Which Birds Lay Blue Eggs? This Wonder: The Reasons

Birds can lay eggs in a rainbow of colors, including pure white, lavender, mint green, yellow and orange.

Some eggs may have spots, specks or other markings.

Why is the eggshell color so different in nature? Camouflage is the main reason why eggshells are brownish or more earthy in nature. But, what about blue?

Continue reading to learn more about the blue-colored eggs of different birds (hint: not just bluebirds), and what could be causing this color.

Some birds lay blue eggs

Bluebirds lay blue eggs, as you probably know. These eggs are not easy to find, even though there are some North American bluebird species like the Eastern, Mountain and Western Bluebirds.

They are cavity nesters and rarely lay eggs in a cavity, except in desperate situations. About 4-5% of bluebirds lay white eggs.

Don't worry though, there are hundreds of blue eggs laid by other birds. This is a far more common occurrence.

Blue eggs found in unusual locations may be an American Robin egg. House finches may also lay blue eggs in unusual locations.

Blue eggs are also laid by Starlings, but they are larger than bluebird eggs.

Here's a list of blue-eyed birds most famous.

Red-winged and Rusty Blackbirds

Blue-footed Booby and Bluethroat, Bluethroat, Bluegray Gnatcatchers, Blue Grosbeaks, Blue Mockingbirds

Gray Catbird

American, Fish, Hawaiian and Tamaulipas Crow

Snowy Egret

American, Lawrence's and Lesser Goldfinch

Cassin's Finch and House Finch are the two types of Cassin's Finch.

Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron

Common myna

Bicknell's Clay-colored, Dusky Clay, Swainson’s, Varied White-throated and Wood Thrush

Yellow, Olive and Bay-breasted Warblers

Eurasian Jackdaw and Eurasian Bullfinch

Blue jays

Mountain, Western and Eastern Bluebirds

Dunnock

Goldfinches

Starlings

Finches for the house

Red-winged Blackbirds

Snowy egrets

These are the Reasons Blue Eggs Are a Common Feature in Birds

Two ink cartridges are present in the reproductive system of female birds: protoporphyrin and biliverdin.

These two molecules are present in all birds, but not all species.

However, those who do use it produce beautiful colored eggshells.

Biliverdin is a molecule that creates the blue and green pigments in eggshells.

Blue eggs are more blue if there is more biliverdin.

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

These "inks" are added to the shell after it has been formed in the final hours of production.

It is interesting that the eggs' color will change as the birds lay more eggs at once. Although it seems like they are running out pigment, in reality, this is due to the mother bird running low on nutrients and calcium.

Because 10% of eggshell calcium comes from the female, it is important that she receives extra nutrients and calcium while she is laying eggs. The eggs will change in color if she doesn't get enough calcium.

Now that you understand how it works, let's get to the reason it is so important.

Camouflage

Many wild animals are colored to blend into their environment. It is vital for fragile eggs and adult animals to have it in order to escape predators. There are many hungry predators looking for quick snacks.

Blue eggs are not camouflaged. These eggs have neutral tones and marks that blend into the nesting material.

Camouflage is particularly important for birds that lay eggs in the open, either in a scrape nest on the ground or in open areas.

These birds often add an extra layer of protection to their nests by decorating them with a type of concealment.

Temperature control

This may seem strange, but it is true. Eggs are fragile and can be damaged by radiation and heat from sunlight.

The egg's color will determine how protected it is against UV radiation. However, the faster it heats up, the greater the chance of it causing the death or injury to an unhatched chick.

While a lighter egg is less likely to overheat, it is more vulnerable to UV radiation.

Birds must find a balance between their eggshell color, UV radiation, and heat buildup because of the relationship between eggshell color.

Birds that lay eggs in exposed areas will have eggshells with lighter colors. Darker hues are more likely to be found in eggs laid in shaded areas.

The process can take many generations to perfect, as you can see.

Recall, an investigation into the functions of various hues of eggshells revealed that pigments can reduce their size.

UV radiation can cause skin cancer

Infrared radiation heats the egg's interior

To keep things simple, blue eggs and other pigmented egg regulate the effect of sunlight on the embryo/chick.

