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Wildlife's breathtaking blue birds

From blue jays to blue-footed boobys, nature never fails to dazzle. In honour of our Big Blue Sale, here are some of our favourite blue birds from around the world.

Written by: Gina Lawrence - Digital Marketing Executive at Explore Worldwide
Date published: 20 January 2025

Nature is incredible. The sheer variety and vibrancy of birdlife around the world is enough to have us reaching for our passports and cameras. Whether you're a keen birder or simply want to see some of the world's most striking birdlife, birdwatching tours are an immersive way to learn more about our feathered friends. 

In honour of our Big Blue Sale, here are some of our favourite blue birds from around the world:

1. Kingfisher
2. Blue-footed booby
3. Superb starling
4. Shining honeycreeper
5. Hyacinth macaws
6. Greater blue-eared starling
7. Blue-gray tanager
8. Blue waxbill
9. Mountain toucanets
10. Blue jays

Kingfisher, global citizen

The iridescent flash of a kingfisher exploding through the air, needle-like and precise, is a sight that has filled birdwatchers with joy for generations. The kingfisher is a versatile and widespread avian success story, with about 90 species distributed all over the world. Best spotted by water, there are plenty of chances to spot that dart of blue for yourself.

It’s impossible to choose just one – two of our favourites places to spot members of the kingfisher family are whilst on safari in India – most famous for the majestic tiger, but also plentiful avian entertainment – and Kenya, where grey-headed and woodland kingfishers both boast vibrant blue wings.
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Two blue and white birds with red beaks perch on a tree branch, one with its beak open, surrounded by green foliage in a natural setting.

Blue-footed booby, Galapagos

They may only be blue on their feet and beaks, but these charismatic birds are absolute charmers. Blue-footed boobys are undeniably appealing, with their distinctive blue legs and feet a pop of colour almost reminiscent of children’s wellies. No Galapagos adventure would be complete without spotting these delightful residents. Their name originates from "bobo", a Spanish word meaning silly or foolish!
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Two blue-footed boobies stand with one lifting a foot. They are on sandy ground surrounded by dry grass, showcasing their distinctive bright blue feet and brown-and-white feathers.

Superb starling, Kenya

Superb by name, superb by nature, this colourful starling may be a common sight in Kenya but it is no less delightful for it. The superb starling are frequently spotted around lodges in the Masai Mara, Nakuru National Park and even downtown Nairobi, as well as throughout East Africa. They’re vocal birds that can be found in large groups, so expect to hear their song as well.
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A colorful bird with iridescent blue and orange plumage perches on a thin, leafless branch in a dry, neutral-toned environment.

Shining honeycreeper, Costa Rica

Found in humid evergreen forest, the shining honeycreeper is an intense, jewel-toned blue that will stop you in your tracks. A cheeky flash of vibrant yellow stockings to rival Shakespeare’s Malvolio completes this bold, fashion-forward plumage. Shining honeycreepers reside in the tropics of Central America, including Costa Rica.
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A vibrant blue bird with a black face perches on a green stem, displaying its bright yellow legs against a blurred green background.

Hyacinth macaws, Brazil

Immediately recognisable, these cobalt blue macaws are South American natives and are at their very best when seen in their natural habitat of the stunning Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland. Explore the wildlife reserve for yourself with two days of dedicated walks, horseback rides and jeep safaris on our Pure Brazil tour. The largest flying parrot in the world, with brightly hued plumage primarily blue with contrasting flashes of yellow around their beak and eyes, hyacinth macaws are truly a sight to behold.
 
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Two hyacinth macaws perch closely together on a branch, with vibrant blue feathers and curved beaks, set against a lush, green leafy background.

Greater blue-eared starling, South Africa

The superb starling’s southern relatives, the iridescent and unmistakable shimmer of the greater blue-eared starling can be found in Kruger National Park, South Africa. The greater and the lesser blue-eared starlings, as well as the similar looking Cape starling, all have the same dramatic, glorious hues of royal blue, petroleum green and purplish tinges, with bright yellow eyes.
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A vibrant blue bird with glossy feathers perches calmly on a thorn-covered branch, surrounded by sparse green leaves against a blurred, neutral background.

Blue-gray tanager, Costa Rica

Living in Costa Rica, the blue-gray tanager has some stiff competition in the wildlife viewing stakes, sharing as it does its home with so many species. But it’s worth taking the time to recognise this pretty little bird, with feathers that ombre through from soft powder blue to a vibrant flourish of teal on their backs. This vibrant songbird is another common species which deserves a second glance.
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A blue-gray bird is perched on a thin branch, facing right. It stands against a blurred, green natural background, creating a tranquil, outdoor setting.

Blue waxbill, southern Africa

Don’t let the subdued, soft grey back fool you – these vibrant, tiny birds pack a visual punch way above their weight class. The blue waxbill sports a flashy, dandified waistcoat of shocking blue (as well as distinctive blue cheeks and tail) with a bold colour pairing. This slender blue bird is widespread across southern Africa, including Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa.
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Three small birds with bright blue heads and brown bodies perch on a rocky edge, drinking water from a shallow pool, set in a natural, rocky environment.

Mountain toucanets, Costa Rica

A lesser-known colour combination than the standard black and yellow toucan, this more refined palette is nonetheless well worth keeping your eyes peeled for. The dusky blue belly of the plate-billed toucan is a sight you’ll never forget. Known as mountain toucanets, you’re more likely to find them in humid mountainous forests in the likes of Costa Rica and Belize.
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A colorful toucan perches on a moss-covered branch, surrounded by green foliage. Its vibrant plumage features blue, yellow, and red hues, and it has a distinctive large, multicolored beak.

Blue jay, North America

One of the most recognised Canadian birds, the blue jay is an adaptable and popular bird – even being the namesake for Toronto's baseball team! You can find blue jays across Canada and parts of the USA, as comfortable at garden birdfeeders and city streets as they are in the wilderness.

They have fantastic markings, with striated tails and wings, and a large feather head crest that can resemble a quiff. Blue jays are also noisy – we’d say keep an ear out for its raucous call, but we doubt you’ll miss it...
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A blue jay is flying with wings fully extended, revealing vibrant blue and black feathers against a backdrop of snow-covered branches.

Don't just travel, Explore!

Did you know that you can join birdwatching adventures on many of our small group tours? Whether you're aiming to catch migrating visitors or looking out for permanent residents, our experts can guide you on the best times for birdwatching. Consider Costa Rica, Kenya and more – where will you choose first?
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Two blue canoes rest on calm, reflective water surrounded by lush green trees and scattered lily pads under a clear blue sky.

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