blue grosbeak

1. Bird Name
This bird is commonly known as the Blue Grosbeak while its scientific name is Passerina caerulea.

2. Appearance
The Blue Grosbeak, as the name suggests, is a bird of vibrant blue color. Males are a deep blue, sometimes described as indigo, with brownish wings heavily spotted with black. The females, on the other hand, are a more subdued cinnamon-brown, with hints of a blue hue on their tail and shoulders, and often have a small patch of blue just behind the beak. Both genders have a large and stout beak — a feature which gives the bird its moniker — that is adapted for crushing seeds.

3. Size
An average Blue Grosbeak measures about 15-19 cm (5.9-7.5 inches) long. Its wingspan can range from 28 to 33 cm (11-13 inches). These birds typically weigh between 26 to 31.5 grams.

4. Habitat & Distribution
Blue Grosbeaks are found across the Mexican plateau, going up to the United States’ southern and central states. They prefer shrubby habitats, often near water bodies, such as roadside thickets, hedgerows, overgrown fields and gardens. In winters, they migrate through Central America and spend time in northern South America.

5. Interesting Facts
Blue Grosbeaks are known to have a long migration pattern. These birds travel long distances from North America to Central and South America every winter. Additionally, one unusual behavior is that they prefer to nest in dense low vegetation rather than trees. The bird also holds cultural significance for many Native American tribes, who see it as a symbol of passage, transformation, and change.

6. Diet
Blue Grosbeak’s diet consists mainly of insects, snails, spiders, grains and seeds. They are often seen foraging on the ground or low in shrubs and trees.

7. Behavior & Sounds
Blue Grosbeaks are most active during the day. They are very vocal birds and have a rich, buzzing, warbling song. Their song is often described as a melodious series of rich, warbly phrases, mixed with harsher notes. Males woo their mates with these songs during the breeding season.

8. Conservation Status
According to the IUCN Red List, the Blue Grosbeak is classified as a bird of ‘least concern.’ Its population is stable and it has a large, widespread range.

9. Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Blue Grosbeak in the wild is 7 years, although some have been known to live up to 10 years. In captivity, they can live longer with appropriate care.

10. Additional Notes
In Spanish, the Blue Grosbeak is commonly known as “Azulillo sietecolores” or “Picogrueso azul.” It’s known to have a positive impact on crop pests such as cotton boll weevils. These birds are often found near human habitation, and they are generally tolerated due to their insect-eating habits. Their tendency to nest in shrubs has given them some protection from habitat destruction as they adapt to nesting in new human-made environments such as roadsides and railway verges.