That Bird Blog – Bird Care and History for Pet Birds
Finches and softbills may be found in every color imaginable, but birds with black plumage are very scarce in the trade. One exception is the aptly named Blue-Black Grassquit or Jacarina Finch (Volatinia jacarina). Not a finch at all, this gorgeous little bird sports deep blue-black feathers that are highlighted with purple – always striking, but especially so when housed with brightly-colored species.
Natural History
The Jacarina Finch is actually classified as a Tanager (Family Thraupidae) and is more closely related to the brilliant Brazilian Tanager (please see photo) than to any of the common pet trade finches. It is, however, finch-like in its behavior and captive needs, and gets along well with most species.
The Jacarina Finches’ huge range extends from southern Mexico south through Central America to northern Chile and east to eastern Brazil. They are birds of brushy, fairly open habitats, and may be found in overgrown fields, lightly wooded grasslands, parks and village gardens. Wherever they occur, the males are well-known by local people for their unique hopping, quivering mating display.
Captive Housing
Jacarina Finches make fine captives and are regularly bred in European collections and, to a lesser extent, in the USA. Despite topping out at a mere 4.5 inches in length, they are best kept in large indoor flight cages or outdoor aviaries – active and shy, they fare poorly when crowded.
Diet
The basis of their diet can consist of a finch seed mix, into which has been added a bit of Softbill Select and Egg Food. Sprouts and greens should be offered regularly.
Insects and other invertebrates are essential if you want to keep your birds in peak color, and indispensible for pairs with chicks. The Zoo Med Bug Napper and canned invertebrates are of great value in this regard.
Further Reading
Some ornithologists believe that this may be the bird that crossed to the Galapagos Islands and gave rise to the many species that spurred Darwin’s thoughts on evolution; read more here.
Videos of displaying male Jacarina Finches.
Jacarina images referenced from wikipedia and originally posted by Dario Sanches
Is it possible that this Jacarina finch could be at my finch sock just south of Chicago?
Hello,
Escapees are always possible, but this bird is not common in US collections or known to have been sighted in your area. best, Frank
I also have a Jacarina finch at my bird feeder for the last two years. He only appears in the Spring, Summer months. I live in Connecticut – I only see the one though – he does hang around the golden finches.
Hi Sandy,
Thanks for your input…all types of escaped pets show up from time to time, but I’ve not read anything that would indicate that this species could survive a Ct winter…not impossible, perhaps, but unlikely. Ct has a huge diversity of native birds…any of the many good field guides available might help you to decide if perhaps a similar bird is present..enjoy and please keep me posted, Best, Frank
Thank you for your response/input. Is there any way I can post a picture of the bird so that you might be able to see it? Thank you – Sandy 🙂
Small, unpatterned birds are tough to ID via photo, but I’ll try; pl email to findiviglio@thatpetplace.com; if you feed/watch birds, keep a field guide handy…so many fine points to see – you’ll discover more species than you imagined, I’m sure, best, Frank
I seen a blue and black finch in hagerstown, Maryland. I think it was a blue jacarina
Hello,
There’s always a chance of an escaped pet, but could you have possibly seen a blue grosbeak?
Best, Frank
I also have 2 blue black grassquits on my finch feeder with all the gold finches. I too thought they might be blue grosbeaks but much too small definitely same size as finches. I live in Daphne Alabama.
Hello Carroll,
Thanks for the observation; illustrations of Alabama’s native birds can be found here, in case you wish to look them over. Indigo buntings are somewhat similar, although larger. Please keep me posted, enjoy, Frank
Southeast Alabama We have pictures taken of this beautiful bird. They never stay very long but we see them in the spring. April usually.
Pretty positive I saw one in our neighborhood today with other finches . Very small , almost like a large humming bird but the blue was so intense ,it was almost like a black /purple color .
Thanks, Robert…interesting to have your observation, best regards, Frank
Thanks for the observation, Liz,
Enjoy, Frank
Day to day after feeding the family cat. Once in a while she won’t eat all her food, which leaves the birds a chance to eat. Even after leaving a separate plate of bird food out for them they still eat the cat food. Well the cat left her food bowl still full of food, again today. Which means the birds will be by to eat. And I am enjoying every single one of them here. But I noticed one I have never seen before. New to the neighborhood I guess. But a very small very blue colored bird. Never seen one like this before and don’t even know what it’s name would be. So i did some research a found it’s called a Jacarina Finch. Will start having my camera next to me tomorrow to see if this beauty does come back I can take some photos of it.
