Blue birds are a fascinating species of birds that are native to different parts of the world. In Utah, there is a vibrant population of these birds, which are known for their striking blue plumage and unique characteristics.
These birds belong to various families, such as the mountain bluebird, eastern bluebird, and western bluebird. They inhabit a variety of habitats across the state, including meadows, grasslands, and deserts.
Blue birds have a considerable presence in Utah’s bird list, and they are admired by bird watchers for their beauty and behavior.
This article will delve into the lives of blue birds in Utah and explore their role in the ecosystem.
1. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird, belonging to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family.
It was named after its European counterpart due to the similar reddish-orange breast they both possess; however, they are not related closely.
This species can be seen through most of North America during winter months, as well as in parts of Mexico and Central America where it also breeds.
They have plump bodies with gray upperparts and white underparts that vary from yellow on their throats down to orange toward their bellies.
Robins feed on fruits such as berries or insects like worms which makes them an important part of ecosystems by helping disperse seeds naturally throughout these areas.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Turdidae |
Genus | Turdus |
Species | T. migratorius |
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2. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small North American bird in the finch family. Males are vibrant yellow with black wings and tail, while females are duller in colouration.
It migrates from mid-Alberta to North Carolina during breeding season, south of Canada–United States border to Mexico for its wintering grounds.
The only finch which undergoes complete molt every year, it displays sexual dichromatism where males have brighter colours than their female counterparts.
They feed mainly on seeds but also eat insects such as aphids and caterpillars when raising youngs; they often occur near thistles or other plants that produce viable seed heads.
Their call consists of an array of chirps and trills making them quite conspicuous.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Fringillidae |
Subfamily | Carduelinae |
Genus | Spinus |
Species | S. tristis |
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3. Bluebirds
Bluebirds are a North American species of small to medium-sized birds belonging to the thrush family. They have stunning blue and rose beige plumage, with males having brighter colors than females.
These beautiful birds mainly feed on insects, but they can also eat some fruits or seeds from time to time. Bluebirds reside in open fields, meadows and backyards across much of North America.
Their cheerful songs bring joy as they fly through their habitats looking for food during the day before returning home at nightfall.
The sight of these beautiful creatures is often associated with happiness and hope – making them beloved by many people.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Turdidae |
Subfamily | Myadestinae |
Genus | Sialia Swainson, 1827 |
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4. Mountain Bluebird
The Mountain Bluebird is a beautiful sight to behold. It has bright turquoise-blue wings and tail, with a light underbelly, grey crown and breast, black eyes and thin bills.
During the fall season its plumage changes slightly – females have duller blue wings and tail, as well as a grey throat and back.
As they migrate across western North America during springtime these birds can be found in mountainous districts where they feed on insects such as grasshoppers or crickets collected from meadows or fields of grain.
They also enjoy eating berries when available. Through their stunning colours this species adds vibrancy to any landscape it traverses through – truly an incredible creature of nature.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Turdidae |
Genus | Sialia |
Species | S. currucoides |
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5. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern bluebird is a small migratory thrush that can be found in open woodlands, farms and orchards across North America.
The male has bright-blue breeding plumage which makes it easily recognizable by birders.
It produces melodious songs such as jeew, chir-wi and chiti WEEW wewidoo.
This popular species was declared the state bird of Missouri back in 1927 due to its beauty and charm.
In addition to being beautiful, these birds are also beneficial for farmers because they eat insects like grasshoppers and beetles which damage crops.
They nest in cavities so providing nesting boxes helps them thrive even more.
With their vibrant colors, sweet melodies and helpful nature it’s easy to see why the Eastern Bluebird is beloved worldwide.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Turdidae |
Genus | Sialia |
Species | S. sialis |
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6. Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is a beautiful bird that resides in eastern and central United States, as well as Newfoundland Canada.
They have an unmistakable blue colored plumage with white markings on their heads and wings.
These birds are highly adaptable to different habitats ranging from deciduous forests to urban areas.
As part of the Corvidae family, they are known for being intelligent problem solvers who will often use tools or mimic vocalizations of other species like hawks when defending their territories.
