Member-only story
Comparing the Blue Grosbeak with the Indigo Bunting
Indigo Bunting above
The Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) is a small migratory songbird, weighing approximately 0.057–0.066 lbs (26–30 grams) and measuring around 6.3–7.1 inches (16–18 centimeters) in length. It belongs to the Cardinalidae family and is known for its striking blue plumage and large, conical beak. The Blue Grosbeak is slightly larger than the Indigo Bunting, with a heavier body and a longer beak.
This fascinating bird is found in a wide range of habitats across the Americas, from southern Canada to northern South America. It prefers open woodland edges, brushy fields, and areas with scattered trees and shrubs, where it can forage for insects and seeds. Despite its vivid appearance, the Blue Grosbeak can be challenging to spot, as it often stays hidden in thick vegetation, while singing a distinctive, metallic song that sounds like a “ping” or “tink.”
Breeding season for the Blue Grosbeak usually occurs between May and July, with males defending territories against intruders. Females lay 3–4 eggs in a cup-shaped nest made of grasses and other plant materials, which they construct in a shrub or tree.
