In the spring and summer seasons, the forests, shrubs, farmlands and the coastlines of the United States buzz and trill with the arrival of the blue birds. Cerulean warblers, Black-throated blue warblers and Red-breasted nuthatches are some blue birds in Michigan that frequently visit the state in the summers and entertain the bird-watchers’ community!
These birds are being termed as “blue” because of their blue-colored feathers, head or breast regions. Some may have stripes or patches of blue, purple or violet on certain segments of their body, while others may have their entire body blue. Then we have birds like the Mountain Bluebird or Brewer’s Blackbird that have iridescent feathers on their body!
This article lists out 28 blue birds in Michigan and categorizes them as per their size, color and degree of iridescence. You will get to know about their habitats and feeding habits, and how they communicate with each other using an array of vocalizations.
Early bird catches the worm! So, without further ado, let’s swoop down and explore.
Contents
Small Blue Birds in Michigan
Birds that are smaller than 10 inches in length have been listed here. These blue birds have parts of their body in blue, violet or purple. Some of them can be commonly spotted in Michigan, while others may be visible only in summer or spring.
Black-Throated Blue Warbler
Source: @gkgmoney
- Scientific Name: Setophaga caerulescens
- Size: 13 cm (5.1 in)
- Locality: South-East Michigan, Caribbeans, North-Eastern US, South-Eastern Canada
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Late May through July-August
From the start of spring through the summer of July, these native avians of the Caribbeans fly to south-east Michigan and other parts of north-east United States in search of food and mates.
Recognition
These tiny tweety birds, like all other species of warblers, have nicely-dressed and well-groomed male and female counterparts. The males have deep navy blue heads and upper wings, with blackish-blue eye-zones and throat areas.
Their breast region and underparts are, however, a striking white, highly capable of arresting your full attention. The female blue warblers have olive upperparts and pale yellow breasts and flanks–a much softer and contrasting appearance.
Habitat
Black-throated blue warblers choose a mix of conifers and deciduous trees to build their nests in. In the north-eastern segments of the United States, including Michigan, these fast-paced featherly friends are often spotted flying in and out of shrubbery and canopies of trees lining the hills and mountains.
During the winters, they migrate to Central America, and in their route, they exchange some sweet words with humans in parks and gardens. This species of warblers choose to build their nests quite near to the ground so they search for safe and sheltered areas.
Feeding Habits
Be they caterpillars wriggling or flies swarming about, these little warblers prefer to eat a wide variety of insects. They utilize their sharp eye-sight to spot hidden victims from the lower parts of leaves, dig them out, and munch on them.
They are much more patient in comparison to other species of warblers when it comes to hunting for food. Other species tend to fly about from one tree to another often, whereas black-throated blue warblers spend quality time looking for their favorite chewables which include spiders too.
No, they do not go carnivore all the time–they cleanse their palate with berries and nuts in winters.
Sound
Black-throated blue warblers, like many others of the same genus, like to sing and spread joy. Their sound, when described in words, takes the shape of a metallic “zee zee zee”, while their alarm calls stay limited to sharp “ztuk”.
Cerulean Warbler
Source: @dougrodda
- Scientific Name: Setophaga cerulea
- Size: 11 cm (4.3 in)
- Locality: Sout-East Michigan, North-East United States, Subtropical Forests of South America
- Status: Near Threatened
- Breeding Season: Mid-May to July
Among the dense canopies of white oak trees and bitternut hickories lining the south-east Michigan state forests during spring and summer seasons, you may be able to spot the quick-witted cerulean warblers. This is the location cerulean warblers choose for breeding, and in the winters they fly off to the subtropical forests of South America.
Recognition
These tiny creatures possess the loveliest shade of blue in their feathers– the eye-soothing cerulean. However, only males get to flaunt such beauty, whereas the females boast turquoise crowns and backs.
The males have a line of cerulean blue around their neck which makes it seem as if they are wearing a necklace. The females seem to raise their supercilia (eyebrows) when they catch a glimpse of their cerulean counterparts.
Habitat
Deciduous trees like oaks, sugar maples, hickories and cucumber magnolias are their favorite foraging and breeding grounds. This particular species of warblers choose to nest between the mid and high level canopies.
Historically native to Alabama and Mississippi, they are abundantly visible in the Appalachian Mountains and all across north-eastern United States.
Feeding Habits
Cerulean warblers peck on wood of tree branches and trunks to dig out insects that they adore to feed on. Butterflies, moths and other winged insects that land on flowers are also their victims. These warblers usually like to keep their hunting and scavenging business far from their homes–thus the foraging places are distant from their nests.
Sound
The male counterparts make a buzzing, vibratory sound that can also be called a trill. When put in words, the sound may be described as “zray zray zhee”, that is almost comparable to metallic objects clinking.
Females produce similar sounds too but not very frequently. However, while nesting, they may give out a sharp “chirp” to alert the male counterpart.
Northern Parula
Source: @dougrodda
- Scientific Name: Setophaga americana
- Size: 10.8 to 12.4 cm ( 4.3 to 4.9 in)
- Locality: North-East United States, Eastern North America, Northern Part of Central America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to May
Fluttering over the forest canopies of North America, on its way to southern Canada and Florida to keep its generation alive, the soft blue Northern Parulas make their presence known. They like to feed and breed in plantations as well as mossy conifers, and they have been affectionately named “the little titmouse” or “finch creeper” by naturalists.
Recognition
These migratory warblers have mostly bluish-gray upperparts, and yellowish-white underparts. The males have slightly brighter plumage than their female counterparts, but both the genders change into duller versions after the breeding season is over.
Habitat
As Northern Parulas inhabit both the northern and southern parts of eastern United States and North America, they can be broadly classified into two types–the northern and southern Parulas.
Northern Parulas prefer dense and moist coniferous growths, like hemlock swamps or spruce bogs, and they make swinging, pendulum-like nests inside suspended clumps of moss or twigs. Southern Parulas, on the other hand, like to build nests closer to the ground and they simply adore mossy growths.