Their diet consists mostly of insects, seeds and nuts but can also include small vertebrates such as frogs or lizards if food resources become scarce.
Overall these birds provide much needed color to our environment while playing important roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems through pollination services and seed dispersal activities.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Corvidae |
Genus | Cyanocitta |
Species | C. cristata |
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7. Peregrine Falcon
The Peregrine Falcon is a majestic bird of prey belonging to the family Falconidae. It has a blue-grey back, barred white underparts and black head making it easily recognizable.
This intelligent raptor is known for its incredible speed reaching over 320 km/h (200 mph) during hunting dives – one of the fastest animals in existence.
The peregrine falcon can be found around the world from Arctic tundra to tropical rainforests thriving with humans or in high alpine mountains far away from civilization.
With their beauty, power and adaptability they are an impressive species that have earned respect among many cultures throughout history as symbols of strength and endurance.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Falconiformes |
Family | Falconidae |
Genus | Falco |
Species | F. peregrinus |
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8. House Finch
The House Finch is a species of finch native to western North America and has been introduced in the eastern half of the continent as well as Hawaii.
It’s an average-sized finch with adults measuring 12.5 – 15 cm (5 – 6 inches) long and having wingspans between 20 – 25 cm (8 – 10 inches).
The upperparts are brown, while its underparts range from pale grayish white to yellow depending on subspecies.
Its face is streaked or spotted with reddish coloration; males typically have brighter plumage than females due to sexual dimorphism.
They’re mostly found near human habitations such as farms and gardens where they feed on grains, fruits, insects etc., making them very popular among birders who want something colorful for their backyard.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Fringillidae |
Subfamily | Carduelinae |
Genus | Haemorhous |
Species | H. mexicanus |
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9. Common Starling
The Common Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird that belongs to the starling family. It has glossy black plumage with a metallic sheen, and in certain times of year it can be speckled with white.
The bill and legs are typically pink or black depending on the season, while its length measures about 8 inches long.
Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes small fruits and seeds as well as some human food waste.
They live in large flocks which provides protection against predators, although they can become quite aggressive when defending their nesting sites during breeding seasons.
Overall, this species is highly adaptable and widely distributed across many parts of Europe making them one of the most successful birds in the region today.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Sturnidae |
Genus | Sturnus |
Species | S. vulgaris |
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10. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a beautiful bird found in most of North America and Central America.
Its distinct features include a glossy black body, with white shoulder patches and bright red wing coverts year round.
It prefers wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, lakeshores and agricultural fields. During breeding season they inhabit grassy areas near water then move south for the winter months.
For food they mainly eat insects but also consume wild fruit or grains.
They are very social birds often seen in large flocks during migration times when their unmistakable “conk-la-ree” call can be heard echoing across the sky.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Icteridae |
Genus | Agelaius |
Species | A. phoeniceus |
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11. Belted Kingfisher
The belted kingfisher is a large, eye-catching bird native to North America. It belongs to the family Alcedinidae and has been divided into three subfamilies by recent research.
The species was first described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus in his Systema Naturae.
This water Kingfisher stands out for its size as well as its striking plumage; males are bright blue on top with white below and females have rusty brown backs and wings with a thick black breast band across their chest.
They also possess an impressive call which can be heard from quite far away.
Belted kingfishers feed mainly on small fish but will sometimes also eat crustaceans, insects or even amphibians if they come across them while hunting around rivers or streams.
All in all, this is truly one remarkable bird that deserves our admiration.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Coraciiformes |
Family | Alcedinidae |
Subfamily | Cerylinae |
Genus | Megaceryle |
Species | M. alcyon |
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12. Brown-Headed Cowbird
The Brown-headed Cowbird is a small, obligate brood parasitic icterid native to temperate and subtropical North America. It has a brown head with glossy black plumage on the body, wings and tail feathers.
During summer months it can be found in prairies, grasslands as well as open wooded areas but during winter they migrate southwards towards the United States of Mexico for warmer climate.
They are mainly insectivorous birds which feed on insects like caterpillars or beetles but also consume some grains too.
The female bird lays its eggs in nests of other species who then incubates them until hatching time thus leaving their own chicks uncared for by themselves.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Icteridae |
Genus | Molothrus |
Species | M. ater |
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13. Barn Swallow
The Barn Swallow is a beautiful passerine bird with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail. Found in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
It has an astonishingly large natural distribution spanning 251 million square kilometres globally; likely making it one of the world’s most widespread species.
This swallow typically nests near human habitation as well as other open areas such as fields or grasslands which provide them with suitable invertebrate prey to feed on.
They are insectivorous birds that often fly together in flocks looking for food over rivers or marshes usually just above tree-top level.
The barn swallow can also be identified by its strong flight consisting of swift continuous wing beats interspersed with glides during which they hold their wings slightly raised at the shoulders giving them distinct V shaped silhouettes in the sky.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Hirundinidae |
Genus | Hirundo |
Species | H. rustica |
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14. Common Grackle
The Common Grackle is a large icterid bird commonly found in North America. It has an iridescent head and pale yellow eyes, which are framed by its long dark bill and long tail.
Males typically have more vivid colors on their heads than females do. These birds can be seen across much of the continent, in fields, forests, wetlands – even urban areas.
They form huge flocks to search for food such as grains or insects that they catch with their bills.
The grackles may also scavenge from human sources like garbage dumps or picnic tables if available. With its colorful plumage and distinct call it’s easy to spot this species amongst other birds.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Icteridae |
Genus | Quiscalus |
Species | Q. quiscula |
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15. Green Heron
The Green Heron (Butorides virescens) is a small heron found throughout North and Central America.
It’s scientific name comes from Middle English ‘butor’ meaning bittern, combined with the Latin term for its distinctive greenish color – ‘virescens’.
For many years it was considered to be part of the same species as the Striated Heron (Butorides striata), commonly referred to as “green-backed herons”.
The nominate subspecies inhabits wetlands across much of this range, where they can be spotted stalking about in shallow water looking for fish or frogs on which to feed.
They are fascinating wading birds that have even been known to use tools such as sticks or baited lines when fishing.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pelecaniformes |
Family | Ardeidae |
Genus | Butorides |
Species | B. virescens |
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16. Reddish Egret
The Reddish Egret is a medium-sized heron that breeds in Central America, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, Texas and Mexico.
It prefers mud flats as its habitat of choice due to its unique foraging behaviour which differs from other herons.
In the past it was hunted widely for its feathers used to make fashionable hats but thankfully this practice has now been stopped.
They have white or grey plumage with pink legs and bill giving them their name.
These birds feed mainly on fish which they catch by making quick darting movements in shallow water or running rapidly through shallows stirring up prey so they can snatch them easily with their bills.
Their long wings enable them to fly quickly when hunting and also during migration season when many travel southwards towards warmer climates.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pelecaniformes |
Family | Ardeidae |
Genus | Egretta |
Species | E. rufescens |
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17. Little Blue Heron
The Little Blue Heron is a small, darkly-colored heron with two-toned bill. Juveniles are completely white, similar to the Snowy Egret. In breeding season, adults develop unique coloration on their head and legs.
The bird has an expansive habitat range that covers much of the Americas from North America all the way down to South America.
They feed mostly in shallow water areas like tidal flats or marshes and eat small aquatic animals such as fish, frogs and crustaceans.
This species can also be found along coastal regions where they gather at night for roosting purposes during winter months when food sources become more scarce due to migration patterns of its prey animals.
These birds have adapted well over time allowing them to persist in most habitats throughout their wide range even despite environmental changes caused by human activities such as pollution or development projects near wetlands ecosystems which are essential for this species’ survival.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pelecaniformes |
Family | Ardeidae |
Genus | Egretta |
Species | E. caerulea |
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18. Red-Breasted Nuthatch
The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a beautiful and vocal songbird that can be found in coniferous forests across Canada, Alaska, the northeastern United States and western US.
This small bird has blue-grey upperparts with cinnamon underparts, a white throat and face with black eye stripe, straight grey bill and black crown.
Its call sounds like a tin trumpet; it’s high-pitched yet nasal.
During mating season they form monogamous pairs to build their nest near tree trunks or branches at low heights off the ground where they lay 2 – 8 eggs at once.
