Washington is home to a variety of beautiful and fascinating birds, including the bluebird. This state is home to five species of bluebirds, including the Mountain Bluebird, Western Bluebird, Townsend’s Solitaire, California Scrub-Jay, and American Robin.
Bluebirds can be found throughout Washington in a variety of open and semi-open habitats, such as pastures, grasslands, and open woodlands.
These birds are especially important to the environment, as they help to control insect populations and provide a food source for other wildlife. They also offer a beautiful glimpse into Washington’s natural beauty.
1. Blue Jay
The blue jay is a type of bird that is part of the Corvidae family and is naturally found in eastern North America. It is commonly seen in most of the eastern and central parts of the United States, and some of these populations may migrate to other areas.
Additionally, the bird is also found in Newfoundland, Canada, and across southern Canada, where it breeds. Blue jays are known for their vibrant blue and white plumage, and they are mostly found in wooded areas.
They are omnivorous birds, meaning they eat both plants and animals, including seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, and other small creatures. They are also known to be quite intelligent, as they can remember and recognize particular patterns or sounds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
2. Western Bluebird
The western bluebird is a species of small thrush native to North America. It belongs to the genus Sialia, which includes five other species of bluebird. It has a bright blue head, back, and wings, and an orange-brown breast and belly.
Its tail is often fanned out and its wings are rounded.
The western bluebird is about 7.5 inches long and weighs about 1.2 ounces. The western bluebird is found across much of western North America, from southern British Columbia and Alberta, south through California, and east to Nevada and New Mexico.
It prefers open areas, such as meadows and grasslands, but can also be found in suburban parks and gardens. The western bluebird is a cavity-nester, meaning it builds its nest in natural cavities, such as those made by woodpeckers, or in nest boxes provided by humans.
It feeds mainly on insects and berries, although it may occasionally eat small fruits. The western bluebird is a species of conservation concern due to the loss of habitat and competition from other species, such as the introduced European starling.
However, its population is increasing in areas where nest boxes are provided. The western bluebird is a beautiful bird, and it is a pleasure to see it in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. mexicana |
3. Indigo bunting
The indigo bunting is a small bird from the cardinal family, Cardinalidae, and is known for its seed-eating habits. It migrates between two regions depending on the season.
During the breeding season, it ranges from southern Canada to northern Florida, while during the winter it migrates from southern Florida to northern South America. Its night-time migration is of particular interest, as it is believed to use stars to guide itself as it flies.
It is thought that the bright stars of the night sky provide a reliable reference point for the bird to navigate. This amazing ability to use the stars for navigation is a testament to the indigo bunting’s intelligence and adaptability.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. cyanea |
4. Barn swallow
The barn swallow is a remarkable species of swallow that is found in many places around the world. It is the most widespread species of swallow, with an estimated global range of over 251 million square kilometers.
This makes it one of the most widespread passerines in the world, as passerines are bird species belonging to the order Passeriformes. The barn swallow is also highly distinctive in its appearance. It has deep blue upperparts and a long, forked tail.
This tail is particularly noticeable, as it is deeply forked, giving the bird a unique silhouette in the sky.
Its coloring also helps it to stand out, as the blue upperparts contrast with its white underparts. The barn swallow is an important species in many ecosystems, as it feeds mainly on flying insects.
It is also a popular bird to watch, as it is often seen darting around in the sky or perched on wires, trees, or other structures. Its widespread range makes it a common sight in many parts of the world, and it is an important part of the avian world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Species | H. rustica |
5. Steller’s Jay
Steller’s jay is a species of bird that is native to western North America and the mountains of Central America. It is closely related to the blue jay, which is found in eastern North America.
Steller’s jay is the only member of the jay family that has a crest of feathers on its head. This makes it easily distinguishable from other jay species. The bird is also found in the Rocky Mountains, making it the only crested jay to be found west of the mountain range.
Steller’s jay is a medium-sized bird that is predominately blue and black in color. Its chest and head are a deep blue, while its wings and back are dark black. It also has white patches on its wings and tail, and its crest is a bright blue.
The bird feeds on a variety of nuts, seeds, and insects, and is known to be quite aggressive when protecting its territory. Steller’s jay is an important species in western North America and is a popular sight for bird watchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. stelleri |
6. California scrub jay
The California scrub jay is a species of bird native to the western areas of North America. It is found in British Columbia, California, and western Nevada, near the city of Reno, extending to the west side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
This species of bird is known for its distinctive blue coloring, white markings on its head and wings, and its loud and cheerful call. Its diet consists of nuts, berries, insects, and other small animals, as well as some scavenged items from humans.
