse range of habitats and landscapes provide the perfect conditions for many species of bluebirds to thrive.
Although their populations may fluctuate due to environmental pressures such as climate change, blue birds remain a valuable part of the province’s wildlife.