The Beautiful Bluebirds of North Carolina (and Other Birds, Too!)
There’s something magical about blue birds. Maybe it’s because blue isn’t a color often found in nature, or maybe it’s because bluebirds are often seen as symbols of happiness and good fortune. Whatever the reason, the Eastern Bluebird is a beloved sight in North Carolina.
But the Eastern Bluebird isn’t the only blue-colored bird you’ll find in NC! Many people think of only the Eastern Bluebird when they think of “bluebirds.” In reality, the state is home to a variety of gorgeous blue-hued birds, like the vibrant Indigo Bunting and the bold Blue Jay.
This article will explore the captivating world of blue-colored birds in North Carolina. We’ll discuss their distinctive traits, the habitats they call home, and how you can attract these beautiful creatures to your own backyard. We’ll focus primarily on the Eastern Bluebird, the Indigo Bunting, and the Blue Jay, but we’ll also touch on other blue-ish birds you might spot in the Tar Heel State.
Bluebirds vs. Blue Birds: What’s the difference?
It’s easy to get confused when talking about “bluebirds.” The term “bluebird” usually refers to birds in the thrush family (Turdidae), specifically those in the genus Sialia. However, “blue bird” can mean any bird that’s mostly blue.
North Carolina’s main “bluebird” is the Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis). There are other bluebird species, like the Mountain Bluebird and Western Bluebird, but we’ll focus on the Eastern Bluebird here.
We’ll also talk about other birds in NC that are blue, even though they aren’t technically bluebirds. People often think of them when they think of blue-colored birds.
The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
The Eastern Bluebird is a common sight in North Carolina. Here’s what to look for:
Coloration, Size, and Features
Male Eastern Bluebirds sport a vivid blue head, back, and wings, which contrast beautifully with their rufous (reddish-brown) chest and white belly. The female is similar, but her blues are a more subdued blue-gray, and her rufous chest is paler than the male’s.
These little birds are generally between 6.3 and 8.3 inches long, weigh around an ounce, and have a wingspan of 9.8 to 12.6 inches.
Range and Habitat
You can find Eastern Bluebirds year-round in the southern U.S. and central Mexico. They’re common breeders in North Carolina.
They tend to prefer open woodlands, fields, orchards, and suburban areas with a mix of scattered trees and shrubs. They like areas with low ground cover so they can forage for food.
Diet and Feeding
Eastern Bluebirds primarily eat insects during the breeding season. They love caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers. During the non-breeding season, their diet shifts to fruits and berries.
You’ll often see them perching on a branch, then swooping down to the ground to snatch up an insect. They also like to use nest boxes as perches.
Nesting
Bluebirds are cavity nesters, meaning they like to build their nests in holes. They often use abandoned woodpecker holes or, if you’re lucky enough to have one, a nest box. Suitable nesting cavities are essential for these birds.
They build a cup-shaped nest out of grasses and pine needles. They typically have two to three broods each year.
The Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)
The Indigo Bunting is another common bird you might spot in North Carolina. Here’s a little about them:
Coloration, size, and features
Male Indigo Buntings are a sight to behold, especially during mating season, when their feathers are a vivid, iridescent blue. It’s interesting to note that the blue color isn’t caused by pigment. Instead, the structure of the feathers scatters light in a way that makes them appear blue.
Females are more plainly colored in a dull brown shade. Young males might have a mix of blue and brown feathers as they mature.
Indigo Buntings are small birds, generally measuring between 4.7 and 5.1 inches (12-13 cm) long, weighing between 0.4 and 0.6 ounces (12-18 g), with a wingspan of 7.5 to 8.7 inches (19-22 cm).
Range and habitat
Indigo Buntings are migratory birds. They spend the breeding season in the eastern U.S. and Canada, including North Carolina. In winter, they head south to Central America and the Caribbean.
These birds prefer brushy areas, forest edges, roadsides, and fields with scattered trees. They’re pretty adaptable and can thrive in landscapes altered by humans.
Diet and feeding
Indigo Buntings primarily eat insects, seeds, and berries. They’re fond of caterpillars, beetles, and ants, among other insects.
They typically forage by gleaning insects from foliage or picking seeds from the ground. During migration, they often forage in flocks.
The Indigo Bunting’s call
The Indigo Bunting’s song is a high-pitched, buzzy series of notes. Some people remember their call by thinking of the phrase “fire, fire; where, where?”
The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
The Blue Jay is another common and noticeable bird in North Carolina. Here’s a look at some of its characteristics:
Coloration, Size, and Features
Blue Jays are known for their striking blue, black, and white feathers. They sport a noticeable crest on the tops of their heads that they can raise or lower depending on their mood.
These birds usually measure between 9 and 12 inches long and weigh around 2.5 to 3.5 ounces. Their wingspans typically run from 13 to 17 inches.
Range and Habitat
Blue Jays live year-round in much of eastern North America, including North Carolina. You’re likely to spot them in woodlands, forests, suburban neighborhoods, and parks. They’re adaptable birds and can thrive in many different environments.