They are very active little birds who love clinging to trees while searching for insect larvae or seeds within the bark of trees which helps control pest populations.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Sittidae |
Genus | Sitta |
Species | S. canadensis |
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19. Great Blue Heron
The Great Blue Heron is a majestic wading bird found in many parts of North America, Central America, the Caribbean and even as far away as the Galapagos Islands.
It has an impressive wingspan which can reach up to six feet wide. Its feathers are mainly bluish-gray with brownish streaks on both its neck and chest while its head displays white plumes.
The adult herons can also be identified by their yellow bill and legs.
They live near bodies of water such as lakes, marshes or rivers where they feed on fish using a spear like motion with their sharp bills.
An all-white population exists only in south Florida and the Florida Keys making it quite unique.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pelecaniformes |
Family | Ardeidae |
Genus | Ardea |
Species | A. herodias |
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20. Black-Throated Blue Warbler
The black-throated blue warbler is a beautiful bird from the New World Warbler family. It breeds in deciduous and mixed coniferous forests of eastern North America, migrating to islands in the Caribbean and Central America during winter months.
This small passerine has an impressive plumage with bright blue upperparts and white underparts that contrast sharply against its coal-black throat patch.
Its wings are dark greyish or olive green with two bold white wing bars on each side; while its tail feathers are yellowish or whitish underneath but gray above.
These birds feed mainly on insects such as moths, beetles, ants, grasshoppers and spiders which they catch by flycatching from low branches or shrubs within their habitat range.
Rarely found in western Europe, it is considered to be non-indigenous there although some individuals have been observed over short periods of time.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Parulidae |
Genus | Setophaga |
Species | S. caerulescens |
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21. Blue Grosbeak
The Blue Grosbeak is a medium-sized North American passerine bird from the Cardinalidae family. It has striking plumage, with males showing off an impressive blue coloration and two brown wing bars.
Females are mainly brown with scattered blue feathers on the upperparts, but they also have two brown wing bars like males do.
During summer months these birds can be found in northern Mexico and southern United States where they breed, while during wintertime it migrates to Central America for resting purposes.
This beautiful species of bird is easy to spot due its vibrant colors making it a popular sight amongst wildlife observers.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Cardinalidae |
Genus | Passerina |
Species | P. caerulea |
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22. Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a beautiful small songbird native to North America. It has a length of 10–13 cm (3.9–5.1 in), wingspan of 6.3 in (16 cm) and weighs only 5–7 g (0.18–0.25 oz).
Males have blue-gray upperparts with white underparts, slender dark bill, and long black tail edged in white; females are less vibrant but still eye catching.
Juveniles are brownish gray overall but may show some hints of the adult colouration around their tails or shoulders as they mature into adulthood.
Their diet consists mainly of insects which they catch while flitting through air like tiny darts.
This stunning species can be found anywhere from woodlands to urban parks so keep your eyes peeled for these delightful creatures on your next outdoor adventure.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Polioptilidae |
Genus | Polioptila |
Species | P. caerulea |
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23. Tree Swallow
The Tree Swallow is a migratory bird of the Hirundinidae family, first described by French ornithologist Louis Vieillot in 1807. It has glossy blue-green upperparts, and white underparts with iridescent violet on its throat and breast.
Its wings are blackish above with pale grey below, while its tail feathers are blackish-blue with white edges.
During breeding season they build cup shaped nests out of grasses or twigs which are lined with animal hair or fur found near their nesting sites.
They feed mainly on insects such as flies and beetles that they catch while flying over fields or water surfaces during summer months when food is abundant for them to survive migration back southward in winter time.
The tree swallow is an important part of our environment both aesthetically and ecologically due to it’s insectivorous diet helping keep pest populations low in certain areas where agricultural crops may otherwise be damaged without these birds around.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Hirundinidae |
Genus | Tachycineta |
Species | T. bicolor |
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24. Cliff Swallow
The Cliff swallow, or American cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) is a species of passerine bird belonging to the family Hirundinidae. They are commonly found in North and South America.
These birds have an unmistakable appearance with their bright orange foreheads and flame-coloured backs that make them stand out from other swallows.
