Birds collecting blue objects is an interesting phenomenon that has been observed by scientists and bird enthusiasts alike. While not all birds exhibit this behavior, certain species seem particularly drawn to blue objects and will actively seek them out to add to their nests or collection spots. In this article, we’ll explore some of the birds that demonstrate this unique habit and examine some of the leading theories behind why they are attracted to the color blue.
Blue Jays
One of the most well known birds that collects blue objects is the blue jay. Native to North America, blue jays are highly intelligent and curious birds. They often scavenge for acorns and insects, but are also known for gathering odd trinkets and baubles such as bottle caps, foil, paper clips, and other small objects. Of particular interest to them are blue items such as ribbons, beads, candy wrappers, feathers, and even blue glass.
Blue jays will stash their collections of blue objects in tree crevices or thick brush. Their nests are also frequently lined with blue trinkets mixed in with regular building materials like twigs and grass. Some theories suggest blue jays are drawn to the color because it is rare in their natural environment. The vibrant blue may remind them of the azure blue sky or coloration on their own feathers. Collecting blue curiosities may be a way for the jays to decorate and add beauty to their surroundings.
Other Blue Jay Theories
Other potential reasons for blue jays seeking out blue objects include:
- The color blue may serve as a status symbol to attract mates.
- Blue items are easier for jays to spot in the forest compared to drab browns and greens.
- The blue color may deter predators by signaling the jays’ aggressive nature.
- Collecting blue novelties is simply an entertaining activity.
Bowerbirds
Bowerbirds are another group well-known for collecting blue objects. There are 20 species of bowerbirds native to Australia and New Guinea. The males build elaborate stick structures called bowers to attract females. The bowers are often decorated with brightly colored blue items the males gather from their environment. Common blue objects used include feathers, flowers, berries, pebbles, and man-made items like bottle caps or plastic scraps.
Satin bowerbirds in particular have a strong fondness for vivid blue. They will actively seek out blue feathers shed by parrots and other birds to deck out their bowers with. When blue natural finds are scarce, they will make do with other blue litter instead. Having an appealing bower decorated with blue demonstrates a male’s ability to find rare treasures, showcasing him as an appealing mate.
Other Bowerbird Color Preferences
While satin bowerbirds favor blue, other bowerbird species collect a rainbow of different color decorations:
- Spotted bowerbirds prefer red and pink objects.
- Fawn-breasted bowerbirds like green decor.
- Great bowerbirds use white stones and shells.
- Western bowerbirds decorate with green and yellow.
The specific color preference likely relates to what stands out most against the male bird’s plumage. This makes the collected objects more visible to impress prospective females.
Frigatebirds
Like bowerbirds, male frigatebirds also collect blue objects to construct displays to attract mates. Frigatebirds are large seabirds found across the world’s tropical oceans. During breeding season, male magnificent frigatebirds will build a display area in bushes or trees decorated with an assortment of blue objects. Items include blue feathers, plastic debris, bottle caps, and shells. The blue objects help the male frigatebird showcase himself to females flying overhead.
One possible explanation for the blue color preference is that the ocean provides an abundance of blue items like fishing floats and glass for the frigatebirds to easily collect. The blue also contrasts well against the male’s all black plumage. Similar to bowerbirds, flaunting blue collectibles signals male frigatebirds who are resourceful providers able to find rare and eye-catching treasures.
Bluethroats
Bluethroats are small songbirds that breed across northern Europe and Asia. As their name suggests, male bluethroats have a distinctive bright blue patch on their throat used to attract mates. To further accentuate this flash of blue, male bluethroats will actively search for blue objects to decorate their nests with prior to mating. Common blue adornments include feathers, fabric scraps, cigarette filters, tin foil, or any other blue debris they can carry back to the nest.
Showcasing blue nest decor demonstrates the male’s reproductive fitness. The blue throat patch combined with blue ornaments signals the male bluethroat is healthy and vigorous. Like many bird species, this colorful display is an effort to impress females and sway their choice of mate.
Birds With Blue Eggs
There are also some wild bird species that lay blue or blue-green eggs rather than the usual brown or white. Some examples include:
- Blue tits
- Eastern bluebirds
- Indigo buntings
- Mountain bluebirds
- Western bluebirds
- Eurasian blue tits
It’s thought that the blue-green egg coloration developed through evolution as a way to blend in better with the sky and surroundings when viewed from below. This natural camouflage helps protect the eggs from potential predators.
Pet Birds That Collect Blue Items
The blue collecting obsession seen in wild birds can also be observed in pet bird species at times. Parrots in particular are highly intelligent, social, and active birds that often benefit from stimulating enrichment activities. Providing colored objects for them to interact with and gather up can be an engaging activity.
Pet blue and yellow macaws may be inclined to collect blue toys or objects to examine and stash away. African grey parrots are adept at learning words and object names – they may be trained to fetch specific blue items on command. Budgies and cockatiels may also gather small blue toys, though their color preferences can vary individually.
In the home, birds should only be given safe, non-toxic blue items under supervision to prevent choking hazards or intestinal blockages if ingested. But allowing pet birds to collect blue treasures provides exciting mental stimulation and helps satisfy their natural foraging instincts.
Conclusion
Birds collecting blue objects occurs across a diverse array of wild species, especially those with elaborate mating rituals and displays. The color blue tends to be rare in nature, so seeking out blue objects allows birds to stand out and catch the eye. Decorating with blue demonstrates mate quality, foraging skills, and the ability to find and hoard rare treasures.
While the obsession is not fully understood, theories include blue being easier to spot in the environment, having social status significance, and reminding the birds of the sky and water. Even some domesticated pet birds seem to inherit an instinct to collect and play with blue toys and trinkets when given the opportunity.
So next time you spy a bird gathering up blue bottle caps, ribbons, or other oddities, know it is not just random junk, but rather carefully chosen treasures! The blue color likely holds special meaning and importance to the bird.