What Bird Lays Blue Eggs: Uncover the 40 Species Now!

What bird lays blue eggs? It’s a question that has puzzled bird enthusiasts for ages. Is it a bird with blue feathers? Or perhaps one that eats blueberries? Well, the answer may surprise you.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the science behind blue eggshells and reveal the bird species that lays these coveted gems. Get ready to be egg-cited!

Table of Contents

1 What Bird Lays Blue Eggs?
2 Birds That Lay Blue Eggs
3 Frequently Asked Questions
4 Conclusion

What Bird Lays Blue Eggs?

The Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis) is the best known for laying blue eggs with great expertise, using a unique pigment that gives them their distinctive color. Other common birds that lay blue eggs include the:

American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea)
Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea)
Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor)
Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)

These birds are highly skilled in nest-building and ensure their eggs are safe and comfortable using materials like grass, feathers, and twigs.

Bird Species	Egg Frequency Ranking
Eastern Bluebird	Most common
American Robin	Second most common
Mountain Bluebird	Third most common
Tree Swallow	Fourth most common
Indigo Bunting	Fifth most common
Blue Grosbeak	Sixth most common

Birds That Lay Blue Eggs

American Robin

The American Robin is a migratory songbird found across North America. It lives in open woodlands, gardens, parks, and suburban areas, and eats insects, fruits, and berries. Its cup-shaped nests are made of grass, twigs, and mud, and its blue-green eggs are around 2.5 cm x 3.8 cm with brown speckles.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Grass, twigs, mud	Blue-green	2.5 cm x 3.8 cm	Speckled with brown

Red-winged Blackbird

The Red-winged Blackbird is a passerine bird found in North and Central America, living in wetlands, marshes, and meadows. Its diet includes insects, seeds, and grains, and its cup-shaped nests are made of grass, cattails, and sedges. The pale blue-green eggs are around 2.9 cm x 2.1 cm with black and brown speckles.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Grass, cattails, sedges	Pale blue-green	2.9 cm x 2.1 cm	Speckled with brown and black

Tricolored Blackbird

The Tricolored Blackbird is a passerine bird found in California’s Central Valley and Coast, living in grasslands, fields, and wetlands. It feeds on insects, seeds, and grains, and builds cup-shaped nests in colonies. Its eggs are pale blue with brownish-black spots, around 2.8 cm x 1.9 cm.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped (in colonies)	Grass, stems, leaves	Pale blue with brownish-black spots	2.8 cm x 1.9 cm	Lays up to 4 eggs per clutch

Common Blackbird

The Common Blackbird, also known as the Eurasian Blackbird, is a songbird found across Europe and Asia. It inhabits gardens, woodlands, and urban areas and feeds on insects, earthworms, and fruits. Common Blackbirds build cup-shaped nests made of grass and mud. Their eggs are blue-green with reddish-brown speckles and measure around 2.9 cm x 2.1 cm.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Grass, mud	Blue-green with reddish-brown speckles	2.9 cm x 2.1 cm	Glossy texture

Song Thrush

A song sparrow foraging through grass. — Image by Waldemar Zielinski from Pixabay

The Song Thrush, or Turdus philomelos, is a passerine bird found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It resides in woodlands, gardens, and parks, feeding on snails, earthworms, and insects. Its nest is a cup-shaped structure made of grass, leaves, and mud. The blue-green eggs have black or brown speckles, are 2.9 cm x 2.2 cm in size, and have a smooth, glossy texture.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Grass, leaves, mud	Blue-green with black or brown speckles	2.9 cm x 2.2 cm	Smooth, glossy texture

House Sparrow

The House Sparrow, also known as Passer domesticus, is a small bird that is native to Europe, Asia, and parts of North Africa. It has a widespread distribution and can be found in cities, towns, and rural areas. Its diet mainly consists of seeds and insects. The House Sparrow’s nest is a loose collection of grass, twigs, and feathers, and the eggs are typically white or pale blue and measure around 2 cm x 1.5 cm.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Small, loose	Grass, twigs, feathers	White or pale blue	2 cm x 1.5 cm	Spotted with brown

Eurasian Jay

The Eurasian Jay, also known as Garrulus glandarius, is a bird species found across Eurasia. It inhabits woodlands, parks, and gardens and feeds on insects, nuts, and seeds. Eurasian Jays build cup-shaped nests made of twigs and rootlets, and lay 4-6 olive-brown eggs with dark speckles. The incubation period lasts for around 16–19 days, and the chicks fledge after 21–23 days.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Twigs, rootlets	Olive-brown with dark speckles	3.5 cm x 2.5 cm	Laid in clutches of 4-6 eggs

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

The Blue-gray Gnatcatcher is a small, active songbird found in woodland habitats throughout North America. Its diet consists mostly of insects and spiders, and it builds compact, cup-shaped nests using spiderwebs, lichen, and plant fibers. The bird lays 4-5 white or pale pink eggs with brown speckles, which are incubated for about two weeks before hatching.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Compact, cup-shaped	Spiderwebs, lichen, plant fibers	White or pale pink with brown speckles	1.5 cm x 1 cm	–

Blue Grosbeak

The Blue Grosbeak, also known as Passerina caerulea, is a beautiful, medium-sized songbird found in North America. Its habitat includes open woods, shrubby areas, and fields. The Blue Grosbeak’s diet consists of insects, seeds, and berries. Its nest is built using grass, twigs, and rootlets, and its eggs are pale blue or greenish-blue with brown speckles. The incubation period lasts about 11-14 days, and the chicks fledge after approximately 12-14 days.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Grass, twigs, rootlets	Pale blue or greenish-blue with brown speckles	2.8 cm x 2.1 cm	Glossy appearance

Gray Catbird

The Gray Catbird is a medium-sized migratory songbird found in North America. Its habitat includes shrublands, gardens, and parks.

This bird eats insects, fruits, and berries.

The Gray Catbird builds cup-shaped nests made of twigs, grass, and bark. Its eggs are light blue with brown spots, around 2.2 cm x 1.7 cm in size.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Twigs, grass, bark	Light blue with brown spots	2.2 cm x 1.7 cm	Shiny appearance

Bluethroat

The Bluethroat is a small migratory songbird that breeds across Europe and Asia. It prefers wet habitats, such as bogs and marshes, and feeds on insects and spiders. Bluethroats build cup-shaped nests made of grass and moss. The eggs are light green with reddish-brown spots and are about 1.9 cm x 1.5 cm.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Grass, moss	Light green with reddish-brown spots	1.9 cm x 1.5 cm	–

American Crow

The Corvus brachyrhynchos, commonly known as the American Crow, is a widespread bird species found in North America. It lives in a wide range of habitats, including forests, fields, and urban areas. The American Crow’s diet consists of insects, seeds, fruit, and carrion. They build bulky stick nests in trees and lay light blue-green eggs that are about 4.3 cm x 3.1 cm in size.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Bulky sticks	Twigs, bark, grass	Light blue-green	4.3 cm x 3.1 cm	Speckled with brown

American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch, a tiny and vivid bird, is indigenous to North America. It is found in meadows, fields, and gardens, and feeds mainly on seeds, especially those of thistles and sunflowers. American Goldfinches build nests that are tightly woven and made of plant fibers, lichens, and spider silk. The eggs are light blue with brown speckles and are around 1.5 cm x 1 cm.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Small, tightly woven	Plant fibers, lichens, spider silk	Light blue with brown speckles	1.5 cm x 1 cm	Female incubates for 12-14 days

Lesser Goldfinch

The Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria) is a small passerine bird found in the western United States and Mexico. Its habitat includes woodlands, deserts, and urban areas. The Lesser Goldfinch primarily feeds on seeds, particularly thistle and sunflower seeds. The nests are small and cup-shaped, made of fine grasses, plant fibers, and spider silk. The eggs are white or pale blue, and about 1.5 cm x 1 cm.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Grasses, plant fibers, spider silk	White or pale blue	1.5 cm x 1 cm	Glossy with no speckles

