What Bird Lays Blue Eggs? 20 Birds That Lay Blue Eggs

Ever wondered which birds lay blue eggs? Here’s your answer: from the American Robin to the Eastern Bluebird, and the intriguingly beautiful Starling. We’ve got a list of 20 species that brighten their nests with blue. Prepare to be amazed by the spectacular Azure Kingfisher and the vivid hues of the Wood Thrush. Stick with us for a deep dive into these fascinating facts.

You won’t want to miss this feather-filled adventure!

What bird lays blue eggs?

You probably already know that bluebirds lay blue eggs. Although those in North America like the Eastern, Mountain, and Western Bluebird lay pale blue to white eggs, you’re not likely to discover these eggs quickly.

They’re cavity nesters and rarely lay their eggs outside a cavity – except when desperate. Also, about 4-5% of bluebirds lay white eggs!

But not to worry, hundreds of other species of birds lay blue eggs you’re far more likely to happen upon.

Those who find blue eggs in unknown locations will most likely see an American Robin egg. House Finches also have eggs that are bluish-green and may use a nestbox.

Starlings also lay blue eggs, but you can easily see the difference because they are more significant than bluebird eggs.

What other birds lay blue eggs?

20 Birds That Lay Blue Eggs

Here is a list of some well-known birds that lay blue eggs.

Red-winged, Rusty, and Tricolored Blackbird
Blue-footed Booby, Bluethroat, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Blue Grosbeak, Blue Mockingbird
Gray Catbird
American, Fish, Hawaiian, and Tamaulipas Crow
Snowy Egret
American, Lawrence’s, and Lesser Goldfinch
Cassin’s Finch, House Finch, Oriental Greenfinch
Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron
Common Myna
Aztec, Bicknell’s, Clay-colored, Dusky, Swainson’s, Varied, White-throated, and Wood Thrush
Bay-breasted, Olive, and Yellow Warbler
Eurasian Jackdaw, Eurasian Bullfinch
Blue jays
Eastern, Western, and Mountain Bluebirds
Dunnock
Goldfinches
Starlings
House Finches
Red-winged Blackbirds
Snowy Egrets

Learn more about each one below…

1. Red-winged, Rusty, and Tricolored Blackbird

These three types of Blackbirds each have their unique charm.

However, what unites them is their preference for blue eggs.

Blue-tinted eggs are usually tucked away safely in nests built in marshes or wetlands.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Red-winged Blackbird	North and Central America	Light blue
Rusty Blackbird	North America	Pale blue
Tricolored Blackbird	California, USA	Pale blue

2. Blue-footed Booby, Bluethroat, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Blue Grosbeak, Blue Mockingbird

Each of these blue-themed birds contribute to the chorus of avian species that lay blue eggs.

These range from the hilarious Blue-footed Booby, nesting along the Pacific Coast, to the Blue Mockingbird of Mexico.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Blue-footed Booby	Eastern Pacific Ocean	Pale blue
Bluethroat	Northern Eurasia and North America	Light blue
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher	North America	Pale blue
Blue Grosbeak	North and Central America	Light blue
Blue Mockingbird	Mexico	Pale blue

3. Gray Catbird

With its sleek gray coat and distinctive call, the Gray Catbird is a character in any garden.

Their egg-laying habits align with our topic, laying beautiful turquoise-blue eggs.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Gray Catbird	North America	Turquoise-blue

4. American, Fish, Hawaiian, and Tamaulipas Crow

The crow species across America are another group that produce blue eggs.

From the American Crow, a familiar sight in the states, to the Fish Crow of the Southeast and the Hawaiian Crow, an endangered species in the Pacific.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
American Crow	North America	Light blue
Fish Crow	Southeastern USA	Light blue
Hawaiian Crow	Hawaii, USA	Light blue
Tamaulipas Crow	Texas, USA, and Eastern Mexico	Pale blue

5. Snowy Egret

Snowy Egrets are not only remarkable for their strikingly white feathers but also for their blue eggs.

