Cyanoloxia glaucocaerulea
The Glaucous-blue Grosbeak (Cyanoloxia glaucocaerulea) is a striking passerine belonging to the Cardinalidae family, celebrated for its brilliant plumage and powerful, conical bill. Males are an arresting sight, sporting an iridescent glaucous-blue across their body, often appearing almost violet in certain lights, contrasted with darker, almost black wings and tail, and a prominent black mask extending from the lore through the eyes. They typically measure 18-20 cm (7-8 inches) in length, wi...
Found primarily in humid subtropical and tropical forests, particularly at the edges, in dense secondary growth, and within overgrown clearings. Typically inhabits elevations between 200 and 1500 meters.
Primarily granivorous, specializing in large, hard-shelled seeds from various forest plants, supplemented with insects (caterpillars, beetles) and occasional berries, especially during breeding season. Forages by gleaning from foliage and searching the forest floor.
Glaucous-blue Grosbeaks are generally shy and often solitary or found in pairs, particularly during the breeding season, though they may join mixed-species flocks outside of it. They are diurnal, spending much of their time foraging in dense undergrowth or mid-story vegetation, often moving with ...
The Glaucous-blue Grosbeak is endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome of South America, with its primary breeding and year-round range extending from southeastern Brazil (Minas Gerais, Espírito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul) south through eastern Paragua...
Near Threatened
- The Glaucous-blue Grosbeak's bill boasts one of the highest crushing forces relative to its body size among Neotropical passerines, capable of cracking seeds thought impenetrable to many other birds. - Its stunning glaucous-blue plumage is not solely due to pigments but is largely structural, m...