There are a number of birds that have blue plumage and yellow bellies. To quickly answer the question, some of the more common birds that are blue with yellow bellies include:
- Eastern bluebird
- Mountain bluebird
- Western bluebird
- Indigo bunting
Of these, the Eastern and Western bluebirds are the most widespread and familiar blue and yellow birds over much of North America. The Mountain bluebird occupies somewhat more western and mountainous regions. The Indigo bunting is also common and widespread during the breeding season in eastern North America.
To provide more details and fully answer “What bird is blue with a yellow belly?”, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most likely candidates.
Eastern Bluebird
The Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a small thrush found over much of eastern North America. The male Eastern bluebird has deep blue upperparts and a reddish brown throat and breast. Its belly and undertail coverts are orange to yellow in color. The female is mostly gray-brown above and orange-brown on the throat and breast. Her belly and undertail feathers are a washed out yellow-orange color.
Eastern bluebirds are found in open country with scattered trees, nesting in tree cavities or bird houses. They mainly eat insects and berries. Their bright plumage and sweet songs make them welcome visitors to backyards.
Here are some key facts about the Eastern bluebird:
- Scientific name: Sialia sialis
- Length: 6.3-8.3 in (16-21 cm)
- Wingspan: 9.8-12.6 in (25-32 cm)
- Weight: 1.0-1.1 oz (28-32 g)
- Main color: Deep blue back and head (male); gray-brown back and head (female)
- Belly color: Orange to bright yellow
- Beak color: Black
- Geographic range: East of the Rocky Mountains to the Atlantic coast
- Habitat: Open woodlands, forest edges, parks, gardens
- Diet: Insects, berries, seeds
The Eastern bluebird’s yellow belly is an important identifier. The only other common blue bird with an orange or yellow belly in its range is the Western bluebird, which is found west of the Rocky Mountains.
Eastern Bluebird Identification
To positively identify an Eastern bluebird, look for:
- Deep blue upperparts (male) or gray-brown upperparts (female)
- Orange-red throat and breast
- Distinctly yellow-orange belly and undertail coverts
- Relatively long, rounded wings
- Rounded head and short, straight bill
- Sits upright and often perches low
The Eastern bluebird’s yellow belly contrasts nicely with the reddish breast and sets it apart from other partially blue birds that may have a white belly instead. The yellow belly is also a key field mark for distinguishing male Eastern and Western bluebirds.
Eastern Bluebird Song
The song of the Eastern bluebird is a soft, warbling melody. It consists of a few introductory notes followed by a burry warble ending on a down-slurred note. The song can be transcribed as “chur-lee chur-lee chur-lee cho-weee”. Here is a sample recording of the Eastern bluebird’s song:
The male sings this pleasant song from an elevated perch to advertise his territory and attract a mate. Female Eastern bluebirds may also sing, particularly around the nest.
Western Bluebird
Closely related to the Eastern bluebird, the Western bluebird (Sialia mexicana) occupies the western half of North America from the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast. The male has a deep blue throat, back, wings, and tail contrasting with his reddish-brown chest. His belly and undertail coverts are orange to bright yellow like the Eastern bluebird. Females are grayish above and pale orange-brown below with a dingy yellow wash on the belly.
Here are some key facts about the Western bluebird:
- Scientific name: Sialia mexicana
- Length: 6.3-7.9 in (16-20 cm)
- Wingspan: 10.2-11.8 in (26-30 cm)
- Weight: 1.1-1.4 oz (30-40 g)
- Main color: Deep blue back and wings (male); gray back and wings (female)
- Belly color: Yellow to orange-yellow
- Beak color: Black
- Range: West of the Rocky Mountains
- Habitat: Open country, forest openings, parks
- Diet: Insects, berries
The Western bluebird can be distinguished from the Eastern bluebird by its all-blue throat and browner chest. But the yellow belly remains an important identifying mark for both species.
Western Bluebird Identification
To confirm a sighting of a Western bluebird, look for:
- Deep blue throat, back, wings and tail (male)
- Reddish-brown chest
- Distinct yellow-orange belly and undertail coverts
- Relatively long, rounded wings
- Rounded head, short bill
- Upright posture, often perches low
The yellow belly contrasts with the chestnut breast and helps distinguish the Western bluebird from similar western birds like the mountain bluebird and Townsend’s solitaire.
Western Bluebird Song
The typical song of the Western bluebird is a series of ascending, buzzy phrases ending in a downslurred note. It can be transcribed as “zree zree zree zree cho-weee”. Here is a recording of the Western bluebird’s call:
This musical song is given by the male from an open, elevated perch. As with Eastern bluebirds, females may also sing around the nest site. The Western bluebird’s voice is useful for identification.
Mountain Bluebird
The Mountain bluebird (Sialia currucoides) is a high elevation species found in western mountain ranges. The male is bright sky-blue overall with some gray around the face. His belly may show a touch of pale orange color but is mostly white. The female Mountain bluebird is gray with hints of blue in the wings and tail. Her underside is whitish with a buffy wash across the breast.
