13 Common Blue Birds in Connecticut (With Pictures)

Connecticut is house to a shocking number of blue hen species that brighten its forests, fields, and waterways all year long. From the enduring Jap Bluebird to the hovering Nice Blue Heron, these birds captivate hen watchers with their vibrant plumage and distinctive behaviors.

This information explores 13 of the commonest blue birds discovered throughout Connecticut. Learn to establish every species by their colours, dimension, calls, and habits, together with the place and when to identify them within the wild. Chook lovers and nature fans alike will take pleasure in discovering these lovely feathered gems and enhancing their birdwatching adventures within the Structure State.

Varieties of Blue Birds in Connecticut

Jap Bluebird (Sialia sialis)

The Jap Bluebird is a small thrush measuring about 6.5 to 7 inches in size with a wingspan of roughly 10 to 12 inches. Males are hanging with shiny blue upperparts and rusty-orange breasts, whereas females have extra subdued blue-gray coloring and paler orange underparts. This species is among the most beloved blue birds in Connecticut and is definitely acknowledged by its vivid coloration and spherical, plump form.

In Connecticut, Jap Bluebirds favor open habitats similar to meadows, farmlands, and suburban gardens the place nest bins are generally used to help their populations. They’re cavity nesters and readily occupy nest bins, making them a favourite amongst hen watchers and yard fans. Their conduct contains frequent perching on fence posts or wires as they scan the bottom for bugs.

Their food plan consists primarily of bugs like beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars throughout hotter months, switching to berries and fruits within the fall and winter. Their track is a smooth, melodic warble typically described as “cheer, cheerful, charmer,” which provides a pleasant presence to Connecticut’s spring and summer time landscapes.

Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)

The Blue Jay is a medium-sized songbird measuring about 9 to 12 inches lengthy with a wingspan between 13 and 17 inches. It’s simply recognized by its vibrant blue plumage, white chest, and distinctive black “necklace” throughout its throat and chest. The distinguished crest on its head and loud, assorted calls make it a well-recognized and unmistakable presence in Connecticut’s forests and suburban areas.

Blue Jays are extremely smart and social birds that exhibit a spread of behaviors, together with mimicking hawk calls to discourage different birds. They’re typically seen foraging on the bottom or in timber, amassing acorns and nuts which they often cache for later use. Their loud and raucous calls embody a wide range of whistles, clicks, and squawks, contributing to their noisy fame.

This species inhabits combined woodlands, parks, and residential neighborhoods all through Connecticut year-round. Their omnivorous food plan contains bugs, seeds, nuts, berries, and infrequently small vertebrates. Their adaptability to human environments and daring nature typically carry them near hen feeders.

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)

The Tree Swallow is a small migratory hen measuring roughly 5 to six inches in size with a wingspan of about 11 to 13 inches. It’s characterised by its iridescent blue-green upperparts and clear white underparts, making a hanging distinction that makes it straightforward to establish in flight. This swallow is agile and swift, expertly catching bugs on the wing.

In Connecticut, Tree Swallows arrive in early spring and inhabit open fields, wetlands, and lakeshores the place appropriate nesting cavities or bins can be found. They’re cavity nesters, typically utilizing deserted woodpecker holes or synthetic nest bins. Their presence is welcomed by gardeners as they feed voraciously on flying bugs, serving to management pest populations.

Their vocalizations embody smooth, bubbly chatters and twittering calls. Tree Swallows feed primarily on flying bugs similar to mosquitoes, gnats, and flies, catching them in midair throughout flight. They’re a well-recognized sight in the course of the breeding season in Connecticut’s open landscapes, often seen swooping low over water or fields.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

Barn Swallows are slender, swish birds measuring about 7 to eight inches lengthy with a wingspan of 12 to 14 inches. They’ve iridescent blue upperparts, a rufous-colored throat and brow, and a creamy underbelly. Their lengthy, deeply forked tail is one among their most distinctive options, making them simply recognizable even from a distance.

In Connecticut, Barn Swallows generally nest in man-made buildings similar to barns, bridges, and eaves of buildings. They’re extremely social birds typically seen in flocks, particularly throughout migration. Their acrobatic flight patterns contain fast, agile turns and dives as they catch flying bugs.

Their vocalizations embody a collection of cheerful, twittering calls typically described as a fast “twit-twit-twit.” Barn Swallows feed primarily on flying bugs similar to flies, beetles, and moths, making them beneficial for pure pest management. They’re usually current from spring by early fall throughout their breeding and migration intervals.

Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)

The Indigo Bunting is a small songbird about 4.5 to five inches lengthy with a wingspan round 8 to 9 inches. Grownup males boast vibrant, deep blue plumage throughout, whereas females and juveniles are principally brown with delicate blue tinges. This hanging blue coloration makes the male Indigo Bunting stand out vividly in opposition to Connecticut’s inexperienced summer time landscapes.

Indigo Buntings favor brushy edges, open woodlands, and overgrown fields in Connecticut, the place they construct cup-shaped nests in dense shrubs or low timber. They’re territorial in the course of the breeding season and might typically be seen singing from distinguished perches. Their track is a candy, high-pitched warble consisting of a collection of fast notes.