Hello,
Thanks for your interest; a photo would be great; they are not native but escapees do show up from time to time. Please let me know if you need help with the ID if you obtain a photo, best, Frank
Today Easter Sunday I saw one jacarina finch (?) In among my yellows. In the bright spring sun it looked almost periwinkle blue with deep shiny black/purple. Never have I seen one before.we live in very rural dubois county Indiana. Teeny tiny bird.
Hi Frank,
I’ve also seen a jacarina finch in my back yard. I live in west central Florida – Hernando to be specific. I saw the couple today about 6pm. I took three pictures through my dining room window, which I’m afraid was rather dirty. However, I’m sure you’ll agree with my assessment, when you see the pictures. There’s a squirrel in the background and a dove in the foreground. They could be used for size comparisons. How can I e-mail them to you? Happy Easter.
Hello,
Might it possibly have been an Indigo Bunting?
Happy Easter, Frank
Hi Paul,
Could it have been an Indigo Bunting?
Happy easter, Frank
My mom and I live in Hattiesburg, MS. Over the past few days, we’ve had a “flock” (?) of about 10 to 12 of these tiny blue birds outside out kitchen window at her bird feeder. I first told her they looked like someone threw some finches in an ink well, until I saw this site and found this post. I’ve searched all over Google and this is the bird we’ve been seeing in our yard. I know they’re not native to this area, but I’ll try and get some pictures tomorrow when they show up.
Hello Jamie,
Thanks for the post…could you have perhaps seen Indigo Buntings?
Best, Frank
Last year 2013, I spotted this little blue-black bird at my feeders, it didn’t stay long and I thought it was a blue bird, but again this year May 2014 it once again has shown up, I have studied it thoroughly and believe it really is a Jacarina Finch, a real blue black beauty. I hope you can figure this out for me thanks. Betsy Hackworth
Hello Betsy,
It could be, but they are not commonly kept in Michigan, as far as I know, (if that is where you are) and an escapee would not survive the winter there (not sure I would!)…might it have been an especially dark indigo bunting? (sorry if you have considered this…). Please keep me posted, best regards, Frank
Hello .I just spotted a small dark blue bird at the finch feeder.It was small like a finch.I live in Ontario Canada could it be a Jacarina finch..I have had the indigo buntings but there very vibrant blue
Hi Tracy,
It’s possible, although not likely as I are not common in the trade there, as far as I know…perhaps check through these photos of Ontario’s warblers and some of the other groups..please let me know your thoughts, best, Frank
I have viewed every image possible and read every article possible and I have several pictures but none as beautiful as the bird in my feeder seen with own eyes. . I 100% believe it is a Jacarina and I do not have just one I have had 3 in my feeder at the same time. I have looked into the indigo bunty also after reading other comments and this bird only fits Jacarina description. I live in Northeast Wisconsin
Hello Jamie,
It could very well be, although they would not survive Wisconsin’s winter and so would be new escapees. If you’ve not checked a good field guide, that would be useful, as such is generally a better resource for bird ID’s, strays from other regions, escaped captive etc. than are internet sites.
Please keep me posted, best, Frank
Frank, stumbled across your page here when trying to figure out the blue/black finch-sized bird that I only caught a few second glimpse of. I live in central MA and could very well be an indigo bunting or similar – first time seeing this bird here and wish I could have gotten a pic of it. Now I’m going to keep my eye out to see if it comes around again. Great comments, definitely helpful 🙂
– Mike
Dear Frank: There have been so many sittings of these beautiful birds, that I still cannot believe that you will not resort to the fact that the world is changing and these are the jacarina finches that are coming around. I have read all of the sittings that have been posted to you, but you keep on giving the same answer. we all have researched the birds that frequent our areas, I do believe that we are all describing the same bird that is now frequenting our feeders. I know you said that the Jacarina cannot survive our winters and that is why I do not see these birds in CT in the winters – they must be migrating to warmer weather. I am graciously awaiting to see if this bird shows itself again this year, as it has the past two. Please listen to those who have reached out to you for expert advise, as we all value it, but maybe, just maybe this is an unexplained phenomenon.