Cassin’s Finch

Cassin’s Finch, scientifically known as Haemorhous cassinii, is a small songbird found in western North America. Its habitat includes coniferous forests, mountains, and scrubland. The Cassin’s Finch feeds on seeds and insects. It builds cup-shaped nests made of twigs, grass, and rootlets, and lays light blue eggs with brown speckles. The egg size is approximately 2 cm x 2.7 cm, and the incubation period is around 12-13 days.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Twigs, grass, rootlets	Light blue with brown speckles	2 cm x 2.7 cm	Glossy surface, pointed shape

House Finch

The House Finch is a common songbird found throughout North America. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including backyards, cities, and deserts. This bird’s diet includes seeds, fruits, and insects. House Finches build nests of grass and twigs, and their eggs are light blue with black spots. The incubation period is about 12–14 days, and the chicks fledge after around 12–19 days.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Grass, twigs	Light blue with black spots	1.8 cm x 1.3 cm	Smooth and glossy shell

Related:

Varied Thrush

The Varied Thrush, or Ixoreus naevius, is a colorful bird species native to the western United States and Canada. Its habitat includes coniferous forests, and it feeds on insects, berries, and seeds. The Varied Thrush builds cup-shaped nests made of twigs, grass, and moss, and its eggs are blue-green with black or brown speckles. The incubation period is approximately 12-14 days, and the chicks fledge after about 12-14 days.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Twigs, grass, moss	Blue-green with black or brown speckles	2.7 cm x 1.9 cm	Glossy appearance

Wood Thrush

The Wood Thrush is a migratory songbird that breeds in eastern North America and spends winters in Central America. It prefers deciduous forests with dense undergrowth and eats insects, fruits, and berries. Its nest is cup-shaped and made of twigs, bark strips, and grass. The eggs are blue-green with brown spots, and their size is about 2.5 cm x 1.8 cm.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Twigs, bark strips, grass	Blue-green with brown spots	2.5 cm x 1.8 cm	Glossy finish

Eurasian Bullfinch

The Eurasian Bullfinch, or Pyrrhula pyrrhula, is a small passerine bird found across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Its habitat includes woodlands, hedgerows, gardens, and parks. The bullfinch’s diet consists of seeds, fruits, and buds. The nest is a cup-shaped structure made of twigs, moss, and lichen, and the eggs are blue-green with reddish-brown speckles. The incubation period is approximately 12-14 days, and the chicks fledge after about 14–15 days.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Twigs, moss, lichen	Blue-green with reddish-brown speckles	1.9 cm x 2.6 cm	Glossy appearance

Blue Jays

The Blue Jay, scientifically known as Cyanocitta cristata, is a common bird species found in eastern and central North America. It resides in forests, parks, and suburban areas and feeds on nuts, seeds, and insects. Blue Jays build cup-shaped nests made of twigs, grass, and roots. Their eggs are light blue or greenish-blue and measure around 2.5 cm x 3.5 cm. The incubation period is about 17-18 days, and the chicks fledge after around 17-21 days.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Twigs, grass, roots	Light blue or greenish-blue	2.5 cm x 3.5 cm	Brown spots on larger end

Related:

European Starlings

The European Starling, also known as Sturnus vulgaris, is a non-native bird species in North America. It’s an omnivorous bird that feeds on insects, fruits, and grains. They build nests in tree cavities, birdhouses, and other small spaces, using grasses, feathers, and twigs. Their eggs are pale blue with black speckles, and measure about 2.4 cm x 1.8 cm.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Varies	Grass, twigs, feathers	Pale blue with black speckles	2.4 cm x 1.8 cm	Clutch size ranges from 4-6 eggs

