Blue bird identification
Apr 11th 2011, 1:01 pm
#16
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,171
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.
Here`s an image ,amazing looking bird ( I dont get to say that to often
)
Apr 11th 2011, 2:12 pm
#17
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 16
Re: Blue bird identification
If it helps with identification the European Roller has a harsh call a bit like that of a crow which gets very loud when alarmed.
Lovely birds.
Julie
Lovely birds.
Julie
Apr 11th 2011, 2:18 pm
#18
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Oct 2008
Location: near Colmenar, Prov de Malaga
Posts: 5,174
Re: Blue bird identification
- ref the magpie, my 
was to indicate it may be one - the magpie - not whether or not it could be seen in Spain - I've seen a couple in Spain myself!!!!
was to indicate it may be one - the magpie - not whether or not it could be seen in Spain - I've seen a couple in Spain myself!!!!