Diet and Feeding
Blue Jays have a varied diet that includes acorns, nuts, seeds, insects, fruits, and sometimes even small animals. They play an important role in spreading oak trees by dispersing acorns.
They often hide acorns and nuts to eat later. They’re also known to steal food from other birds when they get the chance.
The Blue Jay’s Call
The Blue Jay’s call is loud and varied. One of their most well-known calls sounds like “jay-jay-jay.” They can also mimic the calls of other birds, including hawks, which helps them scare away predators.
Other “Blue” Birds of North Carolina
While the Eastern bluebird is the best-known blue bird in North Carolina, here are a few other species with blue in their plumage that you might spot in the state:
- Tree Swallow: These common migratory birds have iridescent blue-green upperparts and clean white underparts. They’re small, measuring 4.7 to 5.9 inches in length, weighing 0.6 to 0.9 ounces, with a wingspan of 11.8 to 13.8 inches.
- Barn Swallow: Barn swallows are also migratory and quite common in NC. Look for their dark blue upperparts, reddish-brown forehead and throat, and distinctive deeply forked tail. They measure 5.9 to 7.9 inches long, weigh 0.6 to 0.8 ounces, and have a wingspan of 12.6 to 13.4 inches.
- Purple Martin: The male purple martin shows off a dark blue-black plumage. These birds are migratory but less common in NC than the swallows. They measure 7.5 to 7.9 inches in length, weigh 1.6 to 2.1 ounces, and have a wingspan of 15.3 to 16.1 inches.
- Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: These birds, which breed in NC, have bluish-gray upperparts and white underparts, along with a notably long tail. They are quite small, measuring only 4.3 inches long, weighing about 0.2 ounces, with a wingspan of 6.3 inches.
- Belted Kingfisher: A more robust bird, the belted kingfisher has bluish-gray upperparts, white underparts, and a large head topped with a crest. They breed in NC and are fairly common. They measure 11 to 14 inches long, weigh 4.9 to 6 ounces, and have a wingspan of 19 to 23 inches.
- Blue Grosbeak: The male blue grosbeak sports a dark blue plumage, while the female is brownish. These birds are migratory and less common in NC. They measure 5.5 to 7.5 inches long, weigh 0.92 to 1.11 ounces, and have a wingspan of 10 to 11 inches.
How to attract bluebirds to your yard
The best way to see more of these beautiful blue-colored birds is to create an environment where they feel safe and have access to food, water, and shelter.
Create a bird-friendly habitat
Bluebirds need a mix of trees, shrubs, and open spaces to thrive. Native plants are particularly important because they attract insects, which bluebirds eat. Native plants also provide berries and other food sources.
Provide food and water
You can attract bluebirds by offering mealworms, suet, and berries in feeders. A bird bath with fresh, clean water will also be appreciated.
Install nest boxes
Eastern bluebirds are cavity-nesting birds, which means they build their nests in holes in trees or other structures. Providing nest boxes is a great way to attract them to your yard. Mount your birdhouses in a visible, open area.
Build your own nest boxes
If you’re handy, you can build your own bluebird nest boxes. Pallet wood is a great material to use. When using pallet wood, make sure to select pallets that have not been treated with chemicals.
Here are some general dimensions to follow:
- Interior: 5 to 5.5 inches square
- Hole diameter: 1.5 inches
- Hole height: 5 to 5.5 inches above the floor of the box
Where can you find bluebirds in North Carolina?
North Carolina offers a wide variety of habitats perfect for birdwatching. Here are a few locations to consider if you’re hoping to spot bluebirds:
- Jordan Lake: This area is known for its diverse birdlife and is a great place to start your search.
- Pisgah National Forest: If you’re interested in forest-dwelling species, Pisgah National Forest is an excellent choice.
Remember that different habitats attract different birds. Open fields and meadows are ideal for spotting Eastern Bluebirds and Indigo Buntings. If you’re looking for Blue Jays, try wooded areas, especially near oak trees.
Here are a few other tips for birdwatching in North Carolina:
- Visit parks, wildlife refuges, and nature preserves.
- Bring binoculars for better viewing.
- Use a bird identification guide to help you identify different species.
Closing Thoughts
North Carolina is fortunate to be home to a variety of beautiful blue birds. While we’ve focused on the Eastern Bluebird, the Indigo Bunting, and the Blue Jay, many other species add to the state’s rich avian tapestry.
Protecting these birds and their habitats is crucial. Conservation efforts, like planting native trees and shrubs and avoiding pesticide use, can make a real difference. We can also support organizations dedicated to bird conservation and advocate for policies that protect natural areas.
There’s something truly special about spotting a flash of blue in the landscape – whether it’s the cheerful song of a bluebird or the vibrant plumage of a bunting. So get outside, explore the natural world around you, and appreciate the beauty of these amazing creatures. By taking action to protect them, we can ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to experience the wonder of bluebirds in North Carolina.