Is this small bird from Costa Rica a Variable Seedeater or a Blue-Black Grassquit?
Are there any avid birders out there? I need help with the identification of a relatively common bird that I encountered in Costa Rica.
The bird in question was spotted amidst the undergrowth along the roadside in Turrialba Valley - not too far from Guayabo National Monument - about 3500 feet above sea level. Black and fairly small with no distinguishing characteristics to the naked eye, this bird had a relatively stout beak and was observed hopping up and down continuously while emitting a single plaintive note. By hopping up and down, I deduced that the bird was either trying to expose seeds on the ground or scare up some small insects for his next meal (part of the bird’s foraging behavior).
After referring to his bird book and after considerable hesitation, the young bird guide who had accompanied me from Guayabo National Moument claimed that the bird was a Variable Seedeater. I really wasn’t convinced as for such a common bird, an experienced bird guide should not have to refer to his bird book. After doing some investigation of my own – online and looking at my own Costa Rica Bird book – I think the mystery bird may have been either a Blue-Black Grassquit (most likely) or Blue Seedeater. What do you think?
Tags: bird identification, Birds, Costa Rica birds, tropical birds
May 22nd, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Upon further review, I am concluding that this bird was a definitely a Blue-Black Grassquit. The hopping up and down does not have anything to with foraging but is a territorial display unique to the males of the species. This particular Grassquit is one of the most common birds observed in tropical America.
The young bird guide from Guayabo National Monument who mistakenly identified this bird as a Variable Seedeater needs to learn his local birds, that’s for sure!
May 23rd, 2009 at 3:29 am
Hanu is correct. I have a nest in my rancho right now.
Grassquit it is. I can sit still and watch them less than 15 feet away.