Eastern Bluebirds

The Eastern Bluebird, scientifically known as Sialia sialis, is a small thrush species found in eastern North America. It resides in open woodlands, meadows, and orchards, and feeds on insects, berries, and fruits. The Eastern Bluebird builds its nest in tree cavities or nest boxes, using grasses, pine needles, and feathers. Its eggs are light blue, around 1.7 cm x 2.2 cm, and the incubation period lasts around 12-14 days.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Grass, pine needles, feathers	Light blue	1.7 cm x 2.2 cm	Speckled with brown

Related:

Western Bluebirds

The Western Bluebird, Sialia mexicana, is a small, migratory bird that resides in the western regions of North America. It prefers open woodlands and meadows as its habitat and feeds on insects and fruits. Western Bluebirds build nests in tree cavities, nest boxes, or abandoned woodpecker holes, and their eggs are light blue with brown speckles. The incubation period lasts around 13-14 days, and the chicks fledge after about 20-23 days.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Grass, pine needles, fur	Light blue with brown speckles	2.5 cm x 1.9 cm	Glossy surface

Dunnock

The Dunnock, also known as the Hedge Accentor or Hedge Sparrow, is a small bird found across Europe and Asia. It prefers hedgerows, gardens, and woodland habitats, and feeds on insects, seeds, and berries. Dunnocks build cup-shaped nests made of grass, and lay blue-green eggs with brown or purple speckles. The eggs measure about 2.0 cm x 1.5 cm and have an incubation period of around 12-13 days.

Nest Size	Nest Made From	Egg Color	Egg Size	Other Characteristics
Cup-shaped	Grass	Blue-green with brown or purple speckles	2.0 cm x 1.5 cm	–

Some more birds that lay blue eggs.

Blue Mockingbird
Snowy Egret
Great Blue Heron
Little Blue Heron
Common Myna
Snowy Egrets
Lawrence’s Goldfinch
Gray-capped Greenfinch
Bicknell’s Thrush
Clay-colored Thrush
Dusky Thrush
Swainson’s Thrush
White-throated Thrush
Bay-breasted Warbler
Olive Warbler
Eurasion Jackdaw
Mountain Bluebirds

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of bird lays blue eggs with brown speckles?

The American Robin is a well-known bird species that lays blue eggs with brown speckles. Their eggs are a light blue color with brown speckles that vary in intensity and size.

What small bird lays blue eggs?

The Eastern Bluebird is a small bird species that lays beautiful blue eggs. These eggs are a pale blue color and are often seen in small nest boxes in backyards.

What Australian bird lays blue eggs?

The Superb Fairywren is a small bird species native to Australia that lays blue eggs. The eggs are a bright blue color and are often found in small, dome-shaped nests made of grass and twigs.

What British bird lays blue eggs?

The Blue Tit is a small bird species native to Britain that lays blue eggs. The eggs are a pale blue color with red-brown speckles and are found in small, cup-shaped nests made of moss, wool, and feathers.

What garden bird lays blue eggs?

The Song Thrush is a garden bird species that lays blue eggs. These eggs are a pale blue color with brown speckles and are often found in nests made of grass and mud.

What kind of bird lays blue eggs with black spots?

The Common Starling is a bird species that lays blue eggs with black spots. The eggs are a pale blue color with black speckles and are often found in nests made of grass and twigs.

What kind of bird lays blue eggs with brown spots?

The House Sparrow is a bird species that lays blue eggs with brown spots. The eggs are a pale blue color with brown speckles and are often found in nests made of twigs and grass.

What small brown bird lays blue eggs?

The Carolina Wren is a small, brown bird species that lays blue eggs. These eggs are a pale blue color with brown speckles and are often found in nests made of moss, leaves, and twigs.

What Ohio bird lays blue eggs?

The Eastern Bluebird is a bird species commonly found in Ohio that lays blue eggs. These eggs are a pale blue color and are often found in small nest boxes in backyards.

What bird has a blue-green egg?

The Araucana chicken breed is known for laying blue-green eggs. These eggs have a unique and beautiful coloration, making them a favorite among backyard chicken enthusiasts.

Are blue eggs rare?

Blue eggs are relatively rare compared to other egg colors, but they are still laid by a number of bird species.

Why are some eggs blue?

Some birds, such as robins, wrens, and bluebirds, lay blue eggs. The color is due to pigments called biliverdin and protoporphyrin, which are present in the eggshell. The specific shade of blue can vary depending on the amount of pigment and other factors such as the environment and genetics.

How do you identify an egg?

Eggs can be identified based on various characteristics, including size, shape, color, texture, and markings. To identify an egg, it’s important to consider the species of bird that laid it, as well as the location and timing of the nest. Additional tools such as field guides and egg identification charts can also be helpful.

Are blue eggs always robins?

It’s not true that all blue eggs are laid by robins. Other bird species such as bluebirds, wrens, and jays can also lay blue eggs. The specific shade of blue and other characteristics can help identify the species of bird that laid the egg.

Can robin eggs be blue?

Yes, robin eggs can be blue. While robins are typically known for their distinctive blue-green eggs, they can occasionally lay eggs that are a lighter blue or even white. The color of robin eggs can vary depending on factors such as the age and health of the bird, as well as environmental conditions.

What is the difference between blue eggs & regular colored bird eggs?

Blue eggs get their unique color from a pigment called biliverdin, while regular bird eggs come in various colors from pigments like protoporphyrin and bilirubin. Despite the differences in color, all bird eggs are amazing structures that provide a nurturing environment for new life.

What are some of the common diseases that affect birds that lay blue eggs?

Blue eggs are not linked to any specific bird diseases, but avian influenza, West Nile virus, salmonellosis, and chlamydiosis are common. Symptoms include respiratory problems, weight loss, and diarrhea. Practice good hygiene when handling eggs, and clean birdhouses and feeders to prevent disease spread.

Can egg color be used to determine a bird’s sex?

In some bird species, the color of the egg can be used to determine the sex of the bird. For example, in some waterfowl, females lay larger and lighter-colored eggs, while males lay smaller and darker-colored eggs. However, in most bird species, the color of the egg is not a reliable indicator of the bird’s sex.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we have discussed the fascinating world of birds that lay blue eggs, including their unique coloration, nesting habits, and eggshell pigmentation. We explored the various factors that influence the timing of blue egg laying, including seasonal, daily, and geographic variations.

By understanding these patterns, we can gain valuable insights into the biology and behavior of these bird species, and how they adapt to their environments.

Related Post:

What Bird Lays Blue Eggs?

Birds That Lay Blue Eggs

American Robin

Red-winged Blackbird

Tricolored Blackbird

Common Blackbird

Song Thrush

House Sparrow

Eurasian Jay

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Blue Grosbeak

Gray Catbird

Bluethroat

American Crow

American Goldfinch

Lesser Goldfinch

Cassin’s Finch

House Finch

Varied Thrush

Wood Thrush

Eurasian Bullfinch

Blue Jays

European Starlings

Eastern Bluebirds

Western Bluebirds

Dunnock

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of bird lays blue eggs with brown speckles?

What small bird lays blue eggs?

What Australian bird lays blue eggs?

What British bird lays blue eggs?

What garden bird lays blue eggs?

What kind of bird lays blue eggs with black spots?

What kind of bird lays blue eggs with brown spots?

What small brown bird lays blue eggs?

What Ohio bird lays blue eggs?

What bird has a blue-green egg?

Are blue eggs rare?

Why are some eggs blue?

How do you identify an egg?

Are blue eggs always robins?

Can robin eggs be blue?

What is the difference between blue eggs & regular colored bird eggs?

What are some of the common diseases that affect birds that lay blue eggs?

Can egg color be used to determine a bird’s sex?​​​​​​​

Conclusion

Can egg color be used to determine a bird’s sex?