We watch you dunking
Crusts so thick,
And wonder where
You learned the trick.
Blue Grosbeak
Guiraca caerulea
Many birders seem to have trouble in listing the Blue Grosbeak. One reason is the size, for they are smaller than most members of this family. Another reason is that light conditions often make them appear black. A third reason might be their choice of habitat. They prefer brushy areas near some stream, but may be found along woodland borders or hedges, where ample brush is found. They usually nest in low trees or shrubs. There you probably will find the male as he sings from the top of some bush or even utility wire which crosses his territory. You can see he is a deep, but rather dull blue, with 2 chestnut wing bars. The female is brown and shows 2 buffy wing bars. Both show a heavy beak which gives them their name.
Blue Grosbeaks nest from Maryland to California but shun the northern states. They winter as far south as Honduras and are fonder of warm weather than most members of their family.
The Blue Grosbeak has a beautiful finch-like song, using a short series of notes which rise and fall into a sweet warble. It is slower than the song of the Purple Finch and does not carry like the usual grosbeak song. Their food consists of insects and small seeds or grain.
The male is blue,