Arkansas is home to a wide variety of small blue birds, ranging from the state’s largest bird, the Blue Jay, to the smallest, the Indigo Bunting. These small birds are a common sight throughout the state and can be found in both urban and rural areas.
They provide a unique and beautiful addition to the Arkansas landscape, bringing a hint of color to the trees, lawns, and gardens they inhabit. Whether they are soaring through the sky or perched atop a branch, these small blue birds are sure to bring a smile to any passerby.
1. Eastern Bluebird
The eastern bluebird is a small migratory bird belonging to the thrush family that is native to North America. It is typically found in open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards, and is easily identifiable by its bright blue breeding plumage.
During the breeding season, the male eastern bluebird is adorned with a deep blue head and back, a chestnut red breast, and a white belly. This vibrant coloration makes them a favorite of birders and can be easily spotted perched atop a fence or other open perch.
The female eastern bluebird is more muted in color, with a gray-brown head, back, and wings, and a lighter tan-colored breast.
The eastern bluebird is an important species in the ecosystem, as it helps to keep insect populations in check while also providing food for larger predators such as hawks and owls.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Sialia |
| Species | S. Sialis |
2. Indigo Bunting
The indigo bunting is a small bird that belongs to the Cardinalidae family. It is a migratory bird, meaning it migrates seasonally. During the breeding season, it can be found in a large range of locations from southern Canada to northern Florida.
During winter, it migrates to southern Florida and northern South America. The indigo bunting typically migrates by night, using the stars to guide its way. This is a common behavior among migratory birds, as stars can provide a reliable marker for navigation.
It is an amazing adaptation that allows them to reach their destination safely and efficiently. The indigo bunting is an incredible species that has adapted to its environment in order to survive.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. cyanea |
3. Cardinalidae
Cardinalidae is a family of passerine birds that are only found in the New World. This family consists of three main genera: cardinals, grosbeaks, and buntings.
These are all seed-eating birds that can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests and woodlands to shrublands and grasslands. Along with these genera, the family also includes several other genera such as the tanager-like Piranga and the warbler-like Granatellus.
These genera differ from the main three in that they are insectivorous birds that inhabit more wooded areas.
Despite their differences, all of the members of the Cardinalidae family share similar physical characteristics such as bright colors, a stout body shape, and a robust bill.
The members of this family also tend to have a wide variety of vocalizations, making them an integral part of the avian community.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
4. American Robin
Source: allaboutbirds.org
The American robin is a migratory bird belonging to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family, which is part of the wider thrush family. The species got its name from its European counterpart due to its similar reddish-orange breast coloration.
However, the two species are not closely related as the European robin belongs to the Old World flycatcher family. The American robin can be found throughout the United States, Canada, and parts of Mexico, and is well-known for its loud and recognizable song.
They feed mostly on insects and fruits, and their diet changes depending on the season. In the winter, they tend to search for food in flocks and will forage for berries such as holly and juniper.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Turdidae |
| Genus | Turdus |
| Species | T. migratorius |
5. Painted Bunting
The painted bunting is a species of bird belonging to the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. It is native to North America and is known for its brightly colored plumage. This striking plumage only appears in males after their second year of life.
In their first year, they can only be identified as a male by closely examining them. This is because the first-year males share the same duller plumage as the female birds, making them difficult to distinguish from one another.
The bright plumage of the male birds is also used as a means of attracting a mate, as it is a sign of good health and fitness. This is why it is so important for the males to have their bright plumage by the second year of life.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. Ciris |
6. Blue Grosbeak
The blue grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) is a medium-sized songbird native to North America. It belongs to the family Cardinalidae, which is commonly known as the cardinal family.
This bird is mainly migratory, spending its winters in Central America and breeding in northern Mexico and the southern United States. The male blue grosbeak is a stunning shade of blue, with two distinct brown wing bars on either side.
The female is grayish-brown in color, with a white belly and a distinctive downward-facing bill. Both the male and female have a heavy, conical bill and long, pointed wings, making them well-equipped for foraging.
The blue grosbeak feeds mainly on insects and seeds and is often seen perched atop a bush or tree, singing its melodious song. This species is considered to be of least concern on the conservation status list, as its population numbers remain healthy and are not declining.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cardinalidae |
| Genus | Passerina |
| Species | P. caerulea |
7. Brown-Headed Cowbird
Source: ebird.org
The brown-headed cowbird is a type of icterid, a family of birds found in many parts of the world. It is native to temperate and subtropical North America and is a permanent resident in the southern parts of its range.
In the northern parts of the range, the birds migrate south for the winter, usually to the United States and Mexico.
They return to their summer habitats in March or April. The brown-headed cowbird is noteworthy for its brood parasitism, a behavior in which the birds lay their eggs in the nests of other species of birds.
This allows the cowbirds to leave the task of raising their young to other species, while they can focus on finding food and other activities. It is also a small bird, typically measuring between 17 and 22 cm in length.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Molothrus |
| Species | M. ater |
8. Common Starling
The common starling is a species of bird that is found in many parts of the world but is often referred to differently depending on where it is found.
In North America, it is known as the European starling, while in Great Britain and Ireland, it is simply referred to as the starling.
It is a medium-sized passerine bird, meaning it is about the size of a songbird, and it belongs to the starling family, Sturnidae. It is a species of bird that is quite common and can be found in both rural and urban settings.
It is a gregarious bird, meaning it prefers to travel and live in large groups, and it is known for its acrobatic flight abilities and its loud, complex song.
The common starling is mostly an insectivore, meaning it feeds largely on insects, but it will also eat fruits, grains, and other plant matter. It is also a cavity nester, meaning it will find an existing hole in a tree or other structure to use as a nest.
The common starling is a species that has been studied extensively, and it is an important species in many ecosystems. It is considered to be a beneficial species due to its insectivorous diet, which helps to keep insect populations in check.
It is also an important species for photographers and birdwatchers, as its colorful plumage and interesting behavior make it a pleasant sight to observe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | S. vulgaris |
9. White-Breasted Nuthatch
The white-breasted nuthatch is a species of bird that belongs to the family of Sittidae. It is a medium-sized bird with a length of around 15.5 cm. This species of bird is found across North America, ranging from the northern parts of Mexico to the southern parts of Canada.
It is known to inhabit open woods, forests, orchards, and woodlands. The white-breasted nuthatch has a distinctive grey head, white underparts, and a black stripe on the back. It has a strong black bill and a black eye stripe.
It feeds mainly on insects, but also eats nuts, seeds, and berries. Its diet includes a variety of insects such as beetles, ants, and caterpillars. The white-breasted nuthatch is an active bird that is often found moving up and down tree trunks.
It has a strong, undulating flight and it is capable of hanging upside down to forage for food. It is known to nest in cavities in trees, often using materials such as moss, bark, and grasses to line the nest.
The white-breasted nuthatch is an important species in its environment as it helps to control insect populations. It is also an important seed disperser, as it feeds on nuts and berries and is able to disperse them in its environment.
This species of bird is currently listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. carolinensis |
10. Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher
The Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher is a species of songbird native to North America and is one of the smallest birds of its kind in the region. It is easily identifiable by its small size, its bright blue-gray plumage, and its distinctive black cap on the top of its head.
This species of bird is a passeriform, meaning it has two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward.
Its diet primarily consists of small insects, which it catches using its sharp bill.The Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher is found primarily in the southeastern United States, including parts of Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
It is also found in parts of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
The species is thought to migrate south for the winter, although the details of its movement pattern are not yet fully understood.The Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), meaning it is currently abundant and widespread.
However, its population is thought to be in decline due to loss of habitat, especially in parts of the southeastern United States. As a result, conservation efforts are being undertaken in order to protect the species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Polioptilidae |
| Genus | Polioptila |
| Species | P. caerulea |
11. Red-Breasted Nuthatch
The red-breasted nuthatch is a small songbird that can be easily identified by its distinct coloring. The upper parts of its body are blue-grey, while the underparts are a cinnamon hue.
