Blue birds with brown chests are a common sight in many gardens and parks and their vibrant blue plumage is eye-catching. Blue birds with brown chests are not as uncommon as one might think. In fact, there are several species of blue birds that have brown chests.
The two most common species are the Eastern bluebird and the Western bluebird. Both of these birds are members of the thrush family and are native to North America.
In this blog post, we will discuss different types of blue birds with brown chests. We’ll provide some information on each one.
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Types of Blue Birds With Brown Chests
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There are several different types of blue birds with brown chests. Some are common and some are rare. Let’s take a closer look at these beautiful creatures!
1. Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern Bluebird is a brightly colored songbird that is common in open woodlands and gardens throughout the eastern United States. These birds are easily recognizable by their blue plumage and red breast, and they typically measure between six and seven inches in length.
Male
The male has blue feathers on its back and head, with a rusty-red breast.
Female
The female is duller in color, with grayish-blue feathers on its back and head. Both sexes have white bellies and wings with dark bars.
Size & Weight
Eastern Bluebirds are about 6 inches long and weigh about 1 ounce.
Eating Habits
This bird with a blue back and brown chest eats insects, spiders, berries, and fruits. In the winter, they may also eat tree bark and dead leaves.
Nesting
Eastern Bluebirds typically build their nests in tree cavities or man-made nesting boxes.
Egg Incubation
They lay 3-7 eggs per clutch, and incubate them for about two weeks. The young birds fledge at about three weeks old. Both male and female birds will help to incubate the eggs and care for the young.
Population
Eastern Bluebirds are not currently considered to be at risk of extinction, but their populations have declined in recent years due to habitat loss and competition from other bird species.
2. Western Bluebird
The western bluebird is a small songbird that is native to the western United States. Western Bluebird looks very similar to Eastern Bluebird, only its color is slightly brighter.
Western Bluebirds have brighter blue necks and chins than Eastern Bluebirds. The bird has a striking blue plumage, and its song is a cheerful trill.
Family
This blue bird with a brown chest is a member of the thrush family, and it is closely related to the mountain bluebird and Townsend’s solitaire.
Nesting
The western bluebird is a cavity nester, meaning that it nests in holes in trees or in man-made nest boxes.
Egg Incubation
The bird typically lays three to seven eggs, and the female incubates them for about two weeks. The young birds fledge (leave the nest) at about three weeks of age.
Population
This dark blue bird with a brown chest is a relatively common bird, and its population is stable. However, the bird faces threats from habitat loss and from competition with non-native species such as the house sparrow. Nevertheless, the western bluebird remains an important part of the ecosystem in its range.
3. Lazuli Bunting
The Lazuli Bunting is a small songbird that is native to North America. This is a small bird with a big personality. Standing just six inches tall, this vibrant blue songbird is a favorite among birders and casual observers alike.
Habitat
This blue bird with brown chest can be found across much of North America, from southern Canada all the way down to Mexico.
In the springtime, they return to their breeding grounds in the western United States, where they can be found in open meadows and grasslands. However, the Lazuli Bunting remains an iconic species, and its cheerful song brings a touch of happiness to even the grayest of days.
Appearance
The male Lazuli Bunting is especially striking, with bright blue feathers and a deep brown chest. Females are less brightly colored, but they share the same distinctive wing pattern.
Nesting
These birds are typically found in open woodlands and brushy areas, and they prefer to nest in trees or shrubs.
Eating Habits
The Lazuli Bunting is an insectivore, and this bird’s diet consists primarily of beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and other small invertebrates.
In the spring and summer months, these birds can be seen foraging for food on the ground or in low vegetation. During the winter months, they typically eat seeds and berries.
Population
The Lazuli Bunting is not considered to be threatened or endangered at this time. However, like many other songbirds, its populations have declined significantly in recent years due to habitat loss and degradation.
4. Belted Kingfisher
The Belted Kingfisher is a stunning bird that is easily recognized by its striking plumage. Belted Kingfishers are expert hunters, using their sharp bills to strike their prey with great force.
Appearance
The bird has a blue-grey back and wings, with a white and brown chest. The head is large and round, with a black mask that covers the eyes. The legs and bill are also black.
