Ultramarine Grosbeak Cyanocompsa/Cyanoloxia brissonii

The Ultramarine Grosbeak is native to South America. It is of the Cardinal family (like the Northern Cardinal of North America) and is similar to the Blue-black Grosbeak of Central America.

The male plumage (above) is blue with bright blue highlights and black wing-tips/tail.

The female plumage (above) is a warm chestnut brown.

Both have disproportionately large finch-like bills. The thick bills let them crack open tough seeds. Nests are built near the ground. The birds are very territiorial.