The nuthatch also has a white throat and face, with a black stripe running through its eyes, a straight grey bill, and a black crown. This small bird is known for its distinct call, which has been compared to a tin trumpet. The sound is high-pitched and nasal in tone.
It is a unique sound that can be heard from a distance, which makes it easier to identify. The call of the red-breasted nuthatch is one of its most identifiable features and can be used to differentiate it from other songbirds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sittidae |
| Genus | Sitta |
| Species | S. canadensis |
12. House Finch
Source: reddit.com
The house finch is a species of bird belonging to the Fringillidae family of finches. It is native to western North America but has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and even Hawaii.
This species, along with the two other American rosefinches, are grouped together in the genus Haemorhous. This genus is part of the large family of true finches, which includes many other species of birds found throughout the world.
The house finch is a small bird that varies in color but is typically brown with streaks of red or orange. It feeds on a variety of food sources including seeds and insects and is found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, forests, and urban areas.
The house finch is a popular backyard bird, often seen at bird feeders and in woodlands.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
13. Red-Winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird is a type of songbird belonging to the family Icteridae. This species is found throughout much of North America and Central America. This bird is known for its distinct black body with bright red and yellow shoulder patches, called epaulets.
The male red-winged blackbird is particularly striking in color, with a glossy black head and back and an orange-red shoulder patch.
The female of the species is more drably colored, with a brownish body and yellow shoulder patches. The red-winged blackbird is a highly social species and typically lives in large flocks. They can be seen in marshes, wetlands, fields, and other open areas.
This bird is an extremely vocal species and produces a variety of melodic, whistling songs. The species is also known for its aggressive behavior towards other birds that encroach on its territory. The red-winged blackbird feeds on a wide variety of insects and seeds.
It is also known to eat fruits and berries. Its diet also includes grains, grasses, and other plant material. The bird is known to feed in large flocks, often gathering in meadows and fields to feed. The red-winged blackbird is an important species in North American ecosystems.
The bird helps control insect populations and is also an important seed disperser. The species is also a popular bird for birdwatchers. As its range expands, it is becoming increasingly common to see the red-winged blackbird in suburban and even urban areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Agelaius |
| Species | A. phoeniceus |
14. Tufted Titmouse
The tufted titmouse is a songbird native to the North American continent and is part of the family of birds known as tit and chickadees. It is a small bird with a black crest on its head.
The black-crested titmouse is a subspecies of the tufted titmouse and is found mainly in central and southern Texas. It is now recognized as a distinct species and is known as Baeolophus atricristatus.
In general, titmice are active birds and can be found in many different habitats, including woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. They are highly social, often forming mixed flocks with other species of birds.
Their diet consists of insects, seeds, and nuts, and they will often come to bird feeders in search of food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Baeolophus |
| Species | B. bicolor |
15. New World Warblers
The New World warblers, also known as wood-warblers, are a family of birds native to the New World. They are small, often brightly colored, and belong to the passerine bird family, Parulidae.
They are not closely related to Old World warblers or Australian warblers, which are different species. New World warblers are typically found in a wide variety of habitats, including woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands.
They feed on insects, fruit, and nectar, and they are known for their beautiful and complex song. The New World Warbler family consists of over fifty species, most of which are found in Central and South America.
However, some species are found in North America, such as the hooded warbler, black-throated blue warbler, and Wilson’s warbler. While the New World warblers are not closely related to other species, they do share some physical characteristics with them.
For instance, they all have slim, pointed bills that are adapted for catching insects. Overall, the New World warblers are a diverse and beautiful group of birds that make up the family Parulidae.
