These grassquits were fairly common along roadsides in open areas. This are adult males acquiring alternate (breeding) plumage. It takes males two years to achieve full alternate plumage obtained by a complicated combination of molt and feather wear. The bottom individual resembles a female, but the inky blue streaks on the head and underparts, and the dark wings make it a basic (non-breeding) plumage male.
Three races are recognized. This is V. j. splendens, which ranges through Central America and northern South America. The others are more southerly and have more white in the underwing.
This species is the only member of the genus Volatinia. Some earlier authors have included it with the genus Geospiza, the Galapagos Finches, but this relationship is not supported by recent research which suggests instead a relationship with the Tanagers.
Digiscoped with Panasonic DMC-LZ5 | Nikon FieldScope III | 30XWA | hand-held (no adapter)