Blue Grosbeak

The Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) is a medium-sized songbird of the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is resplendent in deep blue plumage with black and brown on its wings, while the female is predominantly brown with a subtle infusion of blue feathers on her upperparts. Both sexes boast a large, robust bill and are adorned with two wing bars, features that set them apart from the smaller Indigo Bunting.

Identification Tips

To identify the Blue Grosbeak, look for the following characteristics: a sizeable conical bill, a length ranging from 14 to 19 cm (5.5 to 7.5 in), a wingspan between 26 to 29 cm (10 to 11 in), and a body mass of approximately 26 to 31.5 g (0.92 to 1.11 oz). The male's vibrant blue plumage and the female's brown coloration with blue flecks, along with the distinctive double wing bars, are key identification markers.

Habitat

The Blue Grosbeak favors partly open habitats with a smattering of trees. It thrives in riparian woodlands, scrublands, thickets, cultivated areas, woodland edges, overgrown fields, and hedgerows.

Distribution

This migratory species breeds across the southern United States and northern Mexico, then travels southward to winter in Central America. Rare sightings have been recorded as far south as eastern Ecuador.

Behaviour

The Blue Grosbeak is known for its ground foraging habits, often seen hopping along the ground in search of sustenance. It is a migratory bird, showcasing different seasonal patterns of movement across its range.

Breeding

During the breeding season, the Blue Grosbeak constructs its nest in a low tree or bush, or within a tangle of vegetation, typically situated 1–2.5 m (3.3–8.2 ft) above the ground. The nest is often placed at the edge of an open area.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Blue Grosbeak is varied but consists mainly of insects. It also consumes snails, spiders, seeds, grains, and wild fruits, with a preference for ground foraging.

Conservation status

The Blue Grosbeak is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without significant threats at this time.