Blue Grosbeak Passerina caerulea

The Blue Grosbeak is native to southern US and northern Mexico, wintering in Central America. It is of the Cardinal family (like the Northern Cardinal of North America).

The male breeding plumage (above centre) is mid blue with some brown on back and wings; the female (above left/right) is a warm chestnut brown, as is the male in winter. Both have disproportionately large finch-like bills to help crack tough seeds and snail shells.