These elegant birds grace the wetlands of North America with their presence and nests.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Snowy Egret	Americas	Light blue

6. American, Lawrence’s, and Lesser Goldfinch

While Goldfinches are best known for their golden plumage, they are also part of the blue egg club.

Different Goldfinch species across North America continue this trend.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
American Goldfinch	North America	Pale blue
Lawrence’s Goldfinch	California and Baja California, Mexico	Light blue
Lesser Goldfinch	Americas	Pale blue

7. Cassin’s Finch, House Finch, Oriental

Finches are another diverse group with some members laying blue eggs.

The Cassin’s Finch and House Finch, residents of North America, and the Oriental Greenfinch from East Asia are all blue egg layers.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Cassin’s Finch	North America	Light blue
House Finch	North America	Light blue
Oriental Greenfinch	East Asia	Pale blue

8. Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron

Great Blue Herons and Little Blue Herons, as their names suggest, have a theme of blue. Fittingly, these majestic waterbirds lay eggs that are light blue.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Great Blue Heron	Americas	Light blue
Little Blue Heron	Americas	Pale blue

9. Common Myna

Common Mynas are renowned for their adaptability. From forests to cities, they’re comfortable anywhere, laying blue eggs in their versatile nests.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Common Myna	Worldwide	Pale blue

10. Aztec, Bicknell’s, Clay-colored, Dusky, Swainson’s, Varied, White-throated, and Wood Thrush

Thrushes are songbirds celebrated for their melodic tunes. Several species, spanning from Aztec Thrush to Wood Thrush, lay blue eggs, adding to their charm.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Aztec Thrush	Mexico	Pale blue
Bicknell’s Thrush	Eastern North America	Light blue
Clay-colored Thrush	Southern Texas and Central America	Pale blue
Dusky Thrush	East Asia	Light blue
Swainson’s Thrush	North America	Pale blue
Varied Thrush	Western North America	Pale blue
White-throated Thrush	Mexico and Central America	Pale blue
Wood Thrush	Eastern North America	Light blue

11. Bay-breasted, Olive, and Yellow Warbler

Warblers are tiny, vibrant birds that lay equally vibrant blue eggs. Among them, the Bay-breasted, Olive, and Yellow Warblers stand out.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Bay-breasted Warbler	North America	Light blue
Olive Warbler	Southwestern US to Central America	Pale blue
Yellow Warbler	Americas	Light blue

12. Eurasian Jackdaw, Eurasian Bullfinch

Across the pond, we have the Eurasian Jackdaw and Eurasian Bullfinch. Both of these birds, widespread in Europe and Asia, lay blue eggs.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Eurasian Jackdaw	Europe and Western Asia	Light blue
Eurasian Bullfinch	Europe and Asia	Pale blue

13. Blue Jays

One of the most iconic birds in North America, the Blue Jay, known for its bright blue feathers and distinctive crest, also lays blue eggs, blending perfectly with its overall aesthetic.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Blue Jay	North America	Light blue

14. Eastern, Western, and Mountain Bluebirds

The Eastern, Western, and Mountain Bluebirds, true to their names, lay blue eggs. Their lovely blue plumage and soft melodies have made them favorites among bird watchers.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Eastern Bluebird	Eastern North America	Light blue
Western Bluebird	Western North America	Pale blue
Mountain Bluebird	Western North America	Light blue

15. Dunnock

The Dunnock, a small bird from Europe and Asia, adds to our list with its pale blue eggs, usually found in dense hedgerows and shrubs.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Dunnock	Europe and Asia	Pale blue

16. Goldfinches

While gold might be in their name, Goldfinches also hold a fondness for blue when it comes to their eggs. Their nests, often built in trees or shrubs, cradle their precious blue offspring.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Goldfinches	Worldwide	Light blue