To those that have witness this beauty in their backyard – keep on spectating their wonder!!! 🙂
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your observation. Indigo Buntings vary somewhat in coloration, and certain individuals do resemble this species, especially when seen quickly. Photos sent in by readers have turned out to be indigo buntings, so you may be on the right track. Escapees are also possible, although not common. Please keep me posted.
best regards, Frank
Hello,
Thanks for your interest. Unfortunately, I’m not quite sure I understand your first sentence. The answers I’ve provided are appropriate, and the photos that have been sent via email have been of Indigo Buntings. But please forward any relevant info that you may have, always interesting to hear of sightings, etc. The northern limit of the Jacarina’s natural range is southern Mexico; a natural range expansion has not been documented in any professional journal (if that is what is being suggested). An expansion of such magnitude, along with the required new migratory pattern, has not been undertaken by any native North American bird. However, others do occur..your best source of info re this would be the journal The Auk ; your local Audubon chapter can provide information on suspected sightings of escaped pets, best regards, Frank
pretty certain jacarina finch in Tucson…suppose it could be escaped individual, but being so close to Mexico….could they have isolated presence here? Only slightly larger than hummingbird, but blue-black color and finchness (beak) for certain. Thanks!
Hi Deborah,
They only range to central Mexico, but strays are possible in AZ in addition to escapees. Your local Audubon Society chapter will likely have a list of unusual bird sightings in the area, may be worth checking,
Enjoy, Frank
Hi, I just have to ring-in on another Northerly sighting of Jacarina Finch/Blue-black Grassquit. I’ve read the thread here so checked thoroughly all possible other suggestions, but what I saw was DARK blue (looked black until the light hit it just right), small size – perched on a blade of tall river grass that only curved a bit under its weight. Watched it for quite a while as it picked seeds out of the head of the grass stalk. Likely an escapee I guess, since it seems not possible he’s here otherwise. I hope he’ll be OK! Will go back and try to spot him again, and get a photo 🙂 This is in Ontario Canada!
Thanks very much!…please keep me posted, best , Frank
We saw a bird at our feeder today in western NY. It was there for quite awhile with other finches. It was absolutely a jacarina finch. We looked up photos and it was a match.
Just wanted to let you know my wife and I observed a Jacarina Finch at our feeder on July 31, 2014, at about 4 p.m. it was cloudy and only feet from or window to view. It so amazed us and without ever seeing such a bird before we looked it up and found on this site. We are located in Guntersville, Alabama.
Thanks for the observation, Randy, much appreciated. Enjoy, Frank
Hey Frank i bought one of those in central america 10 years ago, i kept him at an outdoors aviary with other finches mostly zebra finches, he was a male and was very agressive with the zebras, anywas the years passed by and the other finches died, but he didnt, until a couple of days ago i noticed he wasnt singing or being active at all and he died at 10 years of age. When i bought it i noticed that he was wild caught and thats the reason why i bought him i felt sorry for him because his little head was bleeding i assume he hurt himself trying to escape. During those 10 years i kept him he ate only commercial seed mixes for canaries and finches. Im trully devastated by his death because he had such a strong personality even though he was about 3.5-4 inches. Whenever i went near his cage to put some seed mix on his bowl he would look me in the eyes, yes they are very shy birds like most birds, but this is the firt bird ever that has made eye contact with me. Anyways im writing this because im wondering if theres any information about their lifespan in captivity or in the wild, as i havent been able to find any info online. Thanks very much.
Hello Anna,
Thanks for your most interesting post! Sad to lose the bird, but I’m certain it’s life was much improved under your care…I have seen what happens to W/C birds in Latin America and elsewhere. There isn’t any published info on longevity as far as I know, but judging from experiences with related birds, yours had an exceptonally long life. Eye contact is important, as you noticed. One of the first things we learn as zookeepers is to avoid eye contact in large exhibits if we want birds to stay put so we can get a good look at them…they perceive it as threatening; looking away, you can get much closer…so yours showed a good deal of trust, especially considering that they are small, on the menus of so many predators, and instinctively wary. Best regards, Frank