Blue-black grassquit

Volatinia jacarina

The blue-black grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) is a small Neotropical bird in the tanager family, Thraupidae.

Family: Thraupidae Order: passerines Conservation: Least Concern
Blue-black grassquit

About the Blue-black grassquit

The blue-black grassquit (Volatinia jacarina) is a small Neotropical bird in the tanager family, Thraupidae. It is the only member of the genus Volatinia. It is a common and widespread bird that breeds from southern Mexico through Central America, and South America as far as northern Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay, and in Trinidad and Tobago. A male was also observed in Graham County, Arizona, on July 15 and July 17, 2023. This species is sexually dimorphic; the male is glossy blue with some white under the wing. The female is brown above and pale buff with darker streaks below.

Fun Facts About Blue-black grassquit

  • A male was also observed in Graham County, Arizona, on July 15 and July 17, 2023.
  • This species is sexually dimorphic; the male is glossy blue with some white under the wing.
  • The female is brown above and pale buff with darker streaks below.
  • It is the only member of the genus Volatinia.
  • It is a common and widespread bird that breeds from southern Mexico through Central America, and South America as far as northern Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay, and in Trinidad and Tobago.

Conservation Status

The Blue-black grassquit is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List →

Taxonomy & Classification

Orderpasserines
FamilyThraupidae
GenusVolatinia
SpeciesVolatinia jacarina

Range & Habitat

Range map of Blue-black grassquit

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Related Species

Other species in the Thraupidae family: