What Bird Lays Blue Eggs
Wondering what bird lays blue eggs? Discover robins, bluebirds, starlings, and other species worldwide that lay blue or blue-green eggs, and when to spot them.
Introduction
Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts often wonder about the colorful eggs they spot in nests. One of the most striking shades is blue. So, what bird lays blue eggs? In the United States, the most common answer is the American Robin, along with a few other familiar backyard species. Here’s a simple guide to help you identify them and learn a bit about these feathered creatures.
Photo by Dmarquard, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Common Birds That Lay Blue Eggs
Short answer: Several bird species lay blue eggs. In the United States, the American Robin is the most commonly recognized example, but blue eggs can also belong to bluebirds, finches, starlings, and other species—depending on location, nest type, and season.
Below, the birds are grouped into two categories: species found in the United States and species found outside the United States.
Common U.S. Birds That Lay Blue or Blue-Tinted Eggs
In the United States, blue eggs are laid by birds found in a wide range of habitats, including forests, open woodlands, wetlands, and suburban areas. While some species may nest near human homes, many others choose natural, less-disturbed environments. Because of this, blue eggs are not limited to backyard birds and can appear in both urban and wild settings.
Egg color alone is rarely enough to identify the bird species. Subtle differences in shade, the presence or absence of speckles, nest structure, surrounding habitat, and the time of year all provide important clues. The table below highlights some of the most common bird species in the U.S. known for laying blue or blue-tinted eggs.
| Bird Species | Egg Color Description | Notes & Rare Variations |
|---|---|---|
| American Robin | Bright sky blue | The gold standard for "robin 's-egg blue"; eggs are unmarked and distinctive. |
| Eastern Bluebird | Pale blue | Occasionally white (approx. 4-5%); a single female will consistently lay one color. |
| Mountain Bluebird | Very pale blue | Occasionally white; tends to be the palest blue among all bluebird species. |
| Western Bluebird | Pale blue | Occasionally white; the eggs are nearly identical to Eastern Bluebird eggs. |
| European Starling | Glossy light blue | Unmarked and slightly larger than bluebird eggs; has a subtle waxy sheen. |
| House Finch | Pale bluish-white to greenish-white with brown or black speckles | Distinguished by delicate spotting or "hairs" on the larger end of the egg. |
| Indigo Bunting | Bluish-white to white | Often appears more white than blue; small and oval-shaped. |
| Gray Catbird | Deep greenish-blue | Significantly darker and more "teal" than Robin or Bluebird eggs. |
Some species listed here lay eggs that range from pale blue to bluish or greenish-white, which can appear blue under certain lighting conditions.
Birds Outside the United States That Also Lay Blue Eggs
While many people encounter blue eggs in North America, blue egg coloration is not unique to U.S. birds. Several species in Europe, Asia, and Africa are also known for laying blue or blue-green eggs, often with distinctive markings. The table below highlights some notable examples outside the United States.
| Bird Species | Region | Egg Color Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eurasian Blackbird | Europe, Asia | Blue-green with fine reddish freckles |
| Song Thrush | Europe | Bright, clear blue with sparse black spots |
| Dunnock | Europe | Unmarked, solid deep turquoise-blue |
| Common Myna | South Asia | Bright, glossy greenish-blue |
| Red-winged Starling | Southern Africa | Pale blue with reddish-brown speckles |
Why Are Some Bird Eggs Blue?
Short answer: Blue egg coloration is caused by a pigment called biliverdin.
Biliverdin is deposited on the eggshell during formation and gives the egg its distinctive blue hue, a process documented by ornithology researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. In some birds, the shade varies from pale turquoise to a deeper sky-blue. Scientists believe blue eggs may also help camouflage them in certain lighting or deter predators. For backyard birdwatchers, spotting a nest with blue eggs can be a rare and delightful sight.
Image by Jill Wellington from Pixabay
Where to Spot Birds With Blue Eggs in the U.S.
Short answer: Blue eggs are most often seen in gardens, backyards, and forest edges across the United States.
In states like California, Texas, and New York, American Robins and Eastern Bluebirds are common. Providing birdhouses or maintaining natural shrubs can attract these species. Birdwatchers in urban and suburban areas may be surprised to see blue eggs in the most unexpected spots, as these birds adapt well to human presence while nesting safely.
Image by Lori Dunn from Pixabay
When Do Birds Lay Blue Eggs?
Short answer: Birds that lay blue eggs typically do so in the spring.
In most parts of the U.S., nesting season for robins and bluebirds starts in March or April and can continue into early summer. During this time, female birds lay one egg every 24–48 hours, creating a small clutch of usually 3–5 eggs. Timing can vary slightly depending on local climate, elevation, and food availability.
Image by Willfried Wende from Pixabay
How to Safely Observe Blue Eggs
Short answer: Always keep a respectful distance when watching nests.
Backyard observers should avoid touching or moving eggs. Birds can abandon nests if disturbed, and handling eggs can harm developing chicks. In the United States, most native birds and their eggs are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, making it illegal to collect or disturb them.
Using binoculars or spotting scopes from a distance is the safest way to enjoy this natural wonder. Documenting sightings with notes or photos can help track backyard wildlife while keeping the birds safe.
FAQs About Birds That Lay Blue Eggs
Which bird lays the bluest eggs?
The American Robin is famous for its bright, sky-blue eggs, making it one of the most recognized blue-egg species in the U.S.
Are all blue eggs the same shade?
No. Egg color varies by species and even by individual. Shades can range from pale turquoise to deep blue-green.
Can backyard feeders attract birds that lay blue eggs?
Yes. Providing feeders, birdhouses, and safe nesting areas can encourage robins and bluebirds to visit your yard.
Do blue eggs hatch faster than other colored eggs?
Egg color does not affect hatching speed. Incubation is determined by species and environmental factors.
Is it legal to touch or collect blue eggs?
In the U.S., it’s illegal to collect most wild bird eggs due to federal laws protecting native species. Observing without disturbing is always recommended.
Conclusion
This short guide helps birdwatchers identify and appreciate blue eggs safely, while adding a splash of color to birdwatching experiences. Next time you come across a nest with striking blue eggs, you’ll have a better idea of which species laid them and how to enjoy the sight responsibly.
Photo by Jasmine Saini on Unsplash