15 Blue Colored Birds of Texas: Identification With Pictures

7. Painted Bunting (Male)

The male Painted Bunting is often referred to as one of the most beautiful birds in North America. While the species overall is known for its rainbow-like coloration, the males have brilliant blue heads and backs that set them apart. This vibrant coloration is used to attract mates during the breeding season, while females and juveniles exhibit a more subdued green plumage, offering better camouflage.

These birds prefer habitats with dense shrubs and open woodlands, where they can forage for seeds and insects. They are elusive and shy by nature, often hiding in thick vegetation. Painted Buntings migrate south to Central America for the winter, making them a seasonal treat for birdwatchers in Texas.

8. Tree Swallow

The Tree Swallow is a sleek, graceful bird that dazzles observers with its metallic blue-green back and clean white belly. Found across Texas during the warmer months, these birds are often seen flying in acrobatic patterns as they hunt insects mid-flight. Tree Swallows are a common sight near open water, where insect populations thrive.

In addition to their stunning plumage, Tree Swallows are known for their social nature, often nesting in colonies. They use tree cavities or man-made nest boxes to raise their young, and their populations benefit greatly from conservation efforts to provide suitable nesting sites.

9. Barn Swallow

The Barn Swallow, known for its graceful flight and deep blue back, is an iconic bird often seen skimming over open fields and water. Its rust-colored throat and underparts provide a striking contrast to its blue wings and forked tail. These agile birds are frequently associated with human structures, building their nests out of mud under eaves and bridges.

Barn Swallows are remarkable long-distance migrants, traveling thousands of miles to South America for the winter. Their energetic flight and distinctive chirping calls make them a joy to watch during the breeding season in Texas.

10. Blue Grosbeak

The Blue Grosbeak is a robust songbird known for its deep blue feathers and distinctive rusty wing bars. These birds are less common than other buntings, but their striking appearance makes them easy to identify. Males are entirely blue during the breeding season, while females have a more subtle brown coloration.

Blue Grosbeaks prefer open areas with shrubs or tall grasses where they forage for seeds and insects. Their rich, melodious songs can often be heard during the spring and summer, making them a treat for bird enthusiasts.

11. Belted Kingfisher

The Belted Kingfisher is a striking bird commonly found near rivers, lakes, and ponds in Texas. Its blue-gray back and wings, coupled with a white belly and chest, make it instantly recognizable. The female is uniquely more colorful than the male, sporting a rust-colored band across her chest.

These birds are skilled fishers, diving headfirst into the water to catch their prey. They nest in burrows dug into riverbanks, an unusual trait among bird species. Their loud, rattling calls often announce their presence long before they are seen.

12. Purple Martin

The Purple Martin is the largest North American swallow and a beloved species in Texas. Despite their name, adult males appear deep blue with an iridescent sheen that may look purple under certain lighting. Females and juveniles are duller in color, with lighter underparts.

These Blue Colored Birds of Texas depend on humans for nesting sites, primarily using specially designed birdhouses. They are aerial insectivores, spending much of their time in flight catching mosquitoes and other flying insects. Watching their synchronized flight patterns is a mesmerizing experience.

13. Rock Pigeon (Blue Morph)

While Rock Pigeons are ubiquitous, the Blue Morph variety is notable for its rich blue-gray feathers and iridescent neck. These adaptable birds thrive in urban environments, often seen perched on buildings, bridges, or telephone wires.

Rock Pigeons have an interesting history, having been domesticated by humans for thousands of years. They are highly social, often traveling in flocks, and their cooing sounds are a familiar part of city life.

14. Mountain Bluebird

The Mountain Bluebird, with its powder-blue feathers, is a rare but delightful sight in Texas during migration. Unlike the Eastern Bluebird, this species lacks the orange coloration, appearing entirely blue with paler underparts. Males are particularly striking, while females are grayish with hints of blue.

Mountain Bluebirds prefer open grasslands and meadows. They are cavity nesters and will readily use nest boxes provided by conservationists. Their presence in Texas is seasonal, adding a unique challenge for birdwatchers hoping to spot them.

15. Cerulean Warbler

The Cerulean Warbler is one of the smallest and most delicate blue birds in Texas, with a soft sky-blue back and white underparts streaked with black. These birds are migratory and are often seen during their journey between North and South America.

Cerulean Warblers are forest-dwelling birds that prefer tall trees. Their populations are declining due to habitat loss, making sightings increasingly rare. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring this beautiful species remains part of Texas’s natural heritage.

Final Thoughts about Blue Colored Birds of Texas

Texas is a haven for birdwatchers, offering an incredible variety of blue-colored birds to admire. From the common Blue Jay to the elusive Cerulean Warbler, these species captivate with their vibrant plumage, unique behaviors, and the habitats they call home. By learning about their characteristics and habits, bird enthusiasts can deepen their appreciation for these stunning creatures and contribute to their conservation.