Their food plan consists primarily of seeds, berries, and bugs, which they forage for on the bottom or in foliage. Indigo Buntings migrate by Connecticut in spring and fall, with many staying by the breeding season earlier than heading south for the winter.

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptila caerulea)

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a small, energetic songbird measuring about 4.3 to five inches in size with a wingspan of roughly 7 to eight inches. Its plumage is smooth blue-gray on the upperparts with a white underbelly, complemented by an extended, slender tail edged in white. This tiny hen is understood for its fast, darting actions because it flits by foliage in the hunt for bugs.

In Connecticut, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers inhabit deciduous forests, woodland edges, and shrubby areas in the course of the breeding season. They’re generally present in gardens and parks as nicely, the place dense shrubs present appropriate nesting websites. They construct small, cup-shaped nests typically positioned on tree branches or shrubs.

Their food plan consists nearly solely of small bugs and spiders, which they glean from leaves and branches. Their vocalizations embody a collection of high-pitched, buzzy notes and smooth calls. The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher’s energetic conduct and delicate look make it a favourite amongst hen watchers in Connecticut.

Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens)

The Black-throated Blue Warbler is a small songbird roughly 4.3 to five inches lengthy with a wingspan of about 7 to eight inches. Males have hanging darkish blue upperparts, a black throat and chest, and white underparts, whereas females are olive-green with pale yellow underparts. This daring distinction in male plumage makes them simply identifiable throughout their presence in Connecticut.

These warblers choose mature deciduous forests and combined woodlands, typically favoring shaded understory areas with dense shrubs. They’re migratory birds that arrive in Connecticut in the course of the spring to breed and depart in early fall. Their shy and secretive nature means they’re typically heard greater than seen.

Their track is a particular, buzzy “zur-zee, zur-zee, zur-zee” repeated in a fast sequence. Black-throated Blue Warblers feed totally on bugs and spiders, gleaning from foliage and bark. They contribute to insect management in forest ecosystems and are an essential a part of Connecticut’s migratory hen inhabitants.

Purple Martin (Progne subis)

Purple Martins are the most important North American swallows, measuring about 7 to eight inches in size with a wingspan of 13 to 16 inches. Grownup males are shiny darkish purple-blue, showing nearly black in sure lights, whereas females and juveniles have duller grayish-blue backs and paler underparts. Their strong dimension and iridescent plumage make them hanging aerial acrobats.

In Connecticut, Purple Martins nest nearly solely in man-made birdhouses or martin homes, typically clustered in colonies close to open water or open fields. They’re extremely social and colonial breeders, steadily gathering in giant flocks exterior of the breeding season. Their spectacular aerial maneuvers embody quick, twisting flights as they catch bugs mid-air.

Their calls are a collection of gurgling, chirping notes typically given in flight or on the colony website. Purple Martins feed totally on flying bugs similar to dragonflies, beetles, and mosquitoes. Their reliance on synthetic housing makes them depending on human conservation efforts, however they continue to be a favourite amongst native birders.

Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)

The Belted Kingfisher is a medium-sized hen measuring about 11 to 14 inches lengthy with a wingspan of 19 to 24 inches. It has a particular shaggy crest on its head, a blue-gray physique, and a white collar throughout its neck. Females could be recognized by an extra rusty band throughout the chest. Their strong invoice and stocky physique give them a novel silhouette.

This species is often discovered close to lakes, rivers, and coastal areas all through Connecticut. Belted Kingfishers perch conspicuously on branches or wires close to water, diving headfirst to catch fish with their sharp payments. They nest in burrows dug into sandy banks alongside waterways.

Their vocalization is a loud, rattling name steadily heard close to water our bodies. Their food plan primarily consists of small fish however also can embody aquatic bugs and amphibians. The Belted Kingfisher is a visually spectacular and essential predator in Connecticut’s aquatic ecosystems.

Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea)

The Cerulean Warbler is a small songbird about 4.3 to five inches in size with a wingspan close to 7 to eight inches. Males show a phenomenal sky-blue coloration on their again and crown with white underparts and daring black streaking alongside the edges. Females and immature birds are duller with greenish-blue upperparts.

In Connecticut, Cerulean Warblers are thought of unusual and principally seen throughout migration or in choose mature forest habitats in the course of the breeding season. They like tall deciduous forests with giant timber and open canopies. Resulting from habitat loss, their populations have declined, making sightings extra uncommon.

Their track is a fast collection of buzzy, high-pitched notes typically heard echoing by forest canopies. Cerulean Warblers feed primarily on caterpillars, beetles, and different bugs, foraging actively amongst leaves and branches. Their elusive conduct and beautiful coloration make them a prized sighting for birders in Connecticut.

Nice Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

The Nice Blue Heron is among the largest wading birds in North America, standing about 3.2 to 4.5 toes tall with a wingspan reaching as much as 6.6 toes. Its plumage is principally blue-gray with an extended neck and legs, and it has distinctive black plumes extending from above its eyes. This majestic hen is definitely acknowledged by its gradual, deliberate actions and swish posture.

