Identification
Scarce and very local. A rather plain, easily overlooked, small seed-eating bird. Usually found as singles or pairs in association with seeding bamboo in forested areas, from lowlands to highlands, but mainly in foothills. In most of range the male is dull dark bluish overall (with slightly brighter highlights on shoulder), while the female is rich brown overall. In southwest Mexico, male is paler and more denim-blue; female is grayish brown. Note the grayish bill, which is smaller than bill of Blue Bunting, and subtly different in shape from bill of Varied Bunting. Listen for sharp metallic chips and sweet warbling song.