The blue grosbeak is a beautiful songbird found in the southern and southwestern United States. With its bright blue plumage and melodious song, it is a favorite among birdwatchers. But where is the best place to spot this elusive species? Here we will examine some of the top spots for seeing the blue grosbeak and provide tips for increasing your chances of observing this stunning bird.
About the Blue Grosbeak
The blue grosbeak (Passerina caerulea) is a medium-sized songbird measuring 15–18 cm in length. Males are almost entirely deep blue with black faces and rusty wing bars, while females are mostly brown with blue restricted to the wings and tail. They breed in open woodlands, forest edges, overgrown fields, and shrublands across the southern United States from California to Virginia. Blue grosbeaks migrate through the southwestern states to wintering grounds in central Mexico.
During the breeding season, the male blue grosbeak sings a warbled song from an exposed perch to attract a mate and defend its territory. They forage for seeds and insects on the ground or in low vegetation. Nests are cups of twigs, grass, and other plant fibers placed low in a bush or tree. The female incubates the 2-5 eggs for about two weeks until they hatch.
The blue grosbeak has declined in numbers in recent decades, particularly in the southern and central parts of its range. Loss of suitable scrubby habitat is considered the biggest threat. However, they remain fairly common throughout their core southwestern range.
Southern California
Southern California provides excellent opportunities to observe blue grosbeaks, especially during spring and summer in the desert oases east of Los Angeles and San Diego. Hotspots include:
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- Oasis near Palm Springs
- Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve
- Big Morongo Canyon Preserve
- Malibu Lagoon State Beach
The blue grosbeak breeds in desert washes lined with mesquite, palo verde, ironwood, and other scrubby trees and shrubs. Also search areas with tamarisk or Russian olive trees. Listen for their loud, ringing song carrying over the dry washes. scanning treetops may reveal a male perched up and singing. California is at the northwestern extent of the blue grosbeak’s range, so they are most abundant in the southeastern deserts.
Best time to see
The best viewing window is from late April through early June, the peak of breeding season when males are singing frequently to attract mates. Numbers also increase in fall as birds migrate back down from farther north.
Tips for viewing
- Get to desert areas at dawn when birds are most active.
- Walk washes and listen for their loud, ringing song.
- Scan treetops for perched birds.
- Use squeaking sounds to attract curious birds.
- Watch for aerial pursuit display flights.
South Texas
South Texas hosts huge numbers of blue grosbeaks in spring as birds migrate north from Mexico. Some of the best birding sites include:
- Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge
- Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park
- Estero Llano Grande State Park
- Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
- Anzalduas County Park
Search for grosbeaks in scrubby second growth, woodland edges, overgrown fields, and along the Rio Grande river corridor. Watch for their bounding flight low over the ground as they fly between bushes. Also listen for fast metallic “chink” calls. South Texas specialties like green jays, Altamira orioles, and chachalacas may also be found at these birding hotspots.
Best time to see
Peak migration is from mid-March to mid-May. Numbers dwindle by early June as most birds have passed through farther north. Winter is also a good time to find south Texas specialties.
Tips for viewing
- Hit the refuge trails at dawn when activity is highest.
- Watch for jumpy flights low through the underbrush.
- Listen for the rolling “chink” call.
- Try squeaking to attract them.
- Don’t ignore flycatchers and warblers.
Southeastern Arizona
Southeastern Arizona is a birder’s paradise, with tropical species reaching the northern limits of their range. The blue grosbeak breeds here in summer. Top birding sites are:
- Madera Canyon
- Florida Canyon
- Santa Rita Mountains
- Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Preserve
- San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area
In southeastern Arizona, search for blue grosbeaks in streamside woodlands and thickets. Listen for their distinctive song, like a robin’s but more musical. Watch for birds hawk-hunting insects over the canyon or perched on treetops. Southeastern Arizona is also wonderful for tropical species like elegant trogon, painted and varied buntings, and yellow-billed cuckoo.
Best time to see
Late May through July is nesting season. Arrive early as activity declines by mid-morning. Southeast Arizona is excellent year-round, with different seasons featuring different species.
Tips for viewing
- Get to canyons and riparian areas at dawn.
- Listen and watch for aerial hawk-hunting.
- Try pishing sounds to attract them.
- Also look for yellow-breasted chats and summer tanagers.
- Bring a snack and water for a long fruitful day.
Missouri
Northern Missouri might seem an unlikely place, but some blue grosbeaks breed as far north as Iowa. Top spots in Missouri are:
- Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge
- Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge
- Pershing State Park
- Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area
- Marais Temps Clair Conservation Area
Search overgrown fields, forest edges, floodplain woods, and shrubby wetland margins. Watch for indigo buntings and bluebirds which appear similar at a distance. The grosbeak’s chunky shape and massive beak help distinguish it. Missouri is at the northern limit of the range, so populations fluctuate more here.
Best time to see
Late May through mid-July is nesting season. Numbers decline significantly by August. Spring migration in May can also be productive.
Tips for viewing
- Look in weedy river-edge habitat.
- Listen for warbled song and “chink” calls.
- Watch for bulky shape and oversized bill.
- Avoid thick forest and focus on scrubby areas.
- Early morning activity is highest.
Conclusion
For your best chance at seeing the beautiful blue grosbeak, focus on scrubby habitat in the southwestern states in spring and summer. Arrive early in the morning when activity is highest. Listen for their loud, musical song and metallic calls. Watch for bulky blue birds hawk-hunting insects over fields. With persistence and know-how, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of this declining species.