Bird Watcher's Digest: Home Bird Watcher's Digest Magazine Watching Backyard Birds Newsletter The Bird Watcher's Digest App Bird Watcher's Digest Nature Shop

Bird Identification

in

Blue Grosbeak

Guiraca caerulea L 6 ¾" (17cm)


play the song/call of the blue grosbeak

Photo by Kevin Carlson.

Named for its two most obvious field marks, the deep blue color and the thick, powerful bill, it is the heavy brown wingbars that set it apart from similar species. Found in summer throughout most of the southern two-thirds of the United States, the breeding range has been moving northward for more than 25 years. Its favored habitats are thickets, hedgerows, orchards, and overgrown fields with small shrubs. The song is reminiscent of indigo buntings but is buzzier, lacks the paired phrases, and has an warbling, rhythmic pattern. The call is a loud chink, stronger and more metallic sounding that those of buntings. Usually sings from small shrubs and other low perches and the nest is rarely more than five or six feet above the ground. Blue grosbeaks do much of their foraging on the ground. In most of the range pairs raise two broods each season.

Bird song courtesy of Lang Elliott, NatureSound Studio.

You Might Like

Additional References Suggested by Google:

The Backyard Bird Watcher's Answer Guide

This booklet answers 101 of the most-often-asked questions about birds. Bird Watcher's Digest editor Bill Thompson, III has compiled material from the magazine's decades of answering questions, offering tips and solving problems for backyard bird watchers. Only $4.99 in our store!

Buy now »

An Identification Guide to Common Backyard Birds

This booklet is designed to introduce you to-and help you identify-many of the most common feeder birds in North America. For each species you will find a color photograph, notes about how to identify the species, a summary of its range and the times of year it is present, and general information about the food and the type of feeder it prefers. Only $4.99 in our store!

Buy now »

Thistle Sock Bird Feeder

Sock it to the birds! This Thistle Sock feeder attracts a variety of thistle-loving birds. Its quality nylon construction allows you to enjoy its visitors all season long. Very easy to use and clean. Only $5.00 in our store!

Buy now »

Identifying and Feeding Birds

This readable, friendly guide is intended for bird watchers and non-bird watchers alike—for anyone who wants to enjoy nature right in his or her own backyard. The longtime editor of Bird Watcher's Digest and author of numerous books on birds, Bill Thompson, III, has been feeding and watching birds for 40 years. He has tried everything, and he shares what he's learned so that readers can avoid the mistakes and skip right to successful bird feeding. Only $14.95 in our store!

Buy now »

Pajaro Original Waist Pack

The Pajaro Field Bag has become the outdoor enthusiast's best friend. Its seven pockets are perfect for carrying binoculars, field guides, maps, pens, etc. Made of rugged Cordura fabric, it's lightweight and designed for maximum comfort. Only $35.99 in our store!

Buy now »