Blue bird identification
 

Hi, we saw a large beautiful turquoise-blue bird yesterday at an abandoned house while walking the dog...it is driving my little one mad trying to find it on the internet...any bird spotters have any idea what it could be? :confused:

Re: Blue bird identification
 

Hi Celestine, I'd wager that the bird you saw was a European Roller.

Google an image to have a look.

Re: Blue bird identification
 

Most likely,I believe Bluebirds are native to America.

I recall they had a society there that provided them with breeding sites to help encourage their survival.

Somehow I doubt if they would survive very long on their own in Spain.

Re: Blue bird identification
 

How big was it and was it bright blue, soft pastel blue, blue all over?

Re: Blue bird identification
 

By golly I think you're right as just headed up for another walk and low and behold there they were again...3 of them!!! Gorgeous...think mini may take her binoculars next time, may be difficult to prise her away...

Re: Blue bird identification
 

My first thought was Bee Eater.

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/20...-eater-665.jpg

Re: Blue bird identification
 

They're beautiful, where we rented once there were a whole load of them nesting in a roadside bank, we passed them everyday, wonderful to see as they took off after insects..

Re: Blue bird identification
 

Yo Tambien.

Re: Blue bird identification
 

Nope bigger than these more Jackdaw size

Re: Blue bird identification
 

The Kingfisher is another one that comes to mind, the common version appearing to be a mainly a vivid turquoise-like colour with a touch of orange under the breast.
Mainly found close to rivers and waterways, also partly recognisable by their longish beak.
However if there are no waterways in the area, then it is probably unlikely.

Re: Blue bird identification
 

I can't remember the actual name but given you've said Jackdaw size, there IS a blue-toned magpie which I've seen in Argentina but also in Spain:confused:

Re: Blue bird identification
 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formosan_Blue_Magpie

There's a bonnie one, but unlikely to be in Spain, unless escaped from captivity.
Quite vicious by all accounts as well.

Re: Blue bird identification
 

Are they Blue Jays?

rosemary

Re: Blue bird identification
 

I believe that the European Blue Jay is mainly greyish in colour with just a limited amount of blue on the wings, unlike the N.American species which is predominantly blue in colour.

Re: Blue bird identification
 

If the bird is Jackdaw-sized then it is a European Roller.

I'm a birdwatcher with more than 30 years experience and know these birds from having seen them. I know how bright blue Rollers appear when you see them.

European Bee eaters tend to appear quite brownish in the field, despite the blue on them. European Kingfisher can appear quite blue but the habitat described is all wrong for them. The only other reasonable contender is Azure-winged Magpie. However, despite blue on the wings and tail, you tend to notice the dark cap and pinkish toners just as much and the blue isn't the sky blue of the Roller which is so noticeable when you see them.

All other birds mentioned (Blue Jays, Bluebirds etc) do not occur in Spain.