Glaucous-blue Grosbeak

About the Glaucous-blue Grosbeak

The glaucous-blue grosbeak (Cyanoloxia glaucocaerulea), also known as the indigo grosbeak, is a species of bird in the family Cardinalidae, the cardinals or cardinal grosbeaks. It is found in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

The glaucous-blue grosbeak is monotypic. For much of its history, the glaucous-blue grosbeak was the only member of genus Cyanoloxia. Following a 2004 publication, the blue-black grosbeak (now Cyanoloxia cyanoides) and ultramarine grosbeak (now Cyanoloxia brissonii) were moved from genus Cyanocompsa. What is now Amazonian grosbeak (Cyanoloxia cyanoides) was later split from blue-black grosbeak.

The glaucous-blue grosbeak is approximately 14 cm (5.5 in) long. Three birds weighed from 16 to 19.5 g (0.56 to 0.69 oz). The male is generally dark sky blue that is lighter on the forehead and rump and is grayish on the lower belly. It has a small black "mask". The female is brown overall, warm and dark above and orange-tinged below. The immature is orange-brown that is darker on the back, and it has a hint of blue on the forehead and cheek.

The glaucous-blue grosbeak nests in northeastern... Wikipedia →