6 Types of Blue Bird With A Red or Orange Chest (Pictures)

Have you ever wondered about the beautiful blue bird that have a splash of red or orange Chest on them? These vibrant birds not only catch our eye with their stunning colors but also play a crucial role in our ecosystem. In this article, we will explore some of these amazing birds: the Belted Kingfisher, Barn Swallow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Western Bluebird, Eastern Bluebird, and Lazuli Bunting. We’ll dive into their characteristics, from size and diet to interesting habits, making it easy to understand and appreciate these wonderful creatures. Let’s take a closer look at each one!

1. Belted Kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)

• Scientific Name: Megaceryle alcyon
• Size: 11-14 inches
• Weight: 4-6 ounces
• Lifespan: Up to 11 years
• Diet: Fish, insects, amphibians, and small crustaceans

The Belted Kingfisher is a striking bird with a bright blue-gray body and a distinctive shaggy crest on its head. Its most notable feature is the orange or rust-colored band across its chest, which is more prominent in females—a rare trait where the female is more colorful than the male.

These birds are often seen near bodies of water, like rivers, lakes, and coastal regions, where they hunt for fish by diving headfirst into the water. The Belted Kingfisher’s loud, rattling call is hard to miss, making it a familiar sound near water bodies. They are skilled hunters and can hover over the water to spot their prey before plunging down for a catch.

2. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

• Scientific Name: Hirundo rustica
• Size: 5.9-7.5 inches
• Weight: 0.6-0.7 ounces
• Lifespan: 4 years on average
• Diet: Insects, including flies, beetles, and moths

The Barn Swallow is one of the most widespread birds in the world and is easily recognizable by its glossy blue upperparts and cinnamon-red throat and forehead. Its deeply forked tail and agile flight make it a remarkable aerial acrobat.

These birds are often found in open areas such as fields, meadows, and near water, where they catch insects mid-air. Barn Swallows build their cup-shaped mud nests on man-made structures like barns, bridges, and under the eaves of houses, which has led to their common name. They are highly social birds and can often be seen in large flocks, especially during migration.

3. Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)

• Scientific Name: Sitta canadensis
• Size: 4.3 inches
• Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces
• Lifespan: Up to 7 years
• Diet: Insects, seeds, nuts, and suet

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a small, lively bird known for its blue-gray upperparts and rusty-red underparts. These birds are often found in coniferous forests across North America, where they are known for their unique ability to climb down tree trunks headfirst.

This bird’s call is a distinct, nasal “yank-yank,” which can be heard echoing through the forest. The Red-breasted Nuthatch is also known for its bold behavior around feeders, often chasing off larger birds to get its share of seeds and suet. These birds store food for the winter, hiding seeds in tree bark or crevices.

Read More: 5 Types of Hummingbirds in Maryland

4. Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)

• Scientific Name: Sialia mexicana
• Size: 6-7 inches
• Weight: 0.9-1.1 ounces
• Lifespan: 6-10 years
• Diet: Insects, fruits, and berries

The Western Bluebird is a stunning bird with a brilliant blue body and a rusty-orange chest. Found primarily in the western United States, this bird prefers open woodlands, farmlands, and even urban parks. Western Bluebirds are cavity nesters, often using old woodpecker holes or  nest boxes.

During the breeding season, males can be seen fluttering in front of a potential nest site, showing off their bright colors to attract a mate. These birds are also social and can be seen in small flocks outside the breeding season, often perched on fences or low branches while searching for insects on the ground.