Blue bird identification
Apr 10th 2011, 3:45 pm
#1
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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? 
Apr 10th 2011, 3:48 pm
#2
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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.
Google an image to have a look.
Apr 10th 2011, 4:10 pm
#3
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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.
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.
Apr 10th 2011, 4:18 pm
#4
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Re: Blue bird identification
How big was it and was it bright blue, soft pastel blue, blue all over?
Apr 10th 2011, 5:13 pm
#5
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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...
Last edited by celestine; Apr 10th 2011 at 5:14 pm. Reason: spelling error
Apr 10th 2011, 5:41 pm
#6
FreeThinker
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Re: Blue bird identification
My first thought was Bee Eater.
Apr 10th 2011, 6:22 pm
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Re: Blue bird identification
Apr 10th 2011, 6:50 pm
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Re: Blue bird identification
Apr 10th 2011, 9:05 pm
#9
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Apr 10th 2011, 10:00 pm
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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.
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.
Apr 11th 2011, 8:26 am
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Apr 11th 2011, 9:07 am
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Re: Blue bird identification
There's a bonnie one, but unlikely to be in Spain, unless escaped from captivity.
Quite vicious by all accounts as well.
Last edited by Dick Dasterdly; Apr 11th 2011 at 9:09 am.
Apr 11th 2011, 10:19 am
#13
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Re: Blue bird identification
Are they Blue Jays?
rosemary
rosemary
Apr 11th 2011, 11:53 am
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Apr 11th 2011, 12:10 pm
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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.
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.