Blue Grosbeak

The male blue grosbeak is deep blue, with both black and brown on its wings. The female is mostly brown. Both sexes are distinguished by their large, deep bill and double wing bars. These features, as well as the grosbeak's relatively larger size, distinguish this species from the indigo bunting. Length can range from 14 to 19 cm (5.5 to 7.5 in) and wingspan is from 26 to 29 cm (10 to 11 in). Body mass is typically from 26 to 31.5 g (0.92 to 1.11 oz).

This is a migratory bird, with nesting grounds across most of the southern half of the United States and much of northern Mexico. The range of this species has expanded northward over the past century or two, likely aided by the clearing of forests by humans. Blue grosbeaks are now regularly observed nesting across much of the Midwest and Northeastern United States. They are uncommon within their range, migrating south to Central America and in very small numbers to northern South America; the southernmost record comes from eastern Ecuador. Vagrant birds have appeared as far north as New England and Eastern Canada. This species is found in partly open habitat with scattered trees, riparian woodland, scrub, thickets, cultivated lands, woodland edges, overgrown fields, or hedgerows.

It eats mostly insects, but it will also eat snails, spiders, seeds, grains, and wild fruits. The blue grosbeak forages mainly on the ground.