Another Eggshell Color Clues

Now we know that eggs' color can tell us how much sunlight reaches the nest. The color of the eggshells can give us additional information.

The health of the mother bird, chicks and their eggs

The eggshells that are brighter will indicate the mother bird's health and diet. This will ensure that the hatchlings are strong and healthy.

Nest care habits

As parent birds forage, eggs that are heavily camouflaged tend to be left unattended for longer times. Parents will tend to be more attentive and watch for the eggs that are plainer and less noticeable.

Sisters who are not compatible

Brood parasites can be identified if there are dramatic differences between eggs from the same nest.

Common Cuckoos and Brown-headed Cowbirds nest their eggs in the nests of other birds. They then raise their chicks as foster chicks.

If an egg is larger than others or of a different color, it's most likely a brood parasite.

What about patterns, spots, and blotches on blue eggs?

Speckled eggs can be used as camouflage. On cavity nesters such as the Eastern Bluebird you won't usually find speckles, spots or patterns. But open nesters and ground nesters are an entirely different story.

Ground nesters like ducks, geese and shorebirds such as Avocets and Plovers, as well game birds like Turkey, Pheasant and Grouse, will lay speckled egg.

They rely on camouflaged eggs that are well-hidden to ensure the survival of their eggs.

A University of Oxford study found that eggs with blotches serve another function than camouflage. This is to strengthen eggshells.

Andrew Gosler and Oliver R Connor claim that the eggshell is strengthened by the pigment-related molecule protoporphyrin.

The egg's pigmentation helps to compensate for calcium deficiencies and hardens the eggs, especially the inner parts.

This study presented only preliminary findings. However, it was not able to establish a direct relationship between eggshell strength (or protoporphyrin) and pigmentation. However, there are many circumstantial evidence.

Finally, eggs can be identified by the speckles and spots on them. The clever birds that are too lazy to make a nest or raise their young. They are the ones who lay their eggs in nests of other birds.

It will be easier to spot egg trickery if eggs have different patterns from one species to another!

Blue Eggs in a Nest

Bird enthusiasts sometimes get excited when they find a nest of birds. It is fine to identify the bird species that we are looking at and investigate them.

It is fine to observe the nest and her movements with her partner. You don't want to disturb the nest.

It's tempting to reach for the eggs and take a quick photo.

Can you imagine how panicked the mother bird must be when she starts to poke around in her nest and touch her eggs?

You are a big predator and she doesn’t know if your plan is to have her babies as scrambled egg for breakfast, or if it’s just to inspect the egg’s pattern.

You don't have to be a birdwatcher to notice signs. These signs will help you identify the type of nest or egg that you are looking at. You don't need to touch or disturb the nest.

To help you determine the type of bird, look at its size, shape and color.

Small birds also lay smaller eggs than large birds. Large birds, however, will lay more eggs. These clues will help narrow down your search for the right species.

Birdwatchers have an unwritten rule: observe, but not engage yourself. If you adhere to this rule, the mamma birds and her eggs will be safe.

North American laws prohibit the destruction and sale of bird eggs or nests.

If it's a fledgling, you can leave it there. A nestling and a fledgling can be distinguished by their fluffiness, as well as the fact that they can grip your finger.

The fledgling stage occurs before the bird can fly. It is most likely that the bird's parents will be nearby to look after it. Do not interfere with this process.

Conclusion

Blue eggs are only a part of the many colors that bird eggs can be found.

Birds can lay eggs in a variety of colors, including white, yellow, blue, brown, brick-red and even pink.

Different coatings and textures can be found. Some eggs will be dull while others will shine; some eggs will be bumpy, others smooth.

You may also find Jackson Pollock-worthy spots and specks on eggs. Mother Nature can be quite a show-off.

These patterns can be used for more than camouflage. They also strengthen eggs and allow you to identify brood parasites.

Scientists continue to search for more specific answers. Think about other possible causes for the blue hues of birds eggs or the specks, blotches and specks.

We may learn more about this topic in the next ten year. We can conserve feathered friends by learning more about birds and eggs and how their environment and natural selections affect them.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Let's take a look at some additional questions you may have about birds and eggs.

