Volatinia jacarina
This small seedeater was seen at our reserve in 2011 but then not until the drought of 2022, when it became quite common. It is part of the Emberizidae family
It measures 9cm and is shiny blue-black with slightly speckled underparts. It has a typical seed-eating bill.
It performs a display of short vertical jumