The world we live in is rich in many resources, and perhaps one of the countless treasures of nature is the exact hue of bird eggs. Blue eggs are unique and unusual compared to white or brown eggshells; thus, people get curious about them. These beautiful eggs of blue color cannot be considered mere trinkets, as several bird species do lay blue eggs, with each species being unique in its own way. Now, let’s learn about why these eggs are blue.
Why Are Some Bird Eggs Blue?
The blue color of bird eggs is from a pigment called biliverdin, which accretes onto the shell’s outer surface as forms. You won’t believe this, but that same pigment makes bruises look blue-green in people. Biliverdin content in the eggshell can indeed differ, and that is why partially these eggs can be as light as pastel, and entirely blue can be as dark as deep navy blue. There are several theories as to why some birds lay eggs in blue.
Some scientists believe that the blue color promotes opposite effects and is used to shield the eggs against damaging ultraviolet light, for instance, among birds that inhabit zones with low vegetation density. The other possibility is that, when laid under some nest conditions, the blue color may act as a form of invisibility to the eggs, discouraging potential attackers.
Which Bird Eggs Are Blue?
This is another important question people usually ask; which bird eggs are blue? Some bird species enjoy laying blue eggs; each type has its touch to the wholeness ideas.
American Robin
Of all the birds with blue eggs, the most popular is the American Robin. Males will be bronze blue, and females will be bright blue, which people are familiar with seeing in trees, shrubs, or backyards. Commonly found throughout much of North America, robins have sky blue-green eggs that make them easy to recognize.
Eastern Bluebird
True to its name, it lays eggs in blue that are not as bright as the robins but slightly closer in shade. They have bright blue plumage and can be found in open country or areas that contain bird houses, therefore a bird-watching paradise. The color of their eggs is blue, which is commonly associated with the soft and peaceful colors of their feathers.
Dunnock
Another European bird, the Dunnock, is a small, pretty, unassuming bird that shells blue eggs. Dunnock eggs are laid in concealed nests, preferably enclosed by hedges or shrubs. The light blue color of the eggs also protects them.
House Finch
House Finches, native to the western United States but have established themselves in many other areas in North America, also prefer blue eggs. Their eggs are also colored with brown patches, hence their beauty. Most birds will nest in trees or structures such as window sills and plant hangers.
The Charm Of Blue Eggs
There is nothing quite as special as seeing a nest with blue eggs. These eggs are hatched from birds that may nest in your backyard or forage for food in the farthest wild areas, making them discover how many types of birds we get and how they nest.
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