15 Types Of Blue Birds in Oklahoma (ID Guide w/Pictures)
Oklahoma is home to some of the most striking blue-colored birds in North America. From the vibrant Indigo Bunting to the majestic Eastern Bluebird, these species add a splash of color to forests, grasslands, and backyards across the state. Whether you are a seasoned birdwatcher or just beginning to appreciate nature, learning about these birds can be a fascinating and rewarding experience. Each of these birds has its own unique beauty, behaviors, and habitat preferences. Some are year-round residents, while others migrate through Oklahoma during different seasons.
In this article, we will explore 15 blue birds commonly found in Oklahoma. For each species, you will find key details such as their scientific name, size, weight, lifespan, and diet. Then, we’ll dive into their characteristics, behaviors, and where you can spot them in Oklahoma. Get ready to discover the dazzling blue birds that make the state a paradise for bird lovers!
1. Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
- Scientific Name: Sialia sialis
- Size: 6.3 – 8.3 inches
- Weight: 0.95 – 1.2 ounces
- Lifespan: 6 – 10 years
- Diet: Insects, berries, and small fruits
The Eastern Bluebird is one of the most beloved birds in Oklahoma. With its bright blue plumage, rusty-red chest, and gentle nature, this bird is often seen perched on fences, power lines, or in open fields. They are cavity nesters, meaning they rely on tree holes or nest boxes to raise their young. These birds have a cheerful song, making them a favorite among birdwatchers.
Eastern Bluebirds are commonly found in rural areas, especially in fields with scattered trees. They are highly beneficial for the environment because they eat insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. You can attract them to your yard by setting up nest boxes and offering mealworms as food.
2. Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)
- Scientific Name: Passerina cyanea
- Size: 4.5 – 5.1 inches
- Weight: 0.4 – 0.6 ounces
- Lifespan: 3 – 10 years
- Diet: Seeds, berries, and insects
The Indigo Bunting is a small but incredibly vibrant bird, often described as a “flying piece of the sky.” The males are a deep, shimmering blue during the breeding season, while females and juveniles are brownish with a hint of blue. These birds prefer brushy fields, woodland edges, and roadsides, where they forage for seeds and insects.
Unlike some birds that migrate short distances, Indigo Buntings travel all the way to Central and South America for the winter. They are commonly seen in Oklahoma from late spring to early fall. Their sweet, melodic song can often be heard during the summer months, adding a musical touch to the countryside.
3. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
- Size: 9 – 12 inches
- Weight: 2.5 – 3.5 ounces
- Lifespan: 7 – 10 years
- Diet: Nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates
The Blue Jay is one of the most recognizable blue birds in Oklahoma. With its bold blue feathers, black markings, and white chest, this bird is both beautiful and intelligent. Blue Jays are known for their loud calls and mimicry, often imitating the sounds of hawks to scare off other birds.
Blue Jays are highly adaptable and can be found in forests, suburbs, and even city parks. They are excellent problem solvers and have been observed using tools to access food. Their diet includes acorns, seeds, and even small animals. If you want to attract Blue Jays to your yard, try offering peanuts or sunflower seeds in a bird feeder.
4. Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)
- Scientific Name: Sialia currucoides
- Size: 6.3 – 7.9 inches
- Weight: 1.1 – 1.3 ounces
- Lifespan: 6 – 10 years
- Diet: Insects, berries, and small fruits
The Mountain Bluebird is a breathtaking sight with its striking sky-blue feathers. Unlike the Eastern Bluebird, which has a rusty-colored chest, the male Mountain Bluebird is completely blue, while the female has a mix of blue and gray plumage. These birds are often found in open meadows, grasslands, and mountainous regions. Though they are more common in the western U.S., they can occasionally be spotted in Oklahoma, especially during migration periods.
Mountain Bluebirds are cavity nesters, often using old woodpecker holes or artificial nest boxes. They primarily feed on insects during the summer and switch to berries in the colder months. If you are lucky, you might spot one perched on a fence post or soaring gracefully over open fields.
5. Lazuli Bunting (Passerina amoena)
- Scientific Name: Passerina amoena
- Size: 5 – 5.5 inches
- Weight: 0.5 – 0.6 ounces
- Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
- Diet: Seeds, insects, and berries
The Lazuli Bunting is a dazzling blue bird with a striking white belly and rust-colored chest. Males display bright blue plumage, while females and juveniles are more muted in color, often appearing brown with hints of blue. These birds prefer brushy areas, woodland edges, and open fields.
Lazuli Buntings are migratory birds that breed in the western United States and pass through Oklahoma during migration. Their sweet, high-pitched songs make them easy to identify during the warmer months. Birdwatchers can attract them by offering sunflower seeds and providing dense shrubs for cover.
6. Cerulean Warbler (Setophaga cerulea)
- Scientific Name: Setophaga cerulea
- Size: 4 – 4.5 inches
- Weight: 0.3 – 0.4 ounces
- Lifespan: 6 – 10 years
- Diet: Insects and spiders
The Cerulean Warbler is a rare and beautiful migratory bird with soft blue feathers and white underparts. It is one of the most sought-after warblers among birdwatchers due to its stunning coloration and elusive nature. These birds prefer mature deciduous forests with tall trees, making them harder to spot in Oklahoma.
Cerulean Warblers are known for their high-pitched, buzzy songs that can be heard during the spring and summer months. Unfortunately, habitat loss has led to a decline in their population, making sightings in Oklahoma even more special. Conservation efforts are underway to protect their breeding and wintering habitats.
7. Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
- Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor
- Size: 4.7 – 5.9 inches
- Weight: 0.6 – 0.9 ounces
- Lifespan: 2 – 6 years
- Diet: Insects and small fruits
Tree Swallows are graceful, iridescent blue birds that can often be seen gliding effortlessly through the air in search of flying insects. Their backs are shimmering blue-green, while their underbellies are bright white. These birds are cavity nesters and readily use nest boxes if provided.
Tree Swallows are highly social and often gather in large flocks. They play a vital role in controlling insect populations, making them beneficial to the environment. In Oklahoma, they can be spotted near wetlands, lakes, and open fields, where they skim the water’s surface in search of food.
8. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
- Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica
- Size: 5.9 – 7.5 inches
- Weight: 0.6 – 0.7 ounces
- Lifespan: 4 – 8 years
- Diet: Flying insects
Barn Swallows are one of the most common and recognizable swallows in Oklahoma. They have a deep blue back, rusty-orange underparts, and long, forked tails that make them easy to identify. These birds are often seen swooping gracefully over fields and water bodies, catching insects in midair.
Barn Swallows build their nests out of mud and attach them to buildings, bridges, and other structures. They are highly adaptable and thrive in rural and urban areas alike. Their cheerful chirping and acrobatic flight patterns make them a delight to watch during the spring and summer months.
9. Purple Martin (Progne subis)
- Scientific Name: Progne subis
- Size: 7.5 – 8.7 inches
- Weight: 1.6 – 2.1 ounces
- Lifespan: 5 – 10 years
- Diet: Flying insects
Purple Martins are the largest swallows in North America and are known for their glossy, dark blue-black feathers. These social birds nest in colonies, often using specially designed birdhouses provided by humans. They are beloved for their aerial acrobatics and their ability to eat large numbers of mosquitoes and other flying insects.
In Oklahoma, Purple Martins return from their wintering grounds in South America each spring. They rely on human-made nesting structures, so many bird enthusiasts put up special Purple Martin houses to attract them. Their cheerful chirps and energetic flight patterns make them a favorite among bird lovers.
10. Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
- Scientific Name: Megaceryle alcyon
- Size: 11 – 14 inches
- Weight: 4 – 6 ounces
- Lifespan: 6 – 10 years
- Diet: Fish, crustaceans, and insects
The Belted Kingfisher is a striking blue-gray bird with a shaggy crest and a distinctive white belly. Males and females have similar plumage, but females sport a rusty-colored band across their chests. These birds are most commonly found near bodies of water, where they dive headfirst to catch fish.
Belted Kingfishers are solitary birds that often perch on branches or wires overlooking the water. Their loud, rattling calls can be heard echoing across rivers, lakes, and ponds. Birdwatchers can spot them in Oklahoma year-round, especially near freshwater habitats.
11. Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea)
- Scientific Name: Passerina caerulea
- Size: 5.5 – 7.5 inches
- Weight: 0.9 – 1.1 ounces
- Lifespan: 4 – 7 years
- Diet: Seeds, insects, and berries
The Blue Grosbeak is a stunning bird with deep blue plumage, a thick silver-gray beak, and rusty wing bars. Males are a vibrant cobalt blue, while females are mostly brown with hints of blue on their wings and tails. These birds prefer open woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands, where they forage for seeds and insects.
Blue Grosbeaks are often seen perched on fences, bushes, or low tree branches, singing their rich, warbling song. They migrate to Oklahoma in the spring and summer to breed before heading south to Central and South America for the winter. Their striking appearance and melodious calls make them a favorite among birdwatchers.
12. Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
- Scientific Name: Sialia mexicana
- Size: 6.3 – 7.5 inches
- Weight: 0.9 – 1.1 ounces
- Lifespan: 6 – 10 years
- Diet: Insects, berries, and small fruits
The Western Bluebird closely resembles the Eastern Bluebird but is slightly darker with deeper blue hues and a more pronounced rusty-orange chest. These birds are typically found in the western United States but occasionally make their way to Oklahoma during migration. They favor open forests, meadows, and agricultural areas.
Like other bluebirds, Western Bluebirds are cavity nesters and often use old woodpecker holes or nest boxes to raise their young. They are beneficial to farmers because they consume large quantities of insects, including beetles and caterpillars. Spotting a Western Bluebird in Oklahoma is a rare treat, but they can sometimes be seen in the western parts of the state.
13. Northern Parula (Setophaga americana)
- Scientific Name: Setophaga americana
- Size: 4.3 – 4.7 inches
- Weight: 0.2 – 0.4 ounces
- Lifespan: 6 – 8 years
- Diet: Insects and spiders
The Northern Parula is a small but striking warbler with a bluish-gray back, yellow chest, and a white belly. It has a distinctive white eye-ring and a bold black-and-chestnut band across its chest. These birds are most commonly found in dense forests, particularly near water sources.
Northern Parulas are known for their buzzy, rising songs that echo through the trees in spring and summer. They build their nests in hanging Spanish moss or lichen-covered branches. Though they are primarily found in eastern and southeastern parts of the U.S., they migrate through Oklahoma in the spring and fall.
14. Black-throated Blue Warbler (Setophaga caerulescens)
- Scientific Name: Setophaga caerulescens
- Size: 4.3 – 5.1 inches
- Weight: 0.3 – 0.4 ounces
- Lifespan: 5 – 10 years
- Diet: Insects and berries
The Black-throated Blue Warbler is a rare but exciting sight in Oklahoma. Males have a deep blue back, black throat, and white belly, while females are more subdued with olive-brown plumage. These birds prefer dense forests with thick undergrowth, making them somewhat difficult to spot.
They are migratory birds, breeding in the northeastern U.S. and Canada before traveling south to the Caribbean for winter. Occasionally, they pass through Oklahoma during migration, especially in wooded areas near rivers. Their soft, buzzy song and striking colors make them a sought-after species among birdwatchers.
15. Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta stelleri
- Size: 11 – 12 inches
- Weight: 3.5 – 4.9 ounces
- Lifespan: 10 – 15 years
- Diet: Nuts, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates
Steller’s Jay is a striking, dark blue bird with a black head and a tall, pointed crest. Unlike the more common Blue Jay, Steller’s Jays are found in mountainous regions, but they sometimes wander into Oklahoma, particularly in the western part of the state.
These intelligent birds are known for their loud, harsh calls and their ability to mimic other birds and even human sounds. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat a wide range of foods, including acorns, insects, and small reptiles. If you spot one in Oklahoma, it’s a rare but exciting sight!
Final Thoughts
Oklahoma is home to a fascinating variety of blue-colored birds, ranging from the common Blue Jay to the rare Steller’s Jay. Whether you’re spotting a tiny Indigo Bunting or watching a Belted Kingfisher dive for fish, each species brings a unique charm to the state’s landscapes.
Birdwatching is a rewarding hobby, and with a little patience, you can spot many of these stunning blue birds in Oklahoma’s forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Setting up bird feeders, planting native vegetation, and preserving natural habitats can help attract and support these beautiful birds. Keep your eyes to the sky and your ears open—you never know what brilliant blue bird might be waiting to brighten your day!
FAQs About Blue Birds Oklahoma
Q1. What is the most common blue bird in Oklahoma?
The Eastern Bluebird is one of the most common blue birds in Oklahoma. It can be found year-round in open fields, woodlands, and even backyards with nest boxes.
Q2. What blue birds migrate through Oklahoma?
Many blue birds, such as the Indigo Bunting, Cerulean Warbler, and Northern Parula, migrate through Oklahoma during spring and fall. Some, like the Tree Swallow, are only seasonal visitors.
Q3. How can I attract blue birds to my yard in Oklahoma?
To attract blue birds, provide food sources such as sunflower seeds, mealworms, and native berry plants. Installing nest boxes and offering fresh water can also encourage blue birds to visit your yard.
Q4. Are Blue Jays aggressive?
Blue Jays can be territorial and aggressive, especially around food sources or nesting sites. However, they are also highly intelligent and social birds that play an important role in their ecosystems.
Q5. What is the rarest blue bird in Oklahoma?
The Black-throated Blue Warbler and Steller’s Jay are among the rarest blue birds in Oklahoma. These species are typically found outside the state but occasionally appear during migration or wandering.
Q6. What time of year is best for spotting blue birds in Oklahoma?
Spring and summer are the best times to spot blue birds in Oklahoma, as many species breed and raise their young during these seasons. Migration periods in spring and fall also offer great opportunities to see a variety of species.
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