It is also known to take part in cooperative breeding, meaning that multiple pairs of birds help to care for the young of the group.
The California scrub jay is an important part of the ecosystem in its native range, providing food for larger birds of prey and acting as an indicator species for the health of the environment..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Aphelocoma |
| Species | A. californica |
7. Tree swallow
The tree swallow is a species of migratory bird belonging to the family Hirundinidae. It is found in the Americas and was first documented in 1807 by French ornithologist Louis Vieillot, who classified it as Hirundo bicolor.
Later, it was transferred to its current genus, Tachycineta.
Despite this, its evolutionary placement within this new genus has been the subject of debate among ornithologists. The tree swallow is easily identifiable by its distinctive coloration, which consists of a bright blue upper body and a white underbelly.
It grows to an average length of 5.5 inches and has a wingspan of up to 11 inches.
It typically feeds on small insects, such as flies and mosquitoes, which it catches in the air while in flight. The tree swallow is a migratory species and will fly south for the winter in order to escape the cold.
They typically travel in large groups and are known to congregate in large numbers when in suitable habitat.
They are also known to use trees for nesting, hence their name. The tree swallow plays an important role in the local ecology, as it helps to control the populations of small insects.
It is also a popular species among birdwatchers, as it is relatively easy to observe in its natural habitat. As such, it is important to protect this species and its natural environment in order to ensure its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Tachycineta |
| Species | T. bicolor |
8. Red-breasted nuthatch
The red-breasted nuthatch is a small songbird that is easily recognized due to its unique colouration. The upperparts are a blue-grey color, while the underparts are a warm cinnamon hue. The bird has a white throat and face, with a black stripe running through the eyes.
Its bill is straight and grey, while its crown is black. The call of the red-breasted nuthatch has often been likened to a tin trumpet, due to its high-pitched and nasal sound.
This species is a popular bird to observe for birdwatchers and can be found in various parts of North America..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. canadensis |
9. Mountain bluebird
The mountain bluebird is a beautiful small thrush found in mountainous areas of western North America. It stands out with its light underbelly and black eyes, making it easy to identify.
Adult males are particularly striking, having thin bills and bright turquoise-blue feathers which are a lighter shade underneath. This bird is also migratory, meaning it spends part of the year in one location and part of the year in another.
In the summer, the mountain bluebird may be found in the high mountain ranges while in the winter, it may be found in lower elevations, taking advantage of the warming temperatures.
This species is an important part of the western North American ecology, helping to pollinate plants and disperse seeds, and providing sustenance for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. currucoides |
10. Lazuli bunting
The lazuli bunting is a small, colorful songbird native to North America. Its name is derived from the beautiful gemstone lapis lazuli, which is known for its deep blue hue. These birds are bright and cheery and often seen in open fields and meadows.
They have a black head, back, and tail, with a bright blue breast and belly. They are known for their melodious song, which is often heard during the summer months. The lazuli bunting is a popular bird amongst birdwatchers and is often seen in backyards and gardens.
They are also important pollinators, helping to spread pollen from one flower to the next. The lazuli bunting is an important part of North American wildlife, and its bright colors and cheerful song are a reminder of the beauty and wonder of nature..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. amoena |
11. Purple Martin
The purple martin is a type of passerine bird, which is a member of the swallow family Hirundinidae. It is the largest swallow that can be found in North America. Despite its name, the purple martin is not actually purple in color.
Instead, the color of the bird varies and can range from dark blue-grey to brownish-black. The male purple martin has a dark purple head and back, and a lighter chest with white speckles. The female purple martin is grey and brown in color with a white underside.
Both the male and female purple martin have long, pointed wings and a forked tail. They are known to be excellent fliers, and can often be seen swooping and diving in the air. The purple martin is a migratory bird and can be found across North America during the summer months.
During the winter months, they migrate south to warmer climates.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Progne |
| Species | P. subis |
12. Belted kingfisher
The belted kingfisher is a large, eye-catching water bird that is native to North America. It belongs to a family of birds called Alcedinidae, which includes all kingfishers.
However, recent research has led to the conclusion that Alcedinidae should be divided into three separate subfamilies. This would mean that the kingfishers would be split into three distinct groups.
These groups could be differentiated based on their physical characteristics, such as size, shape, and coloration. Additionally, the behavior and nesting habits of the birds may also be used to divide them into distinct subfamilies.