Cliff swallows form large colonies when nesting on cliffsides which makes them very social creatures; they often feed together while flying around fields or rivers looking for insects to eat.
In addition, they use mud pellets to build cup-shaped nests under bridges and eaves of buildings near water sources such as lakes, rivers and marshes – usually close by human dwellings.
Overall, these fascinating birds are both beautiful to look at yet practical too — providing insect pest control services through feeding on flies and mosquitoes in return for humans’ protection – what could be better?
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Hirundinidae |
Genus | Petrochelidon |
Species | P. pyrrhonota |
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25. Purple Martin
The Purple Martin is a beautiful passerine bird in the swallow family, and is the largest of its kind in North America.
It has dark blackish-blue feathers that have an iridescent sheen which can make them appear blue or deep purple depending on the light; they may even look green.
These birds are quite social creatures and often build communal roosts with multiple nests, having as many as hundreds of individuals living together at once.
They feed mainly on flying insects such as flies, moths, wasps and bees.
Their habitats include areas near bodies of water like lakes or rivers where there’s plenty for these birds to eat all year round.
The Purple Martin is truly an amazing species worth protecting.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Hirundinidae |
Genus | Progne |
Species | P. subis |
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26. Western Bluebird
The Western Bluebird is a small North American thrush that was formally described by English naturalist William John Swainson in 1832.
It has six subspecies and measures 15 to 18 cm long, with the adult male being bright blue on top and light orange-brown underneath.
Its wings have white bars which contrast against its bright plumage. The female is duller overall but retains the same wing pattern as its counterpart.
In addition, it also sports an attractive reddish patch near its bill area when breeding season arrives.
This species can be found inhabiting open woodlands, grassy meadows or agricultural areas of western America from Alaska southwards into Mexico and Guatemala where they feed mainly on insects such as beetles, flies, ants etc..
All in all this gorgeous bird adds colour to any environment.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Turdidae |
Genus | Sialia |
Species | S. mexicana |
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27. California Scrub Jay
The California scrub jay is a species of bird native to western North America. It can be found from southern British Columbia all the way down through California and western Nevada near Reno, up to west beyond the Sierra Nevada range.
This beautiful blue feathered bird was once categorized with Woodhouse’s scrub jay as the “western scrub jay” along with island scrub jays.
The California Scrub Jay has distinctive features such as its greyish-blue feathers on its head, wings and tail; white cheeks; dark bill; and strong legs for perching in trees which makes it stand out among other birds in its family.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Corvidae |
Genus | Aphelocoma |
Species | A. californica |
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28. Painted Bunting
The Painted Bunting is an eye-catching bird from the Cardinal family, native to North America. It was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his eighteenth-century Systema Naturae.
The males of this species are particularly striking; they have brightly coloured plumage which only appears after their second year of life and can be distinguished from female birds through close inspection.
These colourful songbirds are a delight for any avid birder, with their vibrant hues bringing joy to nature lovers everywhere.
They often inhabit woodland areas where there is plenty of seed and insects available for them to feed on – as well as some shrubbery so that they can hide away safely when needed.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Cardinalidae |
Genus | Passerina |
Species | P. ciris |
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29. Black-Billed Magpie
The black-billed magpie is an iconic bird of the western half of North America and one of only four songbirds with a tail that makes up over half its body length.
With its glossy black feathers offset by white patches, they can be seen in open woodlands or near agricultural areas.
Their diet consists mainly of insects, carrion and grains but they often scavenge human food as well.
They are highly social birds who live in large groups and communicate through loud calls, snaps and rattles when defending their territory from other airborne predators like hawks or eagles.
Magpies have proven to be hardy survivors despite habitat loss due to urbanization so there’s hope these remarkable birds will remain part our landscape for many years to come.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Corvidae |
Genus | Pica |
Species | P. hudsonia |
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30. Northern Parula
The Northern Parula is a small, migratory warbler native to North America. It measures between 4.3 and 4.9 inches in length and has a wingspan of 6.3-7.1 inches wide.
Its plumage consists mainly of yellowish green upper parts with an orange patch on its chest as well as blue crowns for males during the breeding season.
Females have duller colors than their male counterparts overall but are still quite striking from afar.
