Delaware, a jewel of the Mid-Atlantic region, is not just known for its picturesque landscapes and scenic beaches, but also as a haven for bird watchers. The state’s diverse habitats are home to a variety of bird species, including a collection of blue birds that add a splash of color to its rich tapestry of wildlife.
This guide is dedicated to the 12 spectacular blue birds in Delaware, from the vibrant Eastern Bluebird to the striking Blue Jay. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner looking to learn, this guide, complete with a FREE photo guide, will help you identify and appreciate the blue birds that call Delaware home.
Blue Birds Found In Delaware
The geographical diversity of Delaware, although limited in extent, plays a significant role in making it an attractive habitat for a variety of bird species. The coastal plain, along with its marshes and wetlands, provides essential breeding grounds for many waterfowl and shorebirds. The deciduous forests, on the other hand, provide nesting sites and food for a variety of songbirds and raptors.
This diverse range of habitats, combined with its location along the Atlantic Flyway - a major migratory route - contributes to the wide variety of bird species found in the state, including a number of blue bird species that add a dash of color to the Delaware landscape.
Purple Martin
| Scientific Name | Length | Wingspan | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Progne subis | 7.5-8.7 in | 15.3-16.1 in | 1.6-2.1 oz |
The Purple Martin is the largest North American swallow known for its acrobatic flight and sociable behavior.
Appearance: Adult male Purple Martins have iridescent, dark blue-purple plumage overall, while females and young have a duller, grayish-brown upperparts and white underparts with a grayish chest. The wings and tail are blackish.
Diet: Purple Martins feed almost exclusively on flying insects, including dragonflies, damselflies, flies, beetles, wasps, and moths. They catch their prey in the air, often flying high and covering large distances in search of food.
Reproduction: Purple Martins are cavity-nesting birds and have come to rely on human-provided nesting structures in the eastern parts of their range. The female lays a clutch of 3 to 6 eggs, and incubates them for about 15 to 18 days. Both parents feed the young and defend the nest.
Where to Spot Delaware’s Blue Birds
The small yet diverse landscape of Delaware is a haven for birdwatchers, particularly those with an affinity for blue birds. From coastal plains to deciduous forests, here are the top 5 locations in the First State known for their great diversity of avian species:
- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Located on the Delaware Bay, this 16,000-acre refuge is a hotspot for migratory birds and is home to a variety of habitats from tidal salt marshes to mixed hardwood forests.
- Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge: Another important stopover for migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway, this 10,000-acre refuge features freshwater marshes, ponds, and forests, attracting a wide variety of bird species.
- Cape Henlopen State Park: Located at the point where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean, this park offers a variety of habitats and is a great spot for observing shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds.
- Brandywine Creek State Park: This 933-acre park, located in the piedmont region, features mixed hardwood forests, meadows, and freshwater streams, making it an ideal location for spotting a diverse range of bird species.
- Delaware Seashore State Park: This park, located along the Atlantic coast, offers a variety of habitats from dunes to salt marshes and is a great location for spotting shorebirds and waterfowl.
| State's Blue Birds | Top Spots for Blue Birds |
|---|---|
| Maryland's Blue Birds | 1. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge 2. Patapsco Valley State Park 3. Catoctin Mountain Park |
| New Jersey's Blue Birds | 1. Cape May Point State Park 2. The Meadowlands 3. Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge |
| Pennsylvania's Blue Birds | 1. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge 2. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary 3. Presque Isle State Park |
FAQs on Blue Bird Species Found in Delaware
What is the best location to place a bird feeder to attract blue colored birds?
The best location to place a bird feeder to attract blue colored birds like bluebirds and indigo buntings is in an open area with scattered trees. Bluebirds prefer open spaces with a few trees where they can perch and catch insects. Avoid heavily forested areas and try to place the bird feeder near a tree or shrub, which can provide a quick escape route for small birds if a predator approaches. Also, keep the bird feeder clean and regularly refill it with their favorite foods like sunflower seeds and live mealworms.
Where can I find Black-throated Blue Warblers?
Black-throated Blue Warblers are beautiful birds with a unique color pattern of blue, black, and white. They breed in the deciduous and mixed forests of the northeastern United States and the southern parts of Canada. According to the range map, during the winter season, they migrate to the Caribbean and parts of Central America, extending down into South America. They are mostly found in forested areas during both seasons.
What is the range of the Indigo Bunting?
The Indigo Bunting is a small bird with vibrant blue feathers that is found in North and South America. According to the Indigo Bunting range map, during the breeding season, they are commonly found in the eastern half of the United States, extending as far west as central Texas and Oklahoma. They prefer habitats with open spaces and scattered trees, like farmlands, roadsides, and golf courses. In winter, they migrate south to Central America, the Caribbean, and the northern parts of South America.
How can I attract Eastern bluebirds to my backyard?
To attract feeding bluebirds to your backyard, provide them with their favorite foods in a bird feeder, such as sunflower seeds, live mealworms, and small flocks of insects. Also, put up a bluebird house with a 1.5 inch entrance hole in an open space with scattered trees. Make sure to regularly clean the the bird feeders house and monitor for invasive species like house sparrows. Providing a source of fresh water, especially in winter, will also help attract feeding bluebirds back. Lastly, minimize the use of pesticides in your yard, as bluebirds mainly feed on insects.