Here are some key facts about the Mountain bluebird:
- Scientific name: Sialia currucoides
- Length: 7.1-8.7 in (18-22 cm)
- Wingspan: 12.2-13.8 in (31-35 cm)
- Weight: 1.1-1.4 oz (32-40 g)
- Main color: Sky blue overall (male); gray overall (female)
- Belly color: White to pale orange
- Beak color: Black
- Range: Western mountain ranges
- Habitat: Alpine meadows, open conifer forests
- Diet: Insects, berries
The Mountain bluebird’s pale belly distinguishes it from the brighter orange-yellow bellies of its Sialia cousins. Females may also be distinguished by their lighter gray color compared to female Western bluebirds.
Mountain Bluebird Identification
To confirm a Mountain bluebird sighting, look for:
- Sky blue overall (male); gray overall (female)
- White to pale orange belly
- Thinner bill than other bluebirds
- Spotted primaries readily visible on perched birds
- Upright posture
The blue plumage and high mountain habitat set the Mountain bluebird apart from most other species. The pale belly differentiates it from other bluebirds.
Mountain Bluebird Song
The typical song of the Mountain bluebird is a warbling sequence of melodic notes ending in a trill or buzz. It can be transcribed as “warble-ee-warble-ee-brrrzeeee”. Here is a recording:
Males sing this distinctive song from high perches in their mountain habitat. It differs noticeably from the songs of Eastern and Western bluebirds.
Indigo Bunting
The Indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea) is a small seed-eating songbird common across eastern North America during summer. The male is a deeply colored indigo blue with black coloration around the face. His wings and tail are dark blue. The female is plain brown. Both sexes show yellow at the base of the lower mandible, and males may have some yellow edges to the wing feathers.
Here are some key facts on the Indigo bunting:
- Scientific name: Passerina cyanea
- Length: 4.7-5.5 in (12-14 cm)
- Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm)
- Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz (11-19 g)
- Main color: Deep indigo blue (male); brown (female)
- Belly color: White
- Beak color: Black with yellow base
- Range: Eastern North America
- Habitat: Thickets, woodland edges, brushy areas
- Diet: Seeds, insects
The Indigo bunting’s white belly differs from the yellow bellies of bluebirds. Females may be confused with sparrows but have a conical beak better suited for eating seeds.
Indigo Bunting Identification
To identify male Indigo buntings, look for:
- Deep indigo blue overall
- Black face and wings
- White belly
- Yellow at base of dark bill
- Conical seed-eating bill
- Small body and relatively large head
Females are best identified by:
- Plain brown overall
- Faint wingbars
- Whitish belly
- Yellowish at base of lower mandible
- Streaky brown back
- Small, conical bill
The Indigo bunting’s white belly contrasts against its blue or brown plumage. This helps distinguish it from blue-and-yellow species.
Indigo Bunting Song
The song of the Indigo bunting is a high-pitched, buzzing trill. It has been described as sounding like a loose sewing machine or jangling keys. The song is rapid, usually continuous for several seconds, and with a consistent pitch. Here is a recording:
The male sings this metallic song repeatedly from an elevated exposed perch. The distinct vocalization is often the easiest way to identify the well-hidden Indigo bunting.
Other Less Common Blue and Yellow Birds
While Eastern and Western bluebirds, Mountain bluebirds, and Indigo buntings are the most widespread North American species with blue and yellow plumage, several less common birds also share this color pattern:
- Painted bunting – Occurs in southern U.S. Male has blue head and red underparts.
- Lazuli bunting – Close western relative of Indigo bunting. Male has bright blue head and back.
- Blue grosbeak – Inhabits southern and western U.S. Male is mostly bright blue.
- Prothonotary warbler – Found in southeastern swamps. Male is golden-yellow with blue-gray wings.
These beautiful species are scarcer than the more common bluebirds and Indigo bunting. But they should be considered when identifying any blue and yellow bird occurring in the appropriate region. Even vagrants like a Blue-winged warbler are possibilities. Comparing the bird’s location, habitat, size, and exact plumage pattern will help identify any blue and yellow bird.
Summary
In summary, the Eastern and Western bluebirds, Mountain bluebird, and Indigo bunting are all common blue or blue-and-brown birds with yellow or orange bellies and undertail coverts. The bluebirds all belong to the genus Sialia while the Indigo bunting is a type of cardinal. The Mountain bluebird can be differentiated by its pale whitish belly. And the Indigo bunting has a white belly rather than yellow. Being aware of the subtle differences between these species makes it possible to accurately identify any blue and yellow bird spotted in the field. Beyond the most widespread species, rarer birds like Painted buntings, Lazuli buntings, and Blue grosbeaks display similar blue and yellow plumage. A blue and yellow bird can be identified to species by considering its exact plumage pattern, range, habitat preferences, size, behavior, and voice.