1.  What birds place eggs on the ground and why?

Ground-nesting birds such as emu, Tinamou and ostrich lay their eggs in a scrape while shorebirds like terns and gulls nest on the ground.

Some penguins, such as gentoo penguins, also nest on the ground.

Because their young can walk and swim straight away after hatching, ducks, geese and swans make their nests on the ground.

There will be weak fliers such as partridge, quail and pheasant nesting on the ground.

2. Is robin egg and tiffany the same color?

Robin egg blue can also be called eggshell or lost eggblue. It's a greenish-blue color that is similar to the American robin's egg. Tiffany blue is lighter than robin egg blue.

3.  Is robin eggs blue the same color as teal?

Both Robin egg blue (or teal) are shades of cyan, one of the subtractive primary colours. Both hues have a greenish blue tint. However, teal is darker than Robin Egg Blue.

4. Which duck breed lays blue eggs

Ancona and Magpie are two kinds of ducks that lay blue egg.

A light blue Robin's egg is a wonderful way to recall childhood memories. It reminds me of colorful Easter eggs. On our way back from school, we would often see a small piece of blue shell on the ground. It was always a mystery to me if this was a robin egg, as I had heard. Or could it be another springtime bird in the neighborhood.

What birds lay blue eggs? Many birds lay blue eggs, ranging from light baby blues to bright teal to turquoise tones. Other than the American Robin, there are many other blue-eyed birds.

Blue jays

Mountain, Western and Eastern Bluebirds

Dunnock

Goldfinches

Starlings

Finches for the house

Red-winged blackbirds

Snowy egrets

Why are Robin's Eggs blue?

How do these jewel-toned gems come to be? Biliverdin, a molecule produced by birds, is responsible for the blue color. There are two pigments that can be used to color eggs. One is biliverdin (bluish-green), and one is protoporphyrin (reddish-brown).

Biliverdin, which is hemoglobin in blood, is a product. It is a pigment and an antioxidant. The vibrant color may signal to the bird's partner that the mother has a good health and should continue to care for the young. The bird may have a compromised immune system or a poor diet that causes the color to fade.

The egg's blue color protects the embryo from the sun. The embryo must be protected from harmful ultraviolet light and infrared radiation, which can heat the shell.

Egg colors can be used to meet the needs of many birds for protection from ultraviolet radiation, camouflage and anti-microbial defense.

How to identify wild bird eggs

A bird-watcher who is curious will want to find out which bird belongs to the nest of eggs she just found in her Journal or App. What are the signs that will help you find your way? To identify wild birds eggs, the birder will examine the size, shape, coloring, and finish of the eggs in order to find clues. Large birds lay more eggs than small birds. What number of eggs are in the clutch? These answers will help you narrow down your search for the right species.

Nesting

The nest may tell you a lot about the bird, as different birds might use different materials. Although birds can build nests from almost anything, they often use twigs and grass as well as feathers, feathers, and other plant materials. They may even include a little trash. The nest will be constructed to protect the eggs and keep them safe from predators.

Avoid disturbing birds that have nest material or are currently being constructed.

Birds that nest in the spring are often non-migratory, or resident birds. Birds from northern states might build their nests earlier than those in the south. The information about the location and timing of the brood, as well as the shape and materials used for the nest can help determine which bird is the architect.

Do We Really Need to Touch Bird Eggs?

It is not a good idea for a nest to be handled or moved. You should observe your nest from a safe distance. It is possible to take a quick and detailed photo of your nest and eggs so that you can later examine them with your field guide. You should not alarm the mother bird or prevent her from returning to the nest.

A baby bird found on the ground can be returned to its nest. A nestling is one who is unable to hop, walk or fly. You may have natal down on the nest. If the nestling is found outside, they can be returned to their nest. The fledgling stage is the period before the first flight. If the fledgling is fluffy, can grasp your finger or a twig and is able to grip your finger, you should leave it there. Parents will likely be nearby and watching out for their children.

Did you know?

North American laws prohibit the destruction or sale of bird nests and eggs.

For more information, please visit The Cornell Lab of Ornithology's NestWatch Code of Conduct or Nest Monitoring Protocol.