In Connecticut, Nice Blue Herons are generally discovered alongside freshwater and saltwater shorelines, together with lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal bays. They hunt by standing nonetheless or slowly stalking in shallow waters, utilizing their sharp invoice to spear fish, amphibians, and small aquatic animals. They nest in colonies known as heronries, typically excessive in tall timber close to wetlands.

Their name is a deep, harsh croak, usually heard when the birds take flight. Nice Blue Herons play a necessary function in aquatic ecosystems by controlling fish and amphibian populations. Their spectacular dimension and hanging look make them a favourite topic for wildlife watchers in Connecticut.

Little Blue Heron (Egretta caerulea)

The Little Blue Heron is a medium-sized heron measuring about 24 to 27 inches in peak with a wingspan of roughly 39 to 41 inches. Adults have slate-blue plumage with a purplish tint, slender neck, and a straight invoice that’s darkish on the tip and lighter close to the bottom. Juveniles begin out white and progressively change to blue as they mature, which might generally trigger confusion throughout identification.

In Connecticut, Little Blue Herons inhabit freshwater and brackish wetlands, together with marshes, swamps, and estuaries, although they’re much less frequent than Nice Blue Herons. They feed by wading slowly in shallow waters, searching small fish, crustaceans, and bugs. Nesting happens in colonies typically shared with different wading birds.

Their name is a smooth, harsh croak or low growl, often uttered throughout flight or social interactions. Little Blue Herons contribute to the stability of wetland meals webs and are appreciated for his or her delicate magnificence and quiet presence in Connecticut’s wetlands.

Blue-headed Vireo (Vireo solitarius)

The Blue-headed Vireo is a small songbird about 4.7 to five.5 inches lengthy with a wingspan close to 8 to 9 inches. It has a particular pale blue-gray head with white “spectacles” round its eyes and a white throat and underparts. Its again is olive-green, making a delicate however hanging distinction with its blue head. This species is extra typically heard than seen attributable to its shy nature.

In Connecticut, Blue-headed Vireos are usually present in combined and coniferous forests, notably throughout migration and breeding seasons. They construct cup-shaped nests excessive in timber, typically in dense foliage. Their conduct contains brief flights between branches whereas actively trying to find bugs.

Their track is a transparent, gradual collection of whistles and phrases, typically described as cheerful and repetitive. They feed primarily on bugs and spiders however may also eat berries, particularly within the fall. Blue-headed Vireos add a delicate melody to Connecticut’s forest soundscape and are a delight to listen to throughout spring and early summer time.

FAQs about Blue Birds in Connecticut

What are the commonest blue birds present in Connecticut?

The commonest blue birds in Connecticut embody the Jap Bluebird, Blue Jay, Tree Swallow, Barn Swallow, and Indigo Bunting. These species are steadily seen throughout varied habitats similar to forests, open fields, and suburban areas all through the state.

How can I establish an Jap Bluebird?

Jap Bluebirds are simply acknowledged by their shiny blue upperparts and rusty-orange chest. Males have extra vibrant coloring, whereas females have a duller blue-gray tone. They’re small, plump thrushes typically perched on fences or wires in open habitats.

When do Tree Swallows usually arrive in Connecticut?

Tree Swallows often arrive in early spring and keep by the summer time breeding season. They like open fields and wetlands and nest in cavities or nest bins close to water sources.

What do Blue Jays eat?

Blue Jays have an omnivorous food plan that features seeds, nuts, fruits, bugs, and infrequently small vertebrates. They’re additionally recognized to retailer acorns for later consumption.

Are Purple Martins depending on birdhouses?

Sure, Purple Martins are nearly totally depending on man-made birdhouses for nesting. Offering martin homes close to open water or fields helps help their populations, particularly in areas like Connecticut.

The place can I spot Nice Blue Herons in Connecticut?

Nice Blue Herons are generally discovered alongside lakes, rivers, marshes, and coastal areas all through Connecticut. They like shallow waters the place they hunt for fish and amphibians.

How can I entice Indigo Buntings to my yard?

Indigo Buntings are interested in brushy edges, dense shrubs, and open woodlands. Planting native berry-producing shrubs and offering feeders with seeds will help entice them to your yard.

Do Blue-headed Vireos migrate by Connecticut?

Sure, Blue-headed Vireos migrate by Connecticut throughout spring and fall. They’re usually present in combined and coniferous forests and could be heard singing their distinctive whistles in the course of the breeding season.

What’s the distinction between Nice Blue Heron and Little Blue Heron?

The Nice Blue Heron is way bigger with blue-gray plumage and a gradual, deliberate searching fashion. The Little Blue Heron is smaller with slate-blue coloring and is much less frequent in Connecticut. Juvenile Little Blue Herons are white, which might generally trigger confusion.

Why are Cerulean Warblers thought of uncommon in Connecticut?

Cerulean Warblers choose mature deciduous forests with tall timber and open canopies, habitats which were lowered attributable to deforestation. They’re principally seen throughout migration or in choose breeding areas, making them much less frequent than different warblers.