This species breeds primarily in eastern Canada down through Florida, though some northern populations may migrate southward come wintertime while others stick around year round depending on the weather conditions they face each year – truly amazing adaptability set them apart from other birds in this region.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Parulidae |
Genus | Setophaga |
Species | S. americana |
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31. Steller’s Jay
Steller’s jay is a beautiful and colorful bird native to western North America and the mountains of Central America.
It has a distinctive long crest that sets it apart from other birds, with its blue feathers streaked with black, white, gray, and brown markings.
This species is closely related to the blue jays found in eastern North America but can be distinguished by their longer crests.
They are known for being highly vocal birds who like to make loud calls throughout forests they inhabit as well as stealing food from unsuspecting mammals or raiding bird feeders when given the chance.
Steller’s Jays have adapted well to human presence in areas they populate making them great backyard visitors if you’re lucky enough.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Corvidae |
Genus | Cyanocitta |
Species | C. stelleri |
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32. Brewer’s Blackbird
Brewer’s blackbird is a medium-sized New World bird that can be easily identified by its glossy, iridescent purple head and neck.
The body of the male has bluish-green highlights while females have brownish-grey plumage with slight hints of the male’s iridescence.
Both sexes possess bright yellow eyes, black feet and legs, and dark wings. Brewer’s blackbirds are commonly found in open grasslands or shrubland habitats.
They prefer to eat insects but will also feed on grains such as wheat or corn if available during winter months when insect populations decline.
These birds often form large flocks which provide protection from predators like hawks or owls looking for an easy meal.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Icteridae |
Genus | Euphagus |
Species | E. cyanocephalus |
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33. Lazuli Bunting
The Lazuli Bunting is a beautiful North American songbird, aptly named for its bright blue head and back that resemble the gemstone lapis lazuli.
With white wingbars contrasting against its light rusty breast and white belly, it stands out from other birds.
Measuring only 11-13 centimeters in length, this small bird holds an unmistakable beauty with distinct coloring which sets it apart from eastern or western bluebirds of similar size.
The male’s brilliant hues have made them popular among birdwatchers throughout the United States as they migrate along their yearly route each spring and summer to breed before returning southward again come fall.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Cardinalidae |
Genus | Passerina |
Species | P. amoena |
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34. Blue-Headed Vireo
The Blue-headed Vireo is a small, migratory songbird found in North and Central America.
In summer it inhabits large temperate forests with a mix of evergreen trees and deciduous shrubs before migrating south to warmer climates during the winter months.
It has two recognised subspecies: one that breeds from Canada all the way through Mexico, then down into parts of Central America; while the other resides exclusively in Cuba.
Its feathers are predominantly olive green with white underparts and wings marked by yellowish edges on its primary coverts.
The most distinguishing feature however, is its bright blue head which explains why it’s named after this characteristic trait.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Vireonidae |
Genus | Vireo |
Species | V. solitarius |
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35. Dusky Grouse
The Dusky grouse is a bird species found in the Rocky Mountains of North America. It is closely related to the Sooty grouse and was previously considered the same species as the Blue grouse.
This bird is primarily dark in color with a purplish throat air sac surrounding the neck of the adult male.
They have a long and square-shaped tail that is gray at the end. As forest-dwelling birds, Dusky grouse are commonly seen in coniferous forests during the breeding season.
They prefer to feed on the buds, flowers, and leaves of trees and shrubs. These birds are well-adapted to their environment and are known for their unique behaviors during the breeding season, which include elaborate courtship displays and vocalizations.
The Dusky grouse is an important species that plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitat.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Galliformes |
Family | Phasianidae |
Genus | Dendragapus |
Species | D. obscurus |
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36. Tricolored Heron
The Tricolored heron, also known as Egretta tricolor, is a species of heron found in coastal areas of the Americas. Unlike other types of herons, the Tricolored heron is more solitary and primarily feeds on small fish.
These birds usually breed in swamps and coastal habitats and tend to build their nests in colonies along with other herons. They typically build their nests on platforms.
Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Pelecaniformes |
Family | Ardeidae |
Genus | Egretta |
Species | E. tricolor |
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