Order: PASSERIFORMES
Family: CARDINALIDAE
The ultramarine grosbeak (Cyanoloxia brissonii) is a species of grosbeak in the Cardinalidae family. 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.
Description
These birds are 15 cm long. The adult male exhibits a dark-blue plumage with bright-blue upper-wings. The females and the juveniles are brown.
Similar species
Very similar to the Bluebird (Cyanocompsa cyanoides) but the male of the latter species is slightly larger and with a duller rump. The female is deep dark brown, not pale brown.
Regional Differences
Five subspecies are recognized C. b. caucae, C. b. minor, C. b. Argentina, C. b. brissonii and C. b. sterea. Only the caucae subspecies is found in Colombia.
Behaviour
The ultramarine grosbeak is territorial, it doesn´t fly in flocks. If a male invades the territory of another, for sure there will be a conflict with some violence.
Distribution and habitat
They inhabit the edge of swamps, secondary forests and plantations. The native range of these birds extends from Northeast and central Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay to Argentina. It also can be found northern Venezuela and Colombia. There are some morphological differences between subspecies from different regions.
Feeding
Feeds on seeds, fruits and insects.
Reproduction
It takes place between September and February, builds its nest not far from the ground and each clutch usually has between 2 and 3 eggs. The chicks are born between 13 and 15 days after the eggs are laid.
Taxonomy
Sometimes included in the genus Passerina. It probably forms a superspecies with C. parellina and hybridizes with Sporophila caerulescens in the wild.
Conservation status
His condition is of least concern.
Vocalization/ Song
https://www.xeno-canto.org/570517
References
Avibase (2014). Species factsheet: Cyanocompsa brissonii. Downloaded from http://avibase.bsc-eoc.org/species.jsp?lang=ES&avibaseid=C90411308ABCD931 on 04/06/2014.
Orenstein, R. & D. Brewer. Cyanocompsa brissonii. Pp 423-424 In: Del-Hoyo, J., Elliot, A. and Christie D. A. 2011. Handbook of the Birds of the Wold. Vol 16. Tanagers to NewWorld Blackbirds. Lynx editions. Barcelona. 894p.
Hilty, S. L. and W. L. Brown. 2001. Guide to the Birds of Colombia. Princetn. Univ. Press, Princeton, NJ
IUCN 2014. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.1. Downloaded April 4, 2014.
Jobling, C. 2010. The Helm dictionary of scientific birds names. Christopher Helm and A & C Black Publishers Ltda. London. 433p.