Feeding Habits
Wherever there are fruits, nuts and berries, the Northern Parulas skip and chirp with plenty of amusement. When they feel the need for more proteins, they do not hesitate to change their diet to caterpillars, locusts, grasshoppers, and even bees and ants!
Sound
Like other warblers, Northern Parulas like to add music to the daily processes of nature. If you are trekking through a forest and get to hear a “zeee-yip”, resembling a metallic trill, most apparently a Parula is trying to attract your attention. Watch out for the ‘chips” though–they are meant to warn the arrival of predators.
Red-Breasted Nuthatch
Source: @mikullashbee
- Scientific Name: Sitta canadensis
- Size: 11 cm ( 4.5 in)
- Locality: North-Eastern United States, Western United States, Canada
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Mid-April to Early August
Ever wondered why they are called ‘nuthatches’? Nuthatches literally got their name from their feeding habits—-they at first fix nuts, one of their favorite food items, into tight crevices and then hammer at them to break them open!
Native to the coniferous forests of Michigan and other north-eastern parts of the United States, red-breasted nuthatches may even fly to the south toward Canada and Northern Mexico if food supplies are scarce.
Recognition
Red-breasted nuthatches are common passerines or perchers, and these adorably small feathered creatures have a light bluish appearance, with rusty-toned underparts. Their eyes are lined in black, and there are black bars on the sides of their face.
Habitat
Being a native to the northern parts of the country, alpine coniferous forests are the ultimate destination of these charming creatures.
Locals sometimes call them ‘mud dabblers’ out of affection because they have this curious habit of plastering the entrance to their nests with mud! They do that even if they adopt a bird house, which is an amusing behavior.
Feeding Habits
Much of their foraging habit could be accounted for by the way they move around tree branches and trunks. They seem to defy the law of gravity as they hop about on the underside of twigs and do not need to use their tails as a prop while climbing up.
This acrobatic ability gives them the privilege of hunting all sorts of insects and fruits that find their place on a tree, starting from flies to conifer seeds. As they adore interacting with humans, you can offer them sunflower seeds, and even peanut butter in the bird feeders.
Sound
Their chirps are more like a tin-trumpet being played, quite nasal, and could be represented by the words “yank yank”. Pretty interesting sound considering how small the bird is!
White-Breasted Nuthatch
Source: @fulginitiphotography
- Scientific Name: Sitta carolinensis
- Size: 15.5 cm ( 6.1 in)
- Locality: All across United States, parts of Canada, Mexico, Rocky Mountains
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Between May and June
Nuthatches are remarkable avians in terms of their unique behavior, like for instance, their migratory habits or their perching methods. Only a few species of birds around the world irrupt to southern areas in search of food and warmer temperatures, and nuthatches are one of them.
Consider the way they move about on tree branches–using their four-toed feet where the big toe conveniently faces backwards, they defy gravity by hanging upside down without using their tails for support.
Recognition
Males and females of this bird species are almost identical–with dark black caps and the characteristic bluish-black upperwings. However, females have duller plumage, a feature that is helpful while distinguishing between the two genders. The underparts of both are white.
Habitat
These blue birds of Michigan prefer constructing their nests in mixed forests where there are both coniferous and deciduous trees. Among the hickories, aspens and the sugar maples, the birds look for abandoned woodpecker holes or any other tree crevices to build their cozy houses.
The females are the more hardworking of the two– they collect dirt, feathers, shredded bark and pieces of grass blades to decorate the nests. They even reuse the nests in the future.
Feeding Habits
The white-breasted nuthatches sometimes gang up with certain species of woodpeckers and chickadees and form what naturalists have termed as “the foraging guild”.
This group hunts together and alerts each other whenever they sense danger around them, thus enhancing their concentration on foraging. They love to peck out larvae and beetles of various sorts from the ground and branches. These partially herbivore avians also go for sunflower seeds and acorns.
Sound
White-breasted nuthatches have several vocalizations and are quite noisy. Sometimes they go “ki ki ki”, and in winters, produce a highly frequent “nit”. In the mountainous areas of Michigan, you may hear “kri kri kri”, and this sound is thought to be associated with some very excited nuthatches.
Blue-Headed Vireo
Source: @coeli_ingold
- Scientific Name: Vireo solitarius
- Size: 12.6 to 14.8 cm ( 5.0 to 5.8 in)
- Locality: North-East United States, South-East United States, Canada, Mexico
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Early Spring to Mid October
If you happen to pass by a mature coniferous forest in Michigan and you catch a chirpy carol, you might just be listening to a Blue-headed Vireo or a bunch of them. Though native to north-eastern United States and Appalachian Mountains, they head toward Mexico and Central America in the winters.
Recognition
Both the genders of this species of vireos boast a blue crown from where they got their name. They possess a light greenish tone on their breast region that turns a little darker, almost into lemon yellow, as it extends to the back wings and underparts.
Their eyes are outlined in white that enhances their beady black eyes. Locals say they wear ‘spectacles’ owing to this feature.
Habitat
The breeding season of these blue birds in Michigan start before deciduous tree leaves have fully grown, therefore, the vireos build their nests in the conifers. Also known as the ‘solitary vireo’ or ‘plumbeous greenlet’, these birdies build their homes on higher altitudes on the branches of evergreens like spruce, fir and hemlocks.
Of course, once the deciduous trees are ready to welcome them, the blue-headed vireos visit alders, poplars and birches too. Surprisingly, these songbirds are also spotted in swamps and thickets at times.
Feeding Habits
When the birds crave for more proteins, they go on a hunt for spiders, beetles, ants, dragonflies and even snails. Due to migration into tropical areas and shortage of insects, these avians are also open to feeding on fruits, nuts and berries.
The birds have short bills that are equipped with enough strength to hammer down the exoskeleton of beetle-like bugs. Blue-headed vireos hop about on tree branches pretending it did not spot its prey, and then plunge on the victim when it is most vulnerable.
Sound
The birds sing in a monotonous tone usually, but during the mating season, the males become quite communicative. During foraging and breeding season, pairs use sharp chirping noises to exchange information.
