What Bird Has Blue Eggs? Top Birds You Might Find in Your Yard

Have you ever encountered a nest filled with blue eggs and wondered what bird has blue eggs? Birds lay eggs in various colors, and blue is undoubtedly one of the most intriguing. From the American Robin to the Blue Jay, several bird species are known for laying these vibrant blue eggs. In this article, we’ll delve into ten bird species that lay blue eggs and explore the unique traits that set them apart.

Key Takeaways

  • American Robins are known for their bright blue eggs, varying in shade from pale to dark blue.

  • Blue Jays lay eggs that are often speckled and can appear green initially before turning blue.

  • European Starlings produce small, pale blue eggs that may have dark markings.

  • The House Finch lays pale blue-green eggs with purple-brown speckles.

  • The Blue-footed Booby, a seabird, lays pale blue or green eggs that take about 45 days to hatch.

1. American Robin

The American Robin is a common bird known for laying blue eggs. These eggs are usually bright blue but can also appear greenish-blue or very pale blue with faint dark speckling. The color comes from a pigment called biliverdin, deposited on the eggs as they are laid.

Egg Characteristics

  • Size: 0.8 inches wide, 1.2 inches long

  • Incubation: Close to two weeks, done by the female

Nesting Habits

American Robins build their nests using twigs, grass, vegetation, and mud. They often choose locations close to the ground or high up in trees. These birds can raise two to three broods each year.

The shade of the eggs can vary depending on the amount of pigment deposited. Sometimes they appear bold blue, while other times they showcase an icy bluish-green color.

Interesting Facts

  • Eggs with high pigment are dark blue and can protect the interior from the sun’s harsh UV rays.

  • Robins that have a healthy diet tend to lay darker blue eggs.

  • The first eggs laid in a brood are usually darker than those laid later.

American Robins are a delightful sight in urban and suburban areas. Their eggs, which vary in shade, often confuse people.

2. Blue Jay

Blue Jays are among the most vibrant birds you might find in your yard. They are known for their striking blue feathers and blue eggs, which often have little brown or grey spots, adding to their unique appearance. Sometimes, the eggs may initially appear green but turn blue later on.

Blue Jays typically lay between four to seven eggs per clutch. The female spends most of her time guarding the eggs while the male provides food. The eggs hatch after about 17 to 21 days of incubation.

Despite their efforts to find safe nesting spots, Blue Jay nests are often at risk from predators like snakes, raptors, crows, cats, and squirrels. To protect their nests, Blue Jays usually choose locations in shrubs or the middle of green trees to keep them hidden.

If you come across a Blue Jay nest, it’s best to leave it alone. These birds protect their nests and may even attack if they feel threatened. Remember, they are always nearby even if you don’t see them.

3. European Starling

European Starlings are fascinating birds known for their adaptability and striking appearance. They build their nests in cavities and lay glossy blue eggs. Starlings are highly adaptable and thrive in both urban and rural environments.

In a single clutch, European Starlings lay between 4 and 6 eggs. These eggs are usually pale blue, but some may have a slightly greenish tint. They are small, about 0.8 inches wide and 1.2 inches long, and lack any markings.

Starlings prefer to nest in tree holes or cavities in old buildings. They often return to the same nesting spot year after year. Most starling chicks make it to adulthood thanks to the protective nesting habits of their parents.

European Starlings are a common sight in many areas, and their blue eggs add a touch of color to their nesting sites.

4. House Finch

House Finch perched on a branch

House Finches lay 2 to 6 small, pale blue-green eggs in a cup nest of small sticks and other vegetation. Their eggs are 0.6 inches wide and 0.8 inches long. They are typically very pale blue with purple-brown speckles.

The amount of speckling on House Finch eggs varies, even in the same brood. They can be heavily speckled or only have a few markings on one end of the egg. The female incubates her eggs for around two weeks.

These industrious little birds usually nest low on a ledge or similar spot and can raise three broods in one nesting season!

5. Blue-footed Booby

Blue-footed Booby with blue feet on rocky shore

The Blue-footed Booby is a unique seabird known for its striking blue, webbed feet. These birds are one of three booby species found on the Galapagos Islands and along the eastern Pacific coastline. They are large, distinctive birds with long necks and sharp bills.

In a single clutch, Blue-footed Boobies lay up to three eggs, which are usually green or pale blue. These eggs take about 45 days to hatch, one of the longest incubation periods among birds. Both parents use their feet to keep the eggs warm during this time.

Once the chicks hatch, the mother takes care of them while the father searches for food. This division of labor ensures the young birds’ survival.

The Blue-footed Booby’s blue eggs are a rare sight and a fascinating example of nature’s diversity.

If you’re wondering what bird has a blue eggshell, the Blue-footed Booby is a prime example. Their unique reproductive habits and striking appearance make them a standout species.

6. Common Myna

Common Myna bird on a tree branch

The Common Myna is a bird that is pretty common all across Asia. These birds are known for their ability to imitate human speech, which sets them apart from many other species.

Egg Characteristics

  • The Common Myna lays turquoise-colored eggs that sometimes look greenish.

  • Each clutch can have two to five eggs, which may have different colors within the same clutch.

  • The eggshells often have brown spots on them.

Breeding Habits

  • These birds breed twice a year, usually in the same nest.

  • They have a solid attachment to their nesting sites.

The Common Myna’s adaptability and unique vocal abilities make it a fascinating bird to observe in the wild.