17. Starlings

Starlings are some of the most common birds around the globe, known for their flocks, or murmurations. They, too, lay blue eggs, contributing to their universal appeal.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Starlings	Worldwide	Pale blue

18. House Finches

House Finches, native to Western North America, have expanded across the entire continent. True to our topic, they lay blue eggs.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
House Finches	North America	Light blue

19. Red-winged Blackbirds

Red-winged Blackbirds, despite their dark plumage, produce light blue eggs. These widespread birds are found across North and Central America.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Red-winged Blackbirds	North and Central America	Light blue

20. Snowy Egrets

Last on our list, but certainly not least, are the Snowy Egrets. These striking birds lay light blue eggs, hidden in nests in marshy wetlands.

Bird Species	Geographic Range	Egg Color
Snowy Egrets	Americas	Light blue

And that’s a wrap on our journey exploring birds that lay blue eggs! This fascinating trait connects species across habitats and continents, providing a unique insight into the wonderful diversity of our feathered friends.

Reasons Why These Birds Lay Blue Eggs

Now that you know what bird lays blue eggs, let’s look at why do these birds lay blue eggs.

Female birds have two’ ink cartridges’ in their reproductive system: biliverdin and protoporphyrin.

All birds possess these two molecules, but not all species use them.

The ones that do use it, however, produce beautifully colored eggshells.

Biliverdin is the molecule that produces the blue and green pigment in eggshells.

The higher the concentration of biliverdin, the bluer the egg.

Protoporphyrin is the pigment that makes eggs red or brown or creates visible spots and speckles on the eggshells.

These ‘inks’ are added to the freshly formed shell in the last few hours of production.

Interestingly enough, the color of the eggs will change through the laying cycle of birds that lay multiple eggs at a time. It is as if they’re running out of pigment, but in fact, it points to the mother bird running out of calcium and nutrients.

Since 10% of the calcium in eggshells comes from the female, she needs extra calcium and nutrients while laying eggs. The eggdoesn’tvary in shade color if she doesn’t get any.

So, now that you know how it works, let’s move on to why it let’scessary.

Camouflage

A lot of animals in the wild are colored to blend in with their surroundings. If adult animals need it to escape from predators, fragile eggs need it even more. There are a lot of hungry predators out there looking for a quick snack.

But, camouflage doesn’t really apply to blue eggs. It’s the eggs with neutral tones and markings that blend away into the nesting material.

If birds lay eggs out in a scraped nest or directly on the ground in open areas, camouflage is essential.

To add protection, these birds will often decorate their nests as a form of concealment.

Temperature control

Okay, this may make you go ‘huh?’ but bear with me. Eggs are delicate, and the radiation and heat from the sun can easily cause harm not only to the shell but also to the chick.

The darker the egg, the better protected it will be against UV radiation, but, on the flip side, the quicker it will heat up and possibly cause the death of an unhatched chick.

A lighter egg has less chance of overheating but is more exposed to UV radiation.

Because of the connection between eggshell color and UV radiation and heat buildup, birds need to strike a balance between the color of their eggshells and the environment.

For example, birds that lay eggs in an exposed area will likely have lighter-colored eggshells. Eggs laid in Conversely, eggs sheltered from the sun will most likely have darker hues.

As you can imagine, the process will take many generations to perfect.

To recap, a study done to determine the function of different hues of eggshells found that pigments serve to reduce them:

Damaging ultraviolet radiation
The infrared radiation that heats the inside of the eggs

So to keep it simple, blue and other pigmented eggs regulate the effects of sunlight on the embryo/chick.

Some Other Eggshell Color Clues

We now know that the color of eggs gives us a clue about the amount of sunlight that reaches the bird’s nest.

But the colour of a bird’s eggshells can also give us some other important information.

The health of the mother bird and chicks

The brighter the eggshell, the better the health and diet of the mother bird. This means the hatchlings will also be strong and healthy.

