blue grosbeak (Guiraca caerulea)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION

• Length: 6.25 inches

• Large, conical bill

• Broad, brown wing bars

• Occasionally wags tail

Adult male:

• Deep blue plumage (in poor light appears black)

• Black around base of bill

• Blackish wings and tail

Adult female:

• Dark brown upperparts

• Warm brown underparts with faint dark streaks

• Blackish wings and tail

• Immature plumages similar to adult female

Similar species:

The blue grosbeak is very similar to the indigo bunting but is larger with
brown wing bars.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Neotropical migrant
Breeding Habitat: Successional-scrub
Nest Location: Ground-low nesting
Nest Type: Open-cup
Clutch Size: 3-5
Length of Incubation: 11-12 days
Days to Fledge: 9-10
Number of Broods: 2
Diet: Mostly insects; lesser quantities of seeds

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May U
      Su - Summer: June, July, August U
      Fall: September, October, November O

      Winter: December, January, February

 

 

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