The ultramarine grosbeak is a species of grosbeak in the family Cardinalidae. It is found in a wide range of semi-open habitats in eastern and central South America, with a disjunct population in northern South America.
Region
Eastern and Central South America
Typical Environment
Occurs from eastern and central Brazil south through Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay into northern Argentina, with a disjunct population in northern South America (e.g., Venezuela and adjacent areas). It inhabits semi-open landscapes including forest edges, second-growth, cerrado savannas, caatinga scrub, riparian thickets, and plantation margins. Often found near shrubby clearings and along roadsides or abandoned fields. It tolerates moderate habitat alteration and can persist in mosaics of scrub and scattered trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Males are a rich ultramarine-blue with a heavy, seed-cracking bill, while females and juveniles are brownish and much duller. They favor semi-open habitats and often sing from exposed perches. Taxonomically, it has shifted between Cyanocompsa and Cyanoloxia; most modern lists place it in Cyanoloxia. Several subspecies vary subtly in size and tone across its broad range.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flights between cover
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season when males defend territories and sing from exposed perches. Nests are cup-shaped and placed low to mid-height in dense shrubs or tangles. Clutches typically contain 2–3 eggs, and both parents participate in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rich, mellow series of clear whistles and warbles, often delivered from a prominent perch. Calls include sharp chips and metallic notes used in contact and alarm.
Plumage
Male deep ultramarine-blue with darker face and blackish wings and tail; female and immature birds are warm brown with faint streaking and only a slight bluish wash on wings and tail.
Diet
Feeds primarily on seeds and small fruits, using its stout bill to crack hard seed coats. Supplements its diet with insects and other small arthropods, especially during the breeding season. Forages methodically in low shrubs, thickets, and on or near the ground.
Preferred Environment
Edges of woodlands, scrubby clearings, and second-growth with abundant seed-bearing plants. Frequently works along hedgerows, fencerows, and riparian thickets where cover and food are interspersed.