Orchard Oriole
Source: @studebakerbirdtours
- Scientific Name: Icterus spurius
- Size: 15 to 18 cm ( 5.9 to 7.1 in)
- Locality: North-Eastern United States, Mexico, Central America, Parts of Canada
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Late April to Late May
The nectar-loving Orchard Orioles are not only found near blooming flowers, but they also forage within deciduous forests. Known to breed in mainly the states at the Canada-US border, they migrate to Central Mexico and further south in the winters. They are also often spotted in coastal areas and near river banks.
Recognition
The Orchard Orioles resemble warblers a lot at the first glance, Their upperwings are mostly back with a bluish hue, although in less illuminated conditions, they may look totally black. The chest and underwings are an orange-yellow or rich chestnut that sets a sharp contrast with the upper side of the body.
They may also flaunt small yellow dots at the corners of their eyes that greatly accentuate their overall appearance. Female counterparts are usually dressed in olive yellow feathers on the contrary.
Habitat
Although deciduous forests could be a favorite nesting place, orchard orioles love to build their home in open places. As the name suggests, orchards are one of their favorite hang-out places, together with gardens, residential places, pastures, shorelines and riverbanks. When the habitat is to their liking, they are found to nest in groups.
Feeding Habits
These blue birds in Michigan help in pollination as they are quite fond of sucking nectar out of flowers. Their long and sharp beaks help them in the process.
These avians are attracted to backyards too, so once they peep, you can offer them an orange or jelly cubes and they will be your loyal feathered friend. They are insectivores too and spiders are their most treasured edibles.
Sound
These friendly creatures have an amicable tone to their warbles, that usually finish with a “whee’ or a “zheer”. When they are intending to alert one another of imminent danger, their calls shorten to a “chuck” or they keep chattering monotonously to each other.
Kirtland’s Warbler
Source: @swamprattler
- Scientific Name: Setophaga kirtlandii
- Size: 14 to 15 cm ( 5.5 to 5.9 in)
- Locality: Michigan, Wisconsin, The Great Lakes Region of Canada
- Status: Near Threatened
- Breeding Season: September to Early October
Also known as the jack-pine warblers, these adorable little songbirds prefer only jack-pine trees to nest and forage on. This is the reason why, at present, their population is limited around Michigan, Wisconsin and the Great Lakes of Canada.
Thanks to its climate and other factors, jack-pine trees are quite common in the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. That’s where these little passerines chirp about!
Recognition
Male Kirtland’s warblers have amazing deep blue crowns that get lighter as the feathers run down the back to the tail regions. The blue gets intense around the eyes, tuning almost black, with white outlines to accentuate the prettiness.
On the flanks, spots or dots of blue-black are visible, with the breast region and underparts yellow or lemon-yellow. Females have brownish throat and breast areas.
Habitat
Coppice woodlands in slash-and-burn agricultural processes are the favorite nesting and feeding grounds of these species of warblers. Open areas, like shrubbery, are quite favored by them, whereas dense canopies are a complete no-no. Gardens and yards also find Kirtland’s warblers as visitors and residents.
Although these birds choose jack-pine trees almost exclusively, they do have room for exceptions. These warblers may at times go for sweet fern, blueberry and mayflower growths, and also red pine trees. The nests of these birds are built either on the ground or at the base of trees.
Feeding Habits
During winters, these blue birds in Michigan choose to thrive on berries of all kinds from different types of berry-bearing trees and plants. During the summers, however, they make room in their diet for insects like aphids and spittlebugs.
Sound
Males make a metallic trill which is quite chirpy and soothing to the ears. In the winter months, however, the calls become less frequent.
Eastern Bluebird
Source: @applehillphotos
- Scientific Name: Sialia sialis
- Size: 16 to 21 cm ( 6.3 to 8.3 in)
- Locality: Most of United States, Rocky Mountains, Southern Canada
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Spring and Summer
Endowed with unusually long lives ranging anywhere between 6 and 10 years, quite unlike small, wild birds, these species of bluebirds are highly visible in the United States. These colorful thrushes are native to the northernmost areas of the country, while Texas and New Mexico are their wintering grounds.
Recognition
Both male and female Eastern bluebirds have shades and streaks of blue, in males the blue being slightly brighter and more eye-catching. It is interesting to note that these bluebirds are not born blue but “turn blue” as they age!
Bluebird fledglings have gray coloration with specks on their breast, and it is only when they are 10 to 14 days old that they start turning blue. In females, the breast has a paler orange color, whereas in males, it is a deeper shade of orange, almost brown.
Habitat
Eastern bluebirds prefer flying about and foraging in opening areas that include understories, open countrysides, pine savannas, ponds and forest clearings. They have also been spotted in suburban areas, parks and even backyards.
Eastern bluebirds are not expert nest-builders and prefer abandoned woodpecker homes for nesting purposes. However, the females do build homes at times, with the help of broken twigs, stems and feathers, that resemble cup-like structures.
Feeding Habits
Insects like crickets, grasshoppers, earthworms, spiders and snails–are all their favorite munchies. They also prefer feeding on wild fruits and berries whenever they want to take a break from the wriggling arthropods.
They perch, swoop, peck and poke into different types of surfaces to find their food. In winters, they even group up to search for food and shelter together.
Sound
Eastern bluebirds are quite social and they almost sound like they are conversing with nature and human beings. Sounds of these birds can be written as “choor-lee” or “chirr-wee”, almost resembling the sounds of the words ‘truly’ or ‘purity’.
Barn Swallow
Source: @tiffany_in_nature
- Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica
- Size: 17 to 19 cm ( 6.5 to 7.5 in)
- Locality: All throughout United States
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to August
Barn Swallows are one of the most commonly found birds not only in the United States, but all over the world. However, they are long-distance migratory birds and can travel up to 9000 kilometers to the southern areas to get some warmth during the harsh winter months.
These birds may look tiny but it is better if you do not underestimate them by their size! If they consider you as a threat, they will dive down straight at you, and this attack may include your pet animals too!
Recognition
These swallows are some exquisite looking birds. One of the characteristic features of these blue birds in Michigan is their forked tail. Starting from the top and back of the head all the way to the tip of the tails, the color is a shimmering deep purple-blue.
The front part of the face and the throat region are rufous or cinnamon red. The lower parts of the upper-wings are streaked in white for an accentuated appearance, while the entire underpart is creamy white. The female counterparts are quite similar, just less vibrant.
Habitat
Open habitats like pastures and farmlands, with an open source of water, are highly favored by Barn Swallows. They also prefer stables or culverts for nesting purposes, and places that offer ridges or wires to perch on. They avoid densely populated areas except in winters.
Feeding Habits
Farmlands and pastures that have been disturbed by grazing or machineries are much sought after because insects like earthworms, ants and beetles would surface. They also catch insects like grasshoppers and dragonflies while in flight.
Sound
The classic ‘twitter’ sounds are made by these blue birds. Males chirp and tweet all throughout the breeding season, while females chirp for a shorter period of time.
Medium-Sized Blue Birds in Michigan
Birds that are between 10 and 20 inches in length have been listed here. Some are native, whereas some have migrated from the south. Certain others could be vagrant species.
Blue Jay
Source: @clh.photography78
- Scientific Name: Cyanocitta cristata
- Size: 22 to 30 cm ( 9 to 12 in)
- Locality: Most of North-Eastern United States, Parts of Canada
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Between March and July
This group of birds demonstrate fantastic social behavior, almost like humans. Blue Jays, belonging to the same family as crows, stay within small groups or familial bunches. They forage together, migrate together, and may even spend their whole life with each other. At times, children join the flocks too. They are inseparable!
Recognition
These terrific looking, lavender-feathered jays are a sight to behold! Starting from the crown of the head all the way to the tip of the tail, colors like ocean blue, navy blue and lavender dance around. Surprisingly, this lavender coloration is not due to pigments but due to an internal feather structure that refracts light in a certain manner.
They also have thin, black stripes down the end of the tail, around their neck and slightly around the front of their face. Their throat, chest and underparts are all white. The most interesting feature is the crest that rises and falls according to the mood of the bird!
Habitat
These blue birds in Michigan have unusual migration patterns–they may migrate to the south this year, but may not the next year.
Both conifers and deciduous trees are suitable nesting places for the Blue Jays, preferably pines, spruce, beeches and oaks. They like to interact with humans so are often seen in parks and residential areas.
Feeding Habits
Blue jays adore eating acorns, fruits and seeds and are of course attracted to bird feeders. This species of jays like to eat nuts too. They hold nuts with their feet and crack them open by hammering them with their strong beaks. They are omnivores so they munch on insects too.
Sound
Blue jays call their own names “jay jay jay” while communicating with each other. “Clicking” noises and sounds like “toodali” may also be audible.
Belted Kingfisher
Source: @locksley.murray
- Scientific Name: Megaceryle alcyon
- Size: 28 to 35 cm ( 11 to 14 in)
- Locality: All over North America and Central America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to May
These amazing looking blue birds in Michigan, with a stylish mohawk crown, are difficult to miss! These state-blue, majestic feathered avians love fish so they are usually spotted at shorelines, river banks and coastal areas.
Recognition
Belted kingfishers are powdery-blue, top-heavy, fish-catching birds that can be spotted patiently perched on tree branches or large boulders searching for crayfish and other aquatic creatures to feed on. In this species of birds, the females are more colorful with reddish-orange patches across their white breasts and bellies.
Habitat
Streams, lakes and rivers and the banks or shores of these water bodies are their nesting grounds. They look for soft earth for building their nests that is plentifully available on the banks.
Feeding Habits
Fish is their primary food. Occasionally, they may settle for other aquatic vertebrates and invertebrates.
Sound
Raspy at its best, accompanied by a loud rattling noise.
Purple Gallinule
Source: @_mitchwalters
- Scientific Name: Porphyrio martinicus
- Size: 26 to 37 cm ( 10 to 15 in)
- Locality: Eastern parts of United States, Central America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May through August
These fantastic looking, long-legged, semi-amphibious rail birds are native to the eastern United States, and migrate to southern parts of America in winters. They are animated color palettes–having a mixture of violet, indigo, sky blue, moss green and even bright yellow in their plumage.
Recognition
Purple Gallinule can be spotted walking away on water surfaces, gingerly placing their feet on floating lotus leaves! There are patches of bright yellow and red on their beaks, and a few white feathers in their underside tail feathers. Their feet are an eye-catching yellow. Females are slightly smaller than the males.
Habitat
Marshy or boggy areas, or lands with freshwater sources nearby, are the gallinule’s favorable places to inhabit. Tall emerging vegetation in rice fields and canals are the breeding places of these birds. Females make cup-shaped nests on marshes using grasses and sedges.
Feeding Habits
These species of railbirds feed on leaves of plants, tubers, fruits and even flowers of lotus and waterlilies. Insects and arthropods in marshy areas such as frogs, fishes, leeches and snails are also their favorites.
Sound
Their vocalizations will remind you of the cackling of geese or hens.
Merlin Falcon
Source: @rgl_photography
- Scientific Name: Falco columbarius
- Size: 24 to 33 cm ( 9 to 13 in)
- Locality: All across the United States, Central America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Late April to Early May
Merlin Falcons are native to Michigan and are found all across the United States, though they move more to the west and south during winters.
In colloquial language, the locals call these species of falcons by the name “pigeon hawks” because when in flight, they look like pigeons in appearance. However, unlike hawks, they use their beaks to make their prey surrender, not talons.
Recognition
These ravishing looking birds flaunt bluish-gray plumage and rufous red breasts and underparts. Merlin falcons are birds of prey, heavily built unlike other small-sized falcons, having a wingspan of 20 to 29 inches. Females and young ones have brownish-black overall appearance.
Habitat
Over the past decades, Merlins have become quite well-adapted to noisy places like cities and do not migrate as much as they did earlier. Woodlands and open forests welcome Merlins as long-time inhabitants, though certain falcons of this species may choose coastal and marshy areas as more favorable. Merlins may choose abandoned magpie or crow nests at times, decorating them in their own way.
Feeding Habits
Small birds often fall prey to large birds, and it is no exception in this case. Merlin falcons catch birds like sparrows, larks and shorebirds often in mid-flight. Other animals such as bats and rodents are hunted upon too.
Sound
Merlins give out sharp and ear-piercing “chips” and chatters during mating. They may produce the same sound when they feel threatened.
Sora
Source: @andreapicoestrada
- Scientific Name: Porzana carolina
- Size: 19 to 30 cm ( 7.5 to 11.8 in)
- Locality: All across North America, Central America, Parts of South America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Late April to Early August
This beautiful bluish-brown rail bird is commonly found scattered all over the United States. They migrate to Central America and the southern parts of the United States during winters. Like many semi-amphibious birds, soras can swim, walk about and even fly thousands of miles!
Recognition
It is a tad difficult to locate these railbirds because they hide themselves among thick and long vegetation in marshy and boggy lands. There are higher chances of hearing them than spotting one.
Starting from the crown, down the back, to the end of their tails, these birds have brown feathers, speckled in blue-black. However, their throat, belly and underparts are blue-black.
Habitat
Wetlands, bogs, marshes and freshwater-surrounded areas are the habitat of these semi-terrestrial birds. Soras usually wander about long and dense growths of sedges and cattails, and in winter, could be even spotted in flooded areas. The nests look like shallow baskets.
Feeding Habits
They thrive on sedges, rice and other types of seeds that are available in wetlands and marshy areas. Soras also peck at the surface of the water to look for aquatic insects and other invertebrates. .
Sound
These adorable looking birds produce a whinny ‘ker-wee’ sound that could be audible from deep beneath long grasses and sedges where they build their nests.
Large Blue Birds in Michigan
Birds that are larger than 20 inches in length are listed here. Herons are large blue birds in Michigan that can easily be spotted in the marshlands and coastal areas.
Great Blue Heron
Source: @dhananjayaninganna
- Scientific Name: Ardea herodias
- Size: 91 to 137 cm ( 36 to 54 in)
- Locality: All over United States, Parts of Canada, Central America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to May (North), November through April (South)
As the name suggests, this species of heron is not only majestic in appearance, but also an agile hunter. As soon as they spot their prey, they assume a stealth mode and approach the prey quietly, only to plunge with their long, sharp bill at the speed of lightning the next second!
Recognition
Initially appearing to be moving slow, these long-legged herons are usually found wading in shallow waters of marshy and boggy areas, or standing completely still in search for prey.
They have azure-colored plumage that appears to be grayish white in different angles of illumination. A deep blue line runs starting from their upper beak down their upper back, and may have streaks of burnt orange on their side wings as well.
Habitat
These blue birds in Michigan are visible in mangrove swamps, shorelines, edges of lakes, and other waterlogged areas. They occasionally fly to hunt as well and build nests in trees and even bushes.
Feeding Habits
Great blue herons are not only great to look at, but they are fantastic anglers. They eat fish of all sizes especially bass, flounder and perch. Not only that but these carnivorous birds fulfil their “great” appetite by eating turtles, snakes, frogs, toads, rats and squirrels.
Sound
In a heronry, these birds give out mating calls that resemble “squawks” and “roh roh roh”. As they prefer to breed in colonies, this sound triggers a cacophony of other sounds like “gow gow gow” and “fronk fronk fronk”.
Yellow-Crowned Night Heron
Source: @keithfreeburn
- Scientific Name: Nyctanassa violacea
- Size: 55 to 70 cm ( 1 ft 10 to 2 ft 4 in)
- Locality: South-East Michigan, North-Eastern United States, Parts of Central America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Early Spring to Summer
Though rare in Michigan, these yellow-crowned herons can be spotted in the state during the migration season of the birds, that is, between March and April. These herons are nocturnal creatures, thus the name!
Recognition
With senses activating from dusk till early dawn, these two-feet-long birds own slender, skin-colored legs that may turn to yellow or red during the breeding season. Their necks, when craned, are quite long and thin.
They have a yellow patch on their crown, and their whole body is bluish-gray with black scale-like marks on their side wings.
Habitat
Waterlogged regions like marshes and wetlands, coastal areas, shorelines, and slow-paced streams are their living and breeding areas. Yellow-crowned night herons build their nests in bushes, thickets and rock ledges either in groups or singularly.
Feeding Habits
While they fly and hover about with slow and deliberate wingbeats, they spot fish, insects and other invertebrates, catch them and feed on them. Mostly, however, they perch motionless on tree branches, slightly hunched, waiting for their prey.
Sound
When they are alarmed or aggressive, or about to fly off, they give off a quick “squawk”. During courtship, the males produce “yup yup” and “huh” noises.
Full Blue Birds in Michigan
The blue birds listed below have blue coloration all over their body, starting from their head to the tip of their tail, including underparts.
Indigo Bunting
Source: @tinawardell
- Scientific Name: Passerina cyanea
- Size: 11.5 to 15 cm ( 4.5 to 5.9 in)
- Locality: All across the United States, Parts of Canada and Central America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May to September
Indigo Buntings are one of the most commonly sighted blue birds in Michigan. These stocky little feathered creatures usually migrate at night and are thought to use stars to show them directions. Though small, these birds have an average life span anywhere between 10 and 15 years!
Recognition
From the neck to the tip of their tail, male Indigo Buntings are a vibrant cerulean blue, with only the head a brilliant indigo. When they fly across the sky, they are almost not visible, as if they are a part of the sky itself. An adult female is not blue however, it is mostly brown in appearance.
Habitat
Indigo Buntings find their homes within mixed forests of conifers and deciduous. They can also be spotted at the edges of farmlands, roads and woods. In winters, one can see them in orchards and fields. Females construct cup-shaped nests using grass blades, twigs and spider webs.