Find out more about Birds Nests and Eggs

Harrison, Hal H. Eastern Birds' Nests and Western Birds' Nests (Peterson Field Guides).

Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The nests and eggs of North American backyard birds.

Similar Questions

What bird lays eggs on the ground?

It is crucial to determine the location of a bird's nest. Bird species such as turkey, shore birds (plover and sandpiper), etc., are important. , and waterfowl species (such as turkey, shore birds (plover, sandpiper, etc.) all lay eggs on the ground or in some cases near water. Game birds might make a small depression in the ground and cover it with grass or feathers. Killdeer may also place their eggs where they can mimic nearby stones, which provides camouflage.

Which Month do Robins Lay Eggs in?

The breeding season for robins runs from April to July with 2-3 broods per year.

Their nests will be made from grasses that have a layer of mud in the middle. They can be found on a window ledge, or on the horizontal limbs of shrubs or trees.

Mother robins usually leave their eggs alone for between 12-14 days.

What is the life expectancy of a Robin?

American Robins live for between 5-6 years, but can live up to 12-13 years. The American robin loves to eat earthworms, insects, and fruits early in the morning.

They are known for their bright orange breasts and early spring appearances after long winters. They are bright and musical, and they sing often.

One fun fact about Robins:

Robins sing the most frequently just before their young hatch!

These items can be found in any color or material that birds use to build their nests. These items will delight the novice bird watcher, and help her continue to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

If you have ever wondered which birds lay blue eggs, then you are not alone. Many people have this question. It is quite common in many bird enthusiast's circles. But before we go any further, let's get an understanding of the "yolk" of the egg. I will explain what that is first.

An eggshell is an egg-colored coating on an outer shell. It is very fragile and can break easily if stress is applied to it. Most birds will not lay their eggs out of a natural cavity other than a hole they have drilled into the ground for shelter. Also, around 4-5% of all bluebirds actually lay blue eggs each year! That means they are very susceptible to human interference as well.

In order for a nest to be successful, the young parakeet or chick has to learn how to construct a nest in which it can stay safe and warm while its mother sits nearby to nurse. When the chicks are born, the mother bird will not take them immediately to the nest of their choice. Instead, she will move towards the nest of another bird with a safe distance between themselves.

In the winter when it is cold and there is no danger of predators, the baby parakeets will stay close to the warmth of their mother's belly. But in the spring, they will have to make their way out of the nest to find their own food. So, the next time you see a chickadee or other bird leaving its eggshell, don't be surprised if it is covered in small, dark, metallic-looking flakes of UV radiation!

Why do birds prefer blue eggs over other colors? Some scientists think that these nesters have a preference for seeing things under a bright light. This makes sense because our eyesight cannot adjust itself quickly enough to changes in light. Another hypothesis is that the nesters prefer camouflage because the eggs they lay need to contain as many nutrients as possible to grow properly. UV radiation in the eggshells of these birds may be beneficial to the growth of their chicks. In other words, these birds are trying to ensure that their young have enough fat, protein, and other nutrients to survive.

Some birds have been shown to lay eggs that are almost completely white. These animals are called "white-winged birds." Unlike most other birds, which tend to have a variety of different eggshells, the white-winged birds' eggshells are generally quite similar in shape and size. But, surprisingly, the outer shell does not have to be completely white - it just has to be thicker and closest to the body.

Another observation about the way different species of birds lay eggs is that while some species, like the Wrinkles, prefer to lay eggs that are completely white, other species, like the Amazons, prefer to lay eggs that are slightly mauve or yellowish in color. Why is this so? Sometimes the lighter a color is, the easier it is to camouflage a bird. For instance, Amazons will often hide behind an all-blue background.

If you're going to observe any species of wrens or other cavity nesters at work, you should try to find out what their preferences are when it comes to egg coloring. You can even take a little note and take home some eggs of each color (or all three colors if you're really interested), and see what they look like. After you've observed them for a while, you'll notice that there will probably be a pattern that you can connect with the amount of UV radiation that they receive. If you find that there's a trend, and that this applies to the majority of the species you're observing, then you may want to think about getting some sort of UV radiometer. These devices are designed to measure the amount of ultraviolet radiation that is absorbed by any given egg.