This would help scientists better understand the evolutionary history of the different kingfisher species and how they are related..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Megaceryle |
| Species | M. alcyon |
13. Cliff swallow
The cliff swallow, also known as the American cliff swallow, is a small bird species belonging to the Hirundinidae family. This family of birds includes swallows and martins, which are known for their unique ability to fly long distances.
These birds can be found in various parts of the world, often near water sources like rivers and lakes. They have a strong preference for living in colonies, as they are known to be social creatures. The cliff swallow is a small bird with a short, square tail and a forked tail.
Its plumage is typically a pale sandy brown, with white and black markings on its wings and tail. These birds can be identified by their long, pointed wings and their distinctive call, which is a loud, chattering sound like that of a chattering child.
The cliff swallow feeds mainly on insects, which it catches in mid-air. They are often seen hovering in the air or swooping down to catch their prey. They are also known to feed on fruit and berries, as well as nectar from flowers.
Cliff swallows usually build their nests in sheltered areas such as cliff faces. They make a cup-shaped nest from mud, which they line with feathers and grasses. The nest is usually built in a large colony, with several pairs living close together.
The cliff swallow is a fascinating species and is an important part of many ecosystems. They provide valuable insect control, as well as add beauty and song to the environment. They are also an iconic symbol of summer for many people.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Petrochelidon |
| Species | P. pyrrhonota |
14. White-breasted nuthatch
The white-breasted nuthatch is a medium-sized bird belonging to the nuthatch family, Sittidae. It is typically a grey-brown color and has a white breast and a black cap on its head. It is approximately 15.5 cm in length, making it one of the medium-sized species in the family.
Its wingspan is usually around 21 to 23 cm, and its weight averages around 21 g.The white-breasted nuthatch is an agile climber, able to scale trees and other vertical surfaces with ease.
It typically forages on the tree trunks and branches, moving up and down the tree in search of food. Its diet consists of insects, spiders, and seeds.
It is an omnivore and will also feed on fruits, nuts, and berries. The white-breasted nuthatch is a year-round resident in its range, which stretches from Alaska to the Appalachian Mountains. It is found in deciduous and mixed forests, as well as suburban areas.
It is an important bird for cavity nesting, often using old woodpecker holes for nesting sites. The white-breasted nuthatch is a vocal species, with a variety of calls and songs.
It is a social bird and is often seen in pairs or small groups, which help it to defend its territories. Its call is a loud, nasal “yeep”, which is often heard echoing through its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. carolinensis |
15. Painted bunting
The painted bunting is an attractive species of bird found in North America. It is part of the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. Male painted buntings have bright, colorful plumage that does not appear until their second year of life.
In their first year, the differences between male and female buntings are quite subtle and can only be distinguished through close examination. The female buntings are much less colorful than the males and have a more muted color palette.
This is a unique trait of the painted bunting species, making them one of the most interesting birds in North America.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. ciris |
16. House finch
The house finch is a type of bird that belongs to the finch family, known as Fringillidae. Its native range is western North America, but it has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii.
The house finch is part of the genus Haemorhous, which also includes two other American rosefinches. This genus is highly diverse, consisting of birds that are found in open habitats, and they are characterized by their bright colors and distinct vocalizations.
House finches are small, sparrow-sized birds with brown, streaked feathers and red or orange markings on their heads, chests, and backs. They feed mainly on seeds, and they have a wide variety of calls and songs.
The house finch is a common sight in many parts of North America, and it is an important part of the ecosystem..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
17. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a species of bird that belongs to the finch family, which is found in North America.
During the breeding season, the bird migrates from mid-Alberta to North Carolina, while in the winter, it can be seen from just south of the Canada-United States border to Mexico.
This indicates that the American goldfinch has a wide range of migration, allowing it to inhabit different parts of the continent. The American goldfinch is a small bird, with a length of about 4.5 inches.
It has a bright yellow color on its body, with black wings and tail feathers, and a distinctive black patch on its forehead.
This species primarily eats seeds, but it also feeds on insects and some fruits. The American goldfinch is an important species in the North American ecosystem, as it helps to spread the seeds of plants and trees.
Moreover, it is an important part of the food chain, as it is eaten by other animals, such as hawks and owls. In conclusion, the American goldfinch is a small bird that can be found throughout North America.
It has a wide range of migration, allowing it to inhabit different parts of the continent. It is an important species in the North American ecosystem, as it helps to spread the seeds of plants and trees, and is an important part of the food chain.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
18. Black-throated blue warbler
The black-throated blue warbler is a species of bird that belongs to the family of New World warblers. It is a small passerine bird with a unique black throat and blue plumage.