Feeding Habits
Indigo Buntings may perch on the tallest branches, but they forage near to the ground for insects and seeds. The little birdies do not mind buds and berries either.
Sound
These birds produce repetitive warbling noises, and when they need to call each other during mating times, they like to use a sharp “spik” sound. When they fly around, they make metallic “buzz” noises.
Purple Martin
Source: @chriswilford
- Scientific Name: Progne subis
- Size: 19 to 20 cm ( 7.5 to 7.9 in)
- Locality: All across United States, Central and South America
- Status: Least concern
- Breeding Season: Between March and June
They are quite common in the north-eastern United States, perch on the rooftops and chirp all throughout summer, and then leave in massive flocks to the south during winters. Not only do these swallows look magical, but they may live for up to 13 long years!
Recognition
Purple Martins are some of the prettiest birds to behold– adult males have a complete iridescent black body that gives off a steel-blue sheen when it refracts light. Adult females have a steel-blue shine on their crowns, but the rest of the body is light brown and white.
Habitat
In the wild, these blue birds in Michigan can be spotted in open areas where there is some source of water available. In the winters, however, they like to take shelter in agricultural farmlands and rainforest clearings.
In the modern times, these species of swallows like to eat from bird feeders in the backyards of their human friends. They have adapted well to urban areas, and you will find their nests mostly in cracks of buildings or in bird houses, and seldom in woodpeckers’ nests or empty gourd shells.
Feeding Habits
These birds enjoy the best of both worlds– they catch their prey both on terrains and in water. They also use a strategy called “hawking” to catch prey mid-flight. They are mostly insectivores and will fly a thousand miles to gorge on yummy insects.
Sound
Purple Martins are quite vocal with their wants and needs. They “chirp”, “chortle” and “croak”, as well as “churr” and “pew pew” all day long. They are classic songbirds and have a song for every occasion.
Mountain Bluebird
Source: @mikullashbee
- Scientific Name: Sialia currucoides
- Size: 15.5 to 18 cm ( 6.1 to 7.1 in)
- Locality: South-East Michigan, North-Western United States, South-Central Mexico
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to September
Mountain bluebirds are one fast-flying bird– when threatened, it can fly up to a speed of 17 mph! These tiny feather-balls of energy like to thrive in open areas and are extremely social–they like to do everything in flocks. A very interesting fact you must note–the bird in the Twitter logo is inspired by the Mountain Bluebird.
Recognition
The male Mountain Bluebirds have an electrifying turquoise-blue appearance from head to tail, with a paler blue shade that lightens to white, in the belly and underparts. The females are mostly a pale-gray with beautiful turquoise patches at the edges of their back feathers and tails.
Habitat
Mountain Bluebirds prefer open areas–they like open fields, farmlands, green grasslands. Their beady eyes are constantly on the look-out for cavities in the tree-trunks of western mountain forests. Massive stretches of prairies and mountain meadows also see these thrush birds as frequent visitors and permanent residents.
Feeding Habits
In the winters, they make themselves warm by munching all sorts of berries–elderberries, Russian-olive berries and Juniper berries. Juice grapes are also some fruits they cannot resist. They sit on tree-branches and wait for mobile prey and like to feed on insects of all sorts.
Sound
These thrushes like to warble when they chit-chat among themselves. Their warbles resemble “chur chur” sounds that get quite loud at times.
Shiny Cowbird
Source: @paulobarros2019
- Scientific Name: Molothrus bonariensis
- Size: 18 to 22 cm ( 7 to 9 in)
- Locality: Some parts of Michigan, Florida, Bahamas, South America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: October to January
Though a native to Florida and Bahamas, a Shiny Cowbird can be sometimes sighted in Michigan too. Since the 1980s, this species of cowbirds had started making some changes in their habitat selection and chose some of north-eastern United States for this purpose.
Recognition
The iridescence of the plumage of these birds truly captivate hearts. Shiny Cowbirds are purple-blue all over from head to tail, whereas the females are gray-brown mostly. They have a medium-sized tail and their bills are short but pointed. .
Habitat
Open areas see the presence of Shiny Cowbirds all year round. These birds used to prefer forests before, but due to urbanization, they have adapted themselves to live in cultivated lands and cleared-out or burnt-down forest areas.
Feeding Habits
Arthropods, small in size, are highly preferred by these tiny avians. They also choose seeds and grains that they get in abundance from farmlands.
Sound
Shiny Cowbirds produce high-pitched whistling noises, and also low-pitched “chuk” sounds.
Blue Grosbeak
Source: @dougrodda
- Scientific Name: Passerina caerulea
- Size: 14 to 19 cm ( 5.5 to 7.5 in)
- Locality: Most of United States, Central America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to August
These passerines, though quite common in North and South America, have only recently been spotted in parts of Michigan. During fall and spring migrations, Blue Grosbeaks are often seen flying across the Caribbeans. It is perceived that while passing by the Caribbeans, these birds take a sneak peak at Michigan as their next holiday spot!
Recognition
The male Grosbeaks are deep blue all over, with rusty-orange wing bars, making them look as if they are wearing decorative adornments down their back. The females are mostly brown overall with paler shades of orange down their back. .
Habitat
Open areas that have been recently cut, or burnt-down, or abandoned are chosen by the Blue Grosbeaks. Pastures and fields with growths like shrubs, saplings and hedgerows are quite favorable for foraging and nesting purposes. The females collect items like snakeskin, plastic, paper pieces and twigs to make cup-shaped nests.
Feeding Habits
Grasshoppers and crickets are their all-time favorite munchies, although they do not mind occasional invertebrates like snails in their diet. Cicadas and caterpillars are also included in the insect menu. When their mood demands something plant-based, they go for oats, grains and corn.
Sound
The birds like producing warbly music, usually in soft tones. Mating calls sound more like clanking of metal plates–“chink chink”.
Iridescent Blue Birds in Michigan
There are certain blue birds in Michigan that look out-of-this-world owing to their shimmering purple-violet plumage. Learn more about the special mechanism in the bird’s feather that causes such surreal iridescence.