7. Great Tinamou

Great Tinamou bird on forest floor

The Great Tinamou is a fascinating bird known for its unique nesting habits. From March to November, it lays glossy, bright blue eggs in a well-hidden nest on the forest floor, making them hard to spot.

Nesting and Eggs

The Great Tinamou’s eggs are pretty striking. They are glossy and bright blue, making them stand out if you ever see them. Typically, the nesting season runs from March to November.

Habitat

These birds prefer dense forests where they can easily hide their nests. The thick foliage provides excellent cover from predators.

Behavior

Great Tinamous are known for their elusive nature. They are ground-dwelling birds and are more often heard than seen. Their calls can be quite haunting, echoing through the forest.

The Great Tinamou is a master of camouflage, making it a rare sight even for avid bird watchers.

Diet

Their diet mainly consists of fruits, seeds, and small invertebrates. They forage on the forest floor, using their keen sense of smell to locate food.

Conservation Status

Currently, the Great Tinamou is not considered endangered, but habitat loss poses a significant threat to their population. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure these unique birds continue to thrive.

8. Gray Catbird

The Gray Catbird is known for its unique call that sounds like a cat’s meow. These birds lay blue eggs, with each clutch containing around six eggs. The exact color of these eggs can range from turquoise-green to blue; sometimes, they have brown speckles.

Nesting and Incubation

Gray Catbirds build their nests in shrubs, saplings, or vines. The nests are made of grass, twigs, and strips of vegetation. They can raise to three broods per year. The female incubates the eggs for 12 to 13 days, during which her mate brings her food and helps guard the nest.

Gray Catbirds lay three to five turquoise-colored eggs in each clutch and can have two to three clutches a season.

Egg Characteristics

The eggs are about one inch long and 0.6 inches wide. They can be bright sky blue, pale blue, or even sea-green blue. Occasionally, the eggs may have a few small reddish spots.

Breeding Season

The breeding season for Gray Catbirds is from April to August. During this time, they lay their blue eggs, which are protected by the pigmented shell, which protects the yolk from harmful sunlight rays and keeps it warm and comfortable.

9. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a small bird native to North America. Its long tail and petite body can easily be recognized. These birds are known for their blue eggs. They lay up to five eggs per clutch, pale blue with brown or red markings. The eggs are pretty small, measuring only 0.6 inches in length.

The incubation period for these eggs is about fifteen days. During this time, the parents are very protective and will fight off predators to keep their eggs safe. Jays and woodpeckers are their biggest threats.

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher builds its nest among reeds and cattails, making it a common sight in wetlands.

These birds are a fascinating addition to any yard, especially if you have a suitable habitat.

10. Dunnock

The Dunnock, also known as the Hedge Sparrow, is a small bird that lays bright-blue eggs. These eggs are smooth and glossy and measure about 1.9 x 1.5 cm. Dunnocks usually build their nests close to the ground using grass, leaves, and roots.

Breeding Habits

Dunnocks have a unique breeding system. Males and females often mate with multiple partners to increase the chances of their genes being passed on. This behavior ensures that more than one male may help raise the chicks.

Nesting

Dunnocks prefer to nest in dense vegetation to protect their eggs from predators. Their nests are often targeted by cuckoos, which replace one of the Dunnock’s eggs with their own.

The bright-blue eggs of the Dunnock are unmarked and smaller than those of the starling.

Incubation and Fledging

The female incubates the eggs for about 11-14 days. After hatching, the chicks stay in the nest for another 14 days before they fledge. Dunnocks can have several broods yearly, but the first brood is often lost to predators.

Conclusion

Discovering blue eggs in your yard can be a delightful experience, sparking curiosity about what bird has blue eggs. Many bird species, such as the lively Blue Jays and the standard American Robins, are known for laying these stunning blue eggs. The unique coloration often serves important purposes, like protection and camouflage, tailored to each bird’s environment. Whether you’re an avid bird watcher or intrigued by nature, understanding what bird has blue eggs can deepen your appreciation of the wildlife outside your door.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes bird eggs blue?

Bird eggs get their blue color from a pigment called biliverdin. This pigment is deposited on the eggshell when the egg forms inside the mother bird.

Are blue eggs healthier than white eggs?

No, the color of the eggshell does not affect its nutritional value. Blue eggs and white eggs have the same health benefits.

Why do some birds lay blue eggs?

There are a few reasons why some birds lay blue eggs. One reason is that the blue pigment can protect the developing chick from harmful UV rays. Another reason is that the color can help birds recognize their eggs.

Do all blue eggs have the same shade of blue?

No, the shade of blue can vary. Some blue eggs are pale blue, while others are bright or greenish-blue. The amount of biliverdin pigment affects the shade.

Which birds are known for laying blue eggs?

Some common birds that lay blue eggs include the American Robin, Blue Jay, European Starling, and House Finch. There are also more exotic birds, like the Blue-footed Booby and Great Tinamou, that lay blue eggs.

Can the color of a bird’s egg change over time?

Yes, some bird eggs can change color over time. For example, Blue Jay eggs can appear green when laid and turn blue later.

How can I identify which bird laid a blue egg?

You can often identify the bird species by looking at the egg’s size, shape, and markings. Knowing the types of birds common in your area can help narrow down the possibilities.

Do blue eggs provide better camouflage?

Not necessarily. Blue eggs can stand out in some environments, but the color might help in other ways, like protecting from UV rays or assisting the parent in birds recognize their eggs.