The bird has a wide breeding range that extends across eastern North America and inhabits deciduous and mixed coniferous forests. During the cooler months, the warbler migrates to warmer climates in the Caribbean and Central America.
This migration pattern allows the warbler to take advantage of the abundant food sources that are found in these regions during this time. The diet of the black-throated blue warbler consists of insects, fruit, and seeds.
It is an important species in the ecosystem, as it is an important pollinator and helps to keep insect populations in check. The warbler is also known to aid in seed dispersal, which helps to ensure a healthy and diverse plant population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
| Genus | Setophaga |
| Species | S. caerulescens |
19. American Robin
The American robin is a migratory bird that belongs to the true thrush genus and Turdidae, which is part of a larger family of thrushes. It got its name from its European cousin, the European robin because they share a similar reddish-orange breast.
However, despite the similarities in appearance, the two species are not closely related. In fact, the European robin is part of the Old World flycatcher family. This just goes to show how different species can share similar traits and yet, still be very different.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
20. Common starling
The common starling is a species of bird that is part of the starling family, known as Sturnidae. This bird is often referred to as the European starling in North America, and simply as the starling in Great Britain and Ireland.
It is a medium-sized passerine bird that is found in many parts of the world. Common starlings have a black plumage with some white spots, and a long, pointed bill. The common starling is an omnivore, which means it eats both plants and animals.
It is known to eat insects, berries, seeds, and grains. They also eat eggs and small animals, including young birds, rodents, and lizards.
This bird is found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and urban areas. Common starlings are known for their loud chattering calls and distinctive flight patterns. They often flock together in large numbers, creating large murmurations in the sky.
In the winter, they often gather in large flocks near water sources or in agricultural fields, where they can find food. Common starlings are an important part of the ecosystem, as they help control insect populations and spread seeds, aiding in the growth of new plants.
They are also important pollinators, as they can carry pollen from flower to flower. Unfortunately, common starlings can also cause damage to crops and can compete with other native species for resources.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
21. Red-winged blackbird
The red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a member of the family Icteridae, a family of predominantly passerine birds found in the Americas. This species is native to most of North America and much of Central America, ranging from Canada to Panama.
This species is found in a variety of habitats including marshes, woodlands, wetlands, and grasslands.
They are most abundant in agricultural areas, where they feed on insects, seeds, fruits, and other plant material. Red-winged blackbirds are medium-sized birds, with males reaching up to 9 inches in length.
They have short, pointed bills, black bodies, and bright red shoulder patches that are visible in flight. The males also have yellow-tipped wings.
Females are similar in size and color but do not have red shoulder patches. Red-winged blackbirds are highly social birds, often gathering in large flocks. They are known for their loud, melodious calls and songs, which can be heard in the early morning and late evening.
Breeding season typically takes place in spring and summer, and the males will often defend their nesting territory with aggressive displays.
The female builds the nest, typically in a shrub or low tree, and will lay 3-4 eggs. The red-winged blackbird is an important species in its habitats, providing food to predators and contributing to the local ecosystem through its diet and interactions with other species.
Its bright colors make it a popular species with birdwatchers and other nature enthusiasts. Despite this, populations are declining due to habitat destruction and other human activities..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
22. Rusty Blackbird
The rusty blackbird is a species of bird found in North America. It is a medium-sized bird that belongs to the family of New World blackbirds, which includes grackles.
This species prefers wet and forested areas, and it breeds mainly in the boreal forests of northern Canada during the summer. During the winter, it migrates southeast to the United States, where it can find more favorable conditions for survival.
The rusty blackbird has a unique plumage, with its feathers mostly colored in shades of black and brown, with some white markings on the wings. It is one of the most vocal species of birds in its family, and its song is distinctive and easily recognizable.
The rusty blackbird is a migratory species, and its migration is extremely long. It migrates thousands of miles each year, from its breeding grounds in northern Canada to its wintering areas in the United States.
This species is threatened by habitat loss due to logging, human development, and climate change. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of the rusty blackbird population..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Euphagus |
| Species | E. carolinus |
Conclusion:
Blue birds in Washington are a vibrant and important part of the state’s diverse ecology. Not only are they beautiful to observe, but they also play a crucial role in the local environment by helping to control insect populations.
With continued protection and conservation of their habitats, bluebirds in Washington will continue to thrive for generations to come.