Broad-Billed Hummingbird
Source: @condore7
- Scientific Name: Cynanthus iatirostris
- Size: 8 to 10 cm ( 3.1 to 3.9 in)
- Locality: South of Michigan, Mexico, South-Western United States
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: January to May (South), April to August (North)
Broad-billed hummingbirds are one of the most attractive looking species of the genus. Though they are native to the western and southern parts of America, they have made special appearances in the southern parts of Michigan too.
Out of many interesting points, one noteworthy fact is that broad-billed hummingbirds are crazy about nectar. They can gorge on 1.7 times their body weight of nectar per day using their needle-shaped bill!
Recognition
Hummingbirds all around the world are adorably small, and broad-billed hummingbirds are no exception. A rainbow of iridescent hues of green and blue play hide-and-seek on the feathers of this surreal creature.
The flight feathers have a brownish tinge, and the beaks are mostly orange with brown-black tips. Females are different in that their bellies are white instead of blue.
Habitat
Riparian and thorny forests, as well as canyons and shrublands, are the usual habitats of Broad-Billed Hummingbirds. Mesquites and oak trees could also be places where these birds build their nests and forage. In Michigan, they can be found on the sides of streams with a lot of vegetation growing around.
Feeding Habits: Where there are flowers, there are hummingbirds. These purple-violet birds are very fond of sucking nectar out of brightly-colored flowers.
Sound
Broad-billed hummingbirds make sounds like “cheet” during the mating season. Trills, hums and chatters are also heard among the birds.
White-Eared Hummingbird
Source: @centralamericananimals
- Scientific Name: Basilinna leucotis
- Size: 9 to 10 cm ( 3.5 to 3.9 in)
- Locality: Certain Parts of Michigan, South-Western United States, Nicaragua, Mexico
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to August (North), October to December (South)
Native to Central and South America, White-Eared Hummingbirds are quite rare in Michigan or in the United States. These birds belong to the family of Trochilidae and are known as Zafiro Reja Blanca that basically refers to the white stripes close to the eyes of this species of hummingbirds.
Recognition
They are called white-eared because they flaunt sharp white stripes on their cheeks close to their eyes. The males are covered with different shades of iridescent green, blue, purple and violet feathers, and the tails contain bronze green and bronze black intermittent parts. The chins, throats and crowns of the females are not as brilliantly colored as in the males.
Habitat
Mountainous coniferous forests are the characteristic habitats of this species of hummingbirds. The pine forests of Mexico and Arizona welcome the birds with open arms all year round. Clearings and edges of forests are where they can be regularly sighted.
Feeding Habits
White-Eared Hummingbirds are drawn toward flowers because nectar is their favorite food. They look for flowering plants and shrubs and aim at the lower and middle parts of the plants to extract the nectar from. This species of hummingbirds may go for small insects as well.
Sound
“Chitink chitink chitink” or “chidit chidit chidit” are the tedious musical notes that can be heard among colonies of hummingbirds. Gurgles and chips are also audible.
Common Grackle
Source: @chrisangphoto
- Scientific Name: Quiscalus quiscula
- Size: 28 to 34 cm ( 11 to 13 in)
- Locality: Most of Central and North-Eastern United States, Parts of Canada
- Status: Near Threatened
- Breeding Season: Between March and July
These black birds, though native to the northern parts of America, may seldom migrate to the north-eastern states of the United States, and that may include Michigan. Common Grackles can be spotted in open areas available in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Clare and Sault Ste Marie in Michigan.
Recognition
The adult males have a full blue body with colors like green and purple peeking through, teamed with a bronze sheen on the flight feathers. As the feathers are iridescent, the body color of the birds looks different at different angles. Adult females lack glossy purple and blue textures, and are usually brown in appearance.
Habitat
Common Grackles, as the name suggests, are quite common in the north-eastern parts of the United States and are usually visible on the edges of forests, wetlands and even suburban areas.
Areas where there are plenty of open spaces and scattered trees, with marshes, swamps and even parks nearby, are the places where these birds prefer to explore and hunt. They build their nests in colonies inside tree cavities and even bird nests.
Feeding Habits
These blue birds forage almost everywhere—on trees, in water, also on the ground. They may even take food away from other birds’ nests, as such, as far as survival is concerned, these birds are invincible.
Their bills are quite strong so that they can crack open nuts and other arthropods and eat the soft parts within. They go for minnows and frogs, and also eggs and berries.
Sound
During the breeding season, Common Grackles produce a variety of sounds such as “chewink chewink” or “whew whew whew”. Some of their calls also sound like metallic buzzes.
Rock Pigeon
Source: @wild_society_photography
- Scientific Name: Columba livia
- Size: 29 to 37 cm (11 to 15 in)
- Locality: All over the United States, Central America, Parts of Canada
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Spring and Summer
Also known as ‘homing pigeons’ or ‘rock doves’ by the local bird watchers, Rock Pigeons are quite fast moving avians with an average flight speed ranging between 15 and 35 mph.
Though in the wild, these pigeons occupy crevices in cliffs or caves, but over the decades, they have become increasingly friendly with human communities and are quite commonly spotted in window ledges and backyard trees.
Recognition
These blue birds possess ornamental feathers around their neck and breast region, where iridescent blue, purple and pink dance in the light producing a holographic effect.
Their heads and rest of the body are bluish-gray, with dark bluish-black stripes in their tails and lower back feathers. The females look quite similar to the males except they have duller iridescence that are limited to their backs and flanks.
Habitat
Pigeons have been known to communicate with human beings and been domesticated by them for centuries. In the urban area and suburbs, Rock Pigeons could be easily spotted on rooftops, window ledges, trees in the backyard and in public parks.
In the broader natural environments, these birds can be seen foraging and nesting near cliff-faces, caves, and canyons. Rock Pigeons inhabit deserts too as long as there is some vegetation and water available.
Feeding Habits
Rock Pigeons, though omnivores, prefer to munch on seeds and grains. Cherries, oats, elm and barley are some of their favorite items to gulp down. If they want to include animal proteins in their diet, they usually go for larvae or worms from trees or from the ground.