They are only found in the New World, and they are not closely related to Old World warblers or Australian warblers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Parulidae |
16. Common Grackle
The Common Grackle is a large species of bird, belonging to the Icterid family. It is native to many regions of North America and is easily recognized by its distinctive plumage. It was first documented scientifically by Carl Linnaeus in 1758.
The Common Grackle is further divided into three different subspecies. The adult Common Grackle has a long dark bill, pale yellow eyes, and a long tail that makes it distinctive from other birds.
The feathers on the Common Grackle are glossy and black, with green and purple iridescence. It also has a short crest on the top of its head. Its wings are short and broad, and its legs are short and strong.
The Common Grackle is omnivorous, meaning that it eats both plant and animal matter. Its diet includes seeds, fruits, insects, small mammals, and eggs. It also scavenges for food around urban areas. Its call is a loud, raspy “quack” sound.
Common Grackles inhabit a wide variety of habitats, including open woodlands, grasslands, marshes, and urban areas. They are highly social birds, often living in large flocks and gathering in communal roosts at night.
They are perennial migrants, typically traveling between the northern and southern extremes of their range. The Common Grackle is an important species of bird in North America, and it plays an important role in its ecosystem.
It helps to disperse seeds, control insect populations, and provide food for predators. It is also an important source of food for humans, and its feathers are often used in traditional crafts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Icteridae |
| Genus | Quiscalus |
| Species | Q. quiscula |
17. Gray Catbird
The gray catbird is a bird that is found throughout North America and Central America. It is a member of the mimid family, which includes thrushes, mockingbirds, and other songbirds. The gray catbird is a medium-sized bird, typically ranging from 8 to 11 inches in length.
It is easily recognized by its distinctive gray and black plumage and its long tail. The bird is also known for its loud and melodious song, which is said to sound like a cat’s meowing.
It is the only species in its genus, Dumetella, which is derived from the Latin words for “catbird” and “little”. The gray catbird is a ground-dwelling species and prefers to live in wooded areas with dense vegetation. It feeds mainly on insects, berries, and other fruits.
During the breeding season, males establish territories and aggressively defend them against other males. The female builds the nest, which is usually located in a shrub or low tree.
The gray catbird is a socially monogamous species, with pairs typically remaining together during the breeding season. The female lays three to five eggs that are incubated by both parents.
In addition to its native range, the gray catbird has been introduced to New Zealand, where it has established a small population. It is classified as a species of least concern by the IUCN, and its population is believed to be stable.
While its numbers have decreased in some areas due to habitat loss, the gray catbird is still a common sight in many parts of its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Mimidae |
| Genus | Dumetella |
| Species | D. carolinensis |
18. Great Blue Heron
The great blue heron is a majestic sight to behold. It is a large bird that belongs to the heron family, Ardeidae. This species is found near the shores of open water and in wetlands across a wide range of geographical regions.
It is commonly found in North and Central America, far northwestern South America, the Caribbean, and the Galápagos Islands. These majestic birds typically inhabit shallow bodies of water such as marshes, streams, lakes, and rivers.
They also often inhabit estuaries, mangroves, and coral reefs. They rely on these habitats for food and protection from predators. Great blue herons are solitary birds that feed mostly on fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and small mammals.
They typically hunt by standing still in shallow water and waiting for prey to come within reach of their long necks and sharp beaks. In appearance, great blue herons are an impressive sight.
They possess a long neck, long legs, and a large wingspan that can reach up to 6 feet in width. The feathers of the great blue heron are usually a slate blue-grey on top and white underneath.
They possess a sharp yellow bill and yellow legs and feet. The great blue heron is an impressive species that is found in numerous habitats around the world. Its beautiful plumage and impressive size make it a sight to behold.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. herodias |
Conclusion
Small blue birds are an important and integral part of the Arkansas ecosystem. They provide food and shelter for a variety of other birds and animals, and they play an important role in pollination.
Although their population is declining due to habitat loss and other factors, there is still hope that their numbers can be restored and maintained if we take the necessary steps to protect their habitats and ensure a healthy environment for them to thrive.