Overview
Blue Grosbeak: Large finch, bright purple-blue body, black face, and two wide, brown wingbars. Dark wings, tail. Hops on ground to forage. Gleans from bushes, weeds and trees. Feeds on insects, snails, grains, seeds and fruits. Swift flight, alternates rapid wing beats with wings pulled to sides.
Range and Habitat
Blue Grosbeak: Breeds from California, Colorado, Missouri, Illinois, and New Jersey southward and spends winters in the tropics. Preferred habitats include brushy, moist pastures, and roadside thickets.
Topo Map:
Perching-like Body
Listen to Call
Similar Sounding
Voice Text
"pink"
Interesting Facts
The Blue Grosbeak was first described in 1758 by Carolus Linnaeus, Swedish botanist, physician and zoologist.
It was formerly placed in its own genus, Guiraca. Similarities with buntings in genetics, behavior, molts, and plumages led to its inclusion in the bunting genus Passerina.
It sometimes uses snakeskin as nesting material, which is thought to thwart predators.
A group of grosbeaks are collectively known as a "gross" of grosbeaks.
Bird Term Glossary
Author
Gary Owen Dick
Artist
Ryan Durney
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