The most distinctive feature of the Belted Kingfisher is its long, pointed tail, which is grey with a white tip. The bird gets its name from the broad, blue band that runs across its chest. Both male and female birds have this band, but it is more pronounced in males.
Habitat
Belted Kingfishers are found in North America, where they inhabit both fresh and saltwater habitats. The birds are typically found near bodies of water, such as ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Food
This blue bird with brown chest feed on fish, crustaceans, and insects. The bird uses its large bill to capture fish, which it then brings back to its perch to eat. The kingfisher will also eat other aquatic creatures, such as crayfish and frogs.
When not hunting for food, the belted kingfisher can often be seen perched on a branch or wire, watching for prey.
Nesting
The bird nests in burrows along riverbanks and lakeshores, and typically lay four to six eggs per clutch.
Population
While the global population of this bird with blue head and brown chest is healthy, the birds are declining in some parts of their range due to habitat loss and pollution. However, conservation efforts are underway to protect these graceful creatures and ensure their future survival.
5. Red Breasted Nuthatch
Barn swallows are found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. In the summer months, they can be seen swooping through the skies in search of insects. During the winter, they migrate to warmer climates.
Appearance
The barn swallow is a small songbird with a striking appearance. The upper parts are dark blue, while the underparts are pale orange/brown. It has a long, deeply forked tail, and its bill is black with a small hook at the end.
Habitat
This bird with brown chest and blue back is found in open areas near human habitation, such as farmland, parks, and suburban neighborhoods.
Eating Habits
It feeds primarily on insects, which it catches in mid-flight.
Nesting
These birds nest in cavities, often using old nests of other birds such as the house sparrow or the common starling.
The barn swallow is an important bird species because it helps to control insect populations. Farmers often encourage barn swallows to nest on their property because of the benefits they provide.
Population
The barn swallow is a protected species in many countries and is considered to be of least concern by conservationists. However, there is some evidence that their populations are declining in some areas, likely due to habitat loss and changes in land use practices.
6. Barn Swallow
The barn swallow is a small songbird with a long tail and reddish-brown plumage. It is found across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The barn swallow is one of the most widespread birds in the world, and it has an estimated global population of over 200 million. The barn swallow is a popular bird among birdwatchers and is considered to be a good luck charm in many cultures.
Nesting
The barn swallow typically nests in man-made structures such as barns and bridges.
Eating Habits
It feeds primarily on insects, which it catches in mid-air.
7. Indigo Bunting
The Indigo Bunting is a small songbird that is found throughout North America.
Appearance
The male bird is easily recognized by its bright blue plumage, which is used to attract mates. The female bird is more subdued in color, typically brown or gray. Both male and female birds are about the same size, with a wingspan of around 4.5 inches.
Diet
The diet of this blue and brown bird consists mainly of insects, although they will also eat berries and seeds.
Nesting
The bird nests in trees or bushes, and typically lay between two and five eggs per clutch.
Population
The Indigo Bunting is not considered to be threatened or endangered. However, like many other species of birds, they are declining in numbers due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
8. Blue-winged Warbler
The Blue-winged Warbler is a small songbird. That beautiful bird is found in North and South America. The bird gets its name from the blue patch of feathers on its wings, and it is one of the most beautiful warblers.
Appearance
The bird is mostly brown and has a light-colored belly with streaked markings.
Habitat
The Blue-winged Warbler is a shy bird and is not often seen in the open. The bird likes to stay hidden in trees and shrubs where it can sing its beautiful song.
Eating Habits
The Blue-winged Warbler is an important bird because it helps to control insects. The bird eats insects, and without the bird, there would be more insects in the world. Insects can damage crops, so the Blue-winged Warbler is important to farmers.
The bird is also important to people who like to garden because the bird eats insects that damage plants. The Blue-winged Warbler is also a popular bird with birdwatchers, as it is relatively easy to spot and has a beautiful song.
In Conclusion
So, different blue birds with brown chests have different habits and populations. The barn swallow typically nests in man-made structures such as barns and bridges while the Indigo Bunting nests in trees and bushes. The Blue-winged Warbler is mostly brown and has a light-colored belly with streaked markings. It likes to stay hidden in trees and shrubs where it can sing its beautiful song.
All of these birds are important in their own way, whether it be for their help in controlling the insect population or for their beauty. We hope you’re lucky to spot one of these beautiful feathered friends in the wild.