Nest care habits

Typically, heavily camouflaged eggs are left unattended for more extended as parent birds go forage. In contrast, the more plain and noticeable eggs will be carefully guarded and watched by parents and thus have less need for camouflage.

Mismatched siblings

If there is a dramatic difference between eggs in the same nest, it can indicate a brood parasite.

Birds like Brown-headed Cowbirds and common Cuckoos lay their eggs in nests of other birds to be raised as foster chicks.

So, if an egg is much larger or smaller than the rest or has a different color in the brood, it is most likely from a brood parasite.

What About Patterns, Spots, and Blotches on Blue Eggs?

Speckled eggs are just another form of camouflage. You usually won’t find patterns, spots, and speckles on cavity nesters like the Eastern Bluebird, but open nesters and ground nesters are a different story.

Ground nesters such as ducks and geese; shorebirds like Avocets, Plovers, and Sandpipers; game birds including Turkey, Pheasant, and Grouse; and other species like Bobolink, Wood, and Hermit Thrushes will lay speckled eggs.

To guarantee the survival of their eggs, they rely on well-hidden and camouflaged eggs to make a predator’s job more difficult.

Besides camouflage, a study at the University of Oxford found that blotches on eggs serve an additional function. That is to strengthen the eggshell.

According to Andrew Gosler, Oliver R Connor, and Richard Bonsor, the pigment-related molecule protoporphyrin mentioned above also strengthens the eggshell.

The pigmentation compensates for any calcium deficiency and helps harden, especially the inner parts of the egg.

We must mention that this study only presented preliminary findings but that no direct relationship between eggshell strength and protoporphyrin pigmentation has previously been noted. There are mountains of circumstantial evidence, however.

Lastly, the spots and speckles on eggs can be used for identification. Remember those clever birds too lazy to build a nest or raise their young? The ones that lay their eggs in other birds’ nests?

Well, if the patterns on eggs differ from species to species, it will be easier to spot such egg trickery!

Observing Blue Eggs In A Nest

Sometimes we as bird enthusiasts can get so excited when we stumble onto a bird’s nest. We want to investigate and identify what bird species we’re looking at, and that is perfectly fine, within limits.

Observing the nest and the comings and goings of the mother bird and her partner is more than satisfactory. But one thing you do not want to do is disturb.

We know it’s tempting to want to touch or handle the eggs, maybe even snap a quick picture.

But can you imagine what a panicked state the mother bird is in when you go poking around in the nest and touching her eggs?

You’re a mighty giant predator, and she doesn’t know if you plan on having her babies as scrambled eggs for breakfast or if you’re just inspecting the pattern on the egg.

Even though you’re a curious birdwatcher, some signs will hint at what type of bird’s nest and egg you’re looking at. There’s no need to touch the egg or disturb the nest.

Look at the size, shape, color, markings, and finish of the eggs to guide you in the direction of the species of bird in question.

Also, small birds lay small eggs, while large birds will lay more giant eggs. All these clues will help you narrow down the species of bird.

There’s an unwritten rule under birdwatchers to observe but not involve yourself. Stick to that rule, and the mamma bird and her eggs will be safe.

There are actually laws in North America that forbid the destruction of birds’ eggs and nests and the sale of any bird eggs.

However, if it is a fledgling, leave it where you found it. You can distinguish between a nestling and a fledgling by the fluffiness and the fact that a beginner can grip your finger.

The fledgling phase occurs before the first flight, so the bird’s parents are most likely nearby looking after it. Don’t interfere in this process.

Difference Between Regular-Colored Eggs And Blue Bird Eggs

While blue eggs may look quite different from regular white-colored eggs, there aren’t many significant differences. The color of the shell of eggs does not play a role in determining the characteristics.

As we have said before, the blue color of the eggshell is because of the pigments on the inside of the body.

Specifically, the pigment responsible for the blue color is called biliverdin.

