Blue Grosbeak

A few days ago I wrote and posted about the Indigo Bunting and I mentioned the similarities with another bird; this bird is the Blue Grosbeak.

Approximately the size of a Northern Cardinal, it has a bright blue color and brownish wings and parts of the body, depending on the breeding plumage. Blue Grosbeaks are dimorphic (visual difference between male and female).

The female is not blue but cinnamon brown, and in rare cases it might have specks of blue on her body.

Both male and female have a black mask and a silvery lower mandible beak typical for this species. The reflection of the sun light at certain angles determines the bright blue or the darker hue.

Blue Grosbeak (M)

Blue Grosbeak (F)

Click on images to see enlargements

Tags: birds, Blue Grosbeak, nature, photography, photos of birds

19 thoughts on “Blue Grosbeak”

Mary on April 26, 2012 at 8:00 am said:

Hi,
Where did you see the blue grosbeak? We lived in GA (Augusta) for 13 years but I did not know there were blue grosbeaks in Georgia–if that is where you saw it. Thanks

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- avian101 on April 26, 2012 at 8:44 am said:
  
  I live in Hiram, Northwest of Georgia. The photos are from my backyard!
  
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  - Mary on April 26, 2012 at 8:47 am said:
    
    Thanks, nice photos
Tranquil Moments Photography on April 26, 2012 at 8:05 am said:

Great shots Av. We get the Evening Grosbeaks here and as in every species the male is much yellower to the female counterpart who appears to be olive tones. You certainly have some beautiful birds visiting and I am really enjoying seeing your photos of them 🙂

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- avian101 on April 26, 2012 at 8:56 am said:
  
  Thank you for your comment D. I appreciate it! 🙂
  
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jmgoyder on April 26, 2012 at 8:27 am said:

How absolutely lovely!

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- avian101 on April 26, 2012 at 8:54 am said:
  
  Thank you very much Julie! 🙂
  
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tootlepedal on April 26, 2012 at 8:59 am said:

You have a wonderful variety of colourful birds in your backyard. I am envious.

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- avian101 on April 26, 2012 at 9:08 am said:
  
  Yes, I’ve been blessed with having a small creek at the end of my backyard. It has a stream and is surrounded by Georgia pines and bushes. It’s a perfect set up for building nests and having cover. All I do is provide food for them! Besides the area where I live I’ve noticed that is like a “corridor” for vagrant birds. I couldn’t believe the variety of birds I’ve identified here! I guess I’ve been lucky! 🙂
  
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onelifethislife on April 26, 2012 at 9:31 am said:

What a lovely bird! Thanks for sharing the info.

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- avian101 on April 26, 2012 at 9:33 am said:
  
  Thank you for your comment! 🙂
  
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gerryfrederickdigital on April 26, 2012 at 10:54 am said:

Wonderful photos, Great colour.
Gerry

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- avian101 on April 26, 2012 at 11:03 am said:
  
  Thank you very much Gerry! 🙂
  
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2me4art on April 26, 2012 at 5:20 pm said:

I’ve never seen these before! I would have remembered such a beautiful bird

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- avian101 on April 26, 2012 at 5:26 pm said:
  
  You can always see them here Amy! Thank you for your visit and comment! 🙂
  
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Bluebird Annie on April 26, 2012 at 9:42 pm said:

What a wonderful electric blue color. I have never seen one of these. Thanks for the great photos!

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- avian101 on April 26, 2012 at 10:08 pm said:
  
  Thanks for your comment Annie. One of these days they’ll stop by your yard! 🙂
  
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Russel Ray Photos on May 14, 2012 at 10:44 pm said:

Well gosh darn it, I think the female should bet a new wardrobe!

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- avian101 on May 14, 2012 at 10:50 pm said:
  
  I agree with that! 🙂
  
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