Sound
A very familiar sound to humans all over the world, Rock Pigeons produce “coo roo coo” sounds everywhere they go. Mating calls resemble “whoo hoo whoo hoo” and nesting calls sound something like “hu hu hurr hu hu hurr”.
Tree Swallow
Source: @jean_smith_photo_animal
- Scientific Name: Tachycineta bicolor
- Size: 12 to 14 cm (4.7 to 5.5 in)
- Locality: All across the United States, Central America, Canada
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: May through September
As the sweet chirping vocals of Tree Swallows become audible, summer season makes its presence known. Commonly found in Michigan, these swallow species could easily be spotted in urban areas, marshes, meadows and ponds.
Recognition
These blue birds in Michigan are known for their iridescent plumage. They look magnificent under the sun as the holographic green, blue and blackish-brown feathers shuffle in the wind. Their throat, belly and underparts are plain white. Adult females are light blue and brown in appearance.
Habitat
Open areas with scattered vegetation and water sources nearby are the places where Tree Swallows generally Inhabit. They have been spotted many times roosting in reed or cane beds. In the urban areas, they are seen perched on wires or tree branches. They also like nest boxes.
Feeding Habits
Tree Swallows forage on insects and tiny arthropods mostly which include spiders and molluscs. These avians are acrobatic and expert hunters—they do not only catch insects in flight but also peck at wooded and aquatic surfaces to fish out crustaceans.
Sound: Tree Swallows remind us of gurgling water, and their chirps and warbles are all too familiar to a city fellow. Their raspy chatters melt the heart.
Brewer’s Blackbird
Source: @biodiversityvancouverisland
- Scientific Name: Euphagus cyanocephalus
- Size: 20 to 26 cm (8 to 10.3 in)
- Locality: North-Eastern, North-Western and Southern Parts of the United States, Canada
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to August
In Michigan, you can find Brewer’s Blackbirds in forests, meadows and even marshlands. Their insectivorous appetite makes them a great friend to the farmers because this habit helps prevent the outbreak of insects like termites, cutworms and weevils, caterpillars and grasshoppers.
Recognition
Brewer’s Blackbirds, though termed as a blackbird, are actually a beautiful mixture of different shades of purple and blue.
The story does not end there though—the feathers have an internal mechanism that makes them appear iridescent in sunlight. The adult females stand in sharp contrast with their mud-brown head, throat and underparts.
Habitat
As these birds have a wide preference for habitats, ranging from forests to marshlands, mountains to tundras, so they can be easily spotted almost anywhere. Tree-tops, golf-courses, parks and open fields are their favorite hang-out places in urban and suburban areas. They construct their nests using grass and twigs.
Feeding Habits
Brewer’s Blackbirds are often seen teaming up with other species of blackbirds and foraging around. They wade in marshes to catch small aquatic insects and invertebrates. They even feed on small mammals and amphibians, and will go as far as to eat the nestlings of other birds. These blackbirds also go for berries and seeds.
Sound
Brewer’s Blackbirds produce different types of sounds for different occasions. They often give out a metallic buzz noise that can also sound like a ‘squee’ at times. For daily communication, they go for short vocals like ‘chup’ or ‘chuk’.
FAQ
In this segment you will find a discussion on the questions that bird enthusiasts and interested readers often have on their minds about the blue birds in Michigan. The answers are short and precise and would also help you to revise your knowledge on the blue birds.
Q: What are the iridescent blue birds in Michigan?
Ans: Some of the iridescent blue birds in Michigan include the Broad-Billed Hummingbird, White-Eared Hummingbird, Common Grackle, Rock Pigeons, Tree Swallow and Brewer’s Blackbird.
Q: Are there large blue birds in Michigan?
Ans: There are only a few large blue birds in Michigan. Great Blue Heron and Yellow-Crowned Night Heron are the two mentioned here.
Q: What do the blue birds in Michigan feed on?
Ans: Most blue birds in Michigan are omnivores and they feed on insects, arthropods, nuts, berries, fruits and grains. Larger blue birds feed on small amphibians and mammals.
Q: Where can I find blue birds in Michigan?
Ans: Most blue warblers and nuthatches prefer mixed forests of conifers and deciduous. A lot of the waders (like the herons and blackbirds) could be found in marshlands, shorelines and coastal areas. Open areas, forest clearings, edges of forests, burnt-down crop fields, farmlands, prairies, tundras and pastures are favourable places for swallows, pigeons and warblers. Blue Hummingbirds in Michigan prefer shrublands and pine forests.
Q: What are the endangered blue birds in Michigan?
Ans: Common grackles, Kirtland’s warblers and Cerulean warblers are endangered species of birds that can be occasionally spotted in certain places of Michigan.
Thoughts
Blue birds in Michigan can be easily spotted in mixed forests or open areas. In summer and spring, huge flocks of blue birds enter the United States from Central and South America. In winters, these birds either stay back, migrate further north, or naturally migrate to the south.
Some blue birds have blue, purple or violet feathers all over their body, while a few others may have segments of their body, like the breast or the upper wings, blue or a shade of blue.
Then there are iridescent blue birds too, like the Purple Martins or the Broad-billed hummingbirds. These birds have an internal mechanism in their feathers that refract light and make the feathers appear different under varying degrees of illumination.
A lot of these blue birds forage and nest in coniferous and deciduous forests, while others look to build their families in shorelines, marshlands, mangrove forests, farmyards, urban and semi-urban places. Some like swallows, warblers and pigeons are quite friendly with humans and visit parks, playing fields and even backyards.
Unfortunately a few species of blue birds like the Cerulean warblers are near threatened or vulnerable. On a lighter note, most of the other species of blue birds mentioned in this article are under the “least concern” category and you can easily spot them in their designated habitat.
Hopefully, after reading this article, all your questions about blue birds in Michigan will be answered. Birds enhance the beauty of our natural environments and also help in pollination and elimination of insects that destroy crops. Taking care of their wellbeing is our responsibility.
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Audio Credits: xeno-canto, wikimedia
