The blue colour in robin eggs is due to biliverdin, a pigment deposited on the eggshell when the female lays the eggs. There is some evidence that higher biliverdin levels indicate a healthier female and brighter blue eggs. Eggs laid by a healthier female seemed to encourage males to take more interest in their young.
If you are in North America, then yes, American robins' eggs are blue. However, if you are asking from Europe, then the European robin lays pale cream or buff eggs with reddish speckles. Robin egg blue, also known as eggshell blue was first recorded as a colour name in 1873.
The best thing to do with an egg that you find is to simply leave it be. I know you're concerned about the little baby growing in it, but there is a strong chance that there may not even be a baby in there. This may be an egg that wasn't fertilized, or didn't develop properly.
Remove nests and eggs
Indian mynas lay two to five blue/turquoise eggs. They can breed twice a year and will build and defend several nests at a time (although only one will hold eggs).
NEW YORK, May 27 (UPI) -- A new study answers the question: Why are robin eggs blue? The answer: sun protection. According to new research, the light blue-green color of bird eggs helps facilitate just the right amount of light absorption -- and thus, the right temperature without overexposure.
However, if you do inadvertently happen to touch a bird's egg or nest, rest assured that your scent alone won't cause the parents to flee. Just leave the area as quickly and quietly as you can, and do what you can to minimize your disturbance.
Robins only abandon their eggs when something happens that tells the robins they will have a poor chance of success. It seems unlikely that humans will have greater success. I know how sad it is to see these beautiful eggs and how very tempting it is to want to save the tiny babies inside.
Magpie eggs are pear-shaped and up to 40mm long; however, the size of the egg depends on the condition of the mother. A healthy bird will lay larger eggs, allowing for a more robust chick with a higher chance of survival.
Common Myna is also called “Indian Myna” and mostly resides in Asia. These birds adapt to new conditions easily and have a dark brown body with blackheads. On their face, they have two bright yellow patches. The colors of their eggs are either blue/turquoise or bluish-green.
The eggs laid by the Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) and the White-faced Heron (Egretta novaehollandiae) are shades of pale blue-green. Some birds use trickery to have their own eggs incubated by other birds and have these unsuspecting parents do all the hard work!
Once the nest is “inactive”—that is, there are no viable eggs or live young—it is safe, and legal, to clean out a nest. We recommend disposing of those eggs, deceased young, and/or nest materials (e.g., if you're cleaning out a nest box) in a place where they won't attract insects to the nest area.
If the egg is fertile, then you should see a dark spot around the middle of the egg, with some spider-like veins beginning to form around it. If its not, you should just be able to see the shape of the yellow yolk inside the egg, without any signs of an embryo or veins.
So, all bird eggs are edible (except perhaps those of the wild Pitoui and Ifrita.) They are edible at any stage of development, and in some cultures incubated duck eggs are a delicacy called balut.
Eggs may be plain, or they may have markings in different colors, such as red-brown, deep purple, black, gray, or green.
Mystery of blue-green bird eggs solved: Researchers show that egg color protects the embryo from harmful sunlight. Summary: Scientists are testing the hypothesis that blue eggshells (unlike dark colors) both shield the interior from UV radiation and prevent the egg from heating up.
Emu eggs can weigh up to two pounds, and despite their alarming size, are prized as a delicacy around the world. With a bright greenish-blue shell, this is considered to be among the most beautiful eggs in the world.
For example, the glossy eggs of the tinamou family—from the reddish-purple egg of the Red-winged Tinamou to the emerald green of the Elegant Crested-Tinamou—give off a high-wattage shine. The Guira Cuckoo's egg is a wonder.
Sparrows typically lay eggs during the nesting period in early spring and summer. Anywhere between 3 to 7 sparrow eggs are laid, but laying 4 to 5 eggs is most common.
Blackbird. A common garden and woodland bird with arguably the most beautiful song of all birds. The blackbird can have two or even three broods a year and breeds from early spring until mid-summer. Description: blue-green eggs with brown speckles.
The colourful eggs laid by Aussie magpies can't be explained by just one thing, Aussie researchers have found. The reason why bird eggs come in ranges of colours and patterns have long been debated, and Australian researchers set out to see if they could finally unscramble the mystery.
Young magpies will often move in groups of up to 50 birds called 'tribes', but the Macquarie Dictionary also lists the collective noun for magpies as "tidings".
While robins might repair or build on top of a previous nest, most of them build a new nest. This is best for many reasons. A used nest is a mess, stretched out and often home to insects or parasites and possibly poop. Take the nest down and the site will be ready for the next robin.
Another reason why Robins are tame is history. Being a woodland edge species, the Robin has always lived near humans. In the last 150 years in Britain it has coexisted close to us but not been persecuted.
The more time you spend with them, the more your Robins will become familiar with you and grow trust. In time they will be confident enough to eat from your hand. To gain their trust, place their favourite food 2 - 3 meters away from you and let them get used to eating near you.