When the eggs are smaller, the color becomes more vibrant, and the giant eggs have a more pale shade of blue. In reality, besides the color of the shell, there are no fundamental differences between these eggs.

What Does The Color of The Shell Say About The Bird?

The shade of blue that the shell is doesn’t say much about the embryo.

However, it does say a few things about the health of the parent birds. Eggs with, for example, eggplant egg shells are egg shells at the embryo’s parents are verembryo’sy birds. This may also mean that the bird from the egg will also have good health.

If the egg’s color seems similar to the nest, so the egg is camouflaged, it can mean that the parent bird was not often present to protect the eggs. Additionally, if eggs from the same hatch have different colors, then this can mean a brood parasite is present.

Time of Laying Eggs

Plenty of factors contribute to determining when a bird will lay its eggs. Typically, birds lay eggs when the weather is a bit warmer. Therefore, anywhere from the beginning of spring to the end of summer can be a possible time.

We would again like to emphasize there’s no guarantee when the bird will lay its eggs. Factors such as the bird species, weather, and elevation play essential roles in the timing. You could get a good idea of this timing for a species if you study a bird for a while.

Conclusion

There’s your answer to what bird lays blue eggs:

And you can see over 20 types of birds lay blue eggs.

Bird eggs are as distinct as the birds themselves, and blue eggs only form a small part of the colors you can expect to see.

Birds can lay eggs in different white, tan, turquoise, teal, brick-red, and even pink hues!

Even the textures and coatings differ. For example, you’ll find some soft eggs while others will be shiny, bumpy, and smooth.

Then, of course, you may even find some Jackson Pollock-worthy spots, specks, and scars on some eggs. Mother nature can be a real show-off, right?

Of course, these patterns aren’t just for camouflage; they also strengthen the eggshell and make it possible to identify any brood parasites.

Scientists are still searching for more precise answers. What may other reasons be behind the blue tones of birds’ eggs or the specks and blotches?

We may know much more about this subject in the next ten years.

But, the more we understand about birds, eggs, and how the environment and natural selections impact them, the better we can help conserve our feathery friends.

What type of birds lay blue eggs?

The most common birds that lay blue eggs include Eastern Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Blue Jay, American Robin, Common Murre, Eurasian Jackdaw and the European Robin.

Here’s a list of some of the most common bird species that lay blue eggs:

- Eastern Bluebird
- Mountain Bluebird
- Turquoise-browed Motmot
- Blue Jay
- American Robin
- Common Murre
- Eurasian Jackdaw
- European Robin
- Barn Swallow
- Blue Grosbeak
- Blackbird
- Bluethroat
- House Sparrow
- Indigo Bunting
- Northern Parula
- Red-winged Blackbird
- Ring-necked Pheasant
- Rock Pigeon
- Spotted Flycatcher
- Starling
- Tree Swallow
- Wood Duck

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s look at some other questions that may have popped into your mind about birds and their eggs.

What kind of bird lays a blue egg?

Among the many birds that lay blue eggs, the American Robin is most famous for it. Robins are part of the thrush family and are commonly found across North America. Their striking blue eggs are a common sight in nests built in trees and shrubs, bringing a touch of color to the springtime landscape.

Can you eat blue chicken eggs?

Yes, you can absolutely eat blue chicken eggs. Chickens that lay blue eggs, such as the Araucana and Ameraucana breeds, produce eggs that are completely safe and nutritious to eat. The blue shell is purely a color variation and does not affect the quality or flavor of the egg, which remains similar to the eggs laid by other chicken breeds.

What are the colors of bird eggs?

Bird eggs come in a stunning variety of colors and patterns. This includes shades of white, blue, green, brown, and even red. Some eggs are monochromatic, while others have spots, speckles, or streaks. The color of bird eggs depends on various factors, including species, diet, and environment. Interestingly, the colors and patterns are often crucial in camouflaging the eggs from predators.

Are all bluebird eggs blue?

Bluebirds are known for their blue eggs, but they don’t always lay blue eggs. There is a variation in egg color within the species. Eastern and Western Bluebirds lay blue eggs, but occasionally they might lay white eggs. Similarly, Mountain Bluebirds generally lay pale blue or almost white eggs. The blue color is a result of a pigment called biliverdin, which is deposited during the egg formation process.

Are there naturally blue eggs?

Yes, there are naturally blue eggs. Several bird species, including the American Robin and various chicken breeds like Araucana, Ameraucana, and Cream Legbar, are known for laying blue eggs. This unique blue color is not a result of diet or external factors, but is due to a pigment called biliverdin, which the hen’s body produces and applies to the eggshell as the egg is forming in the oviduct.

What birds lay eggs on the ground?

A number of bird species lay eggs directly on the ground. These include game birds like pheasants, quails, turkeys, and grouse, certain species of ducks like the Mallard, and seabirds like the puffin and guillemot. These ground-nesting birds usually have excellent camouflage to protect their eggs and chicks from predators.

Are tiffany blue and robin egg blue the same?

While both Tiffany Blue and Robin Egg Blue are shades of turquoise, they are not exactly the same. Tiffany Blue, a copyrighted color by Tiffany & Co., is a little darker and more towards the green side. In contrast, Robin Egg Blue is a bit lighter and leans slightly more towards the blue side. Both colors are close but not identical.

Is Robin egg blue the same as teal?

Robin egg blue and teal are both within the blue-green spectrum of colors, but they are not the same. Robin egg blue is a softer, lighter color with a more pastel hue, while teal is a darker, richer, and more saturated color. Teal also leans more towards green compared to Robin egg blue.

What breed of duck lays blue eggs?

The Indian Runner duck is a breed that is known to lay blue eggs. Originally from the East Indies (not India), these ducks are unique for their upright posture and active nature. They are good layers and, along with the blue eggs, they may also lay off-white or greenish eggs.

Which Bird’s Egg is Blue?

Several bird species lay blue eggs. This includes the American Robin, Eastern Bluebird, and certain breeds of chickens, such as the Araucana and Ameraucana. These blue eggs range in shade from pale pastel blue to a more vibrant turquoise, depending on the species.

Why do Blue Jays have blue eggs? And do they lay eggs of different colors?

Contrary to popular belief, Blue Jays don’t lay blue eggs. Blue Jay eggs are typically off-white or light gray and are adorned with brown or gray spots. These spots help to camouflage the eggs in the nest. Even though Blue Jays have beautiful blue feathers, it doesn’t translate into their egg color.

Are Robin’s eggs blue?

Yes, the eggs of the American Robin are typically blue. It’s one of the most well-known characteristics of this bird. The shade of blue can vary, with some eggs appearing a light, pastel blue and others a more vibrant, turquoise blue. This blue color is due to a pigment called biliverdin, which is deposited on the eggshell during egg formation.

What kind of Robin lays blue eggs?

The American Robin, scientifically known as Turdus migratorius, is the type of Robin that lays blue eggs. This bird, native to North America, is well-known for its rich brown plumage, cheerful song, and distinctively blue eggs.

What other colors can a bird’s eggs be?

Bird eggs can be found in a wide range of colors and patterns, including white, blue, green, brown, and reddish-brown. Many bird eggs also feature speckles, blotches, and streaks for added camouflage. The color and patterns of the eggs often depend on the bird species, with each having unique variations.

How do the colors protect the eggs from the sun?

While the color of bird eggs can provide some degree of insulation and affect the temperature of the eggs, the main function of egg color is often related to camouflage rather than sun protection.

What wild birds lay small blue eggs?

Several wild birds lay small blue eggs. These include the American Robin and the Eastern Bluebird. Both of these species are common in North America and are known for their vibrant blue eggs.