SafePlants

Bluebill: A Multifaceted Name

The term "bluebill" appears in various contexts, from ornithology and ichthyology to nautical terminology and even recreational activities. This page explores these different meanings.

Birds

• Greater Scaup (Aythya marila): In North America, the greater scaup is often referred to colloquially as "bluebill" due to its distinctive blue bill. This is a mid-sized diving duck closely related to the lesser scaup.
• Lesser Scaup: Researchers at Red Rock Lakes in southwestern Montana are currently studying the thriving population of this bird.
• Spermophaga haematina (Western Bluebill): This bird belongs to the estrildid finches family (Estrildidae). They are found in tropical Africa and are gregarious seed eaters.

Other Uses

• Fish: "Bluebill" also refers to a small fish, approximately five inches long, that is a favored food source for bluefish.
• Ships: BLUEBILL is the name of a bulk carrier registered in Cyprus (IMO 9263306, MMSI 210684000). Information on its current position and voyage is available.
• Boats: Sam Devlin designs and builds wood/epoxy boats like the Bluebill. The Bluebill is also a versatile duck boat made by Carstens, holding two hunters and a dog.
• Campgrounds and Trails: Bluebill Campground is located near Bluebill Lake, featuring the Bluebill Trail.
• Real Estate: Bluebill is associated with real estate locations and businesses.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature (Western Bluebill)

• Scientific Name: Spermophaga haematina
• Common Name: Western Bluebill
• Order: PASSERIFORMES
• Family: Estrildidae (Waxbills, Munias and allies)
• Genus: Spermophaga

Quirky Facts

• The "Blue Bills" was a group of approximately 150 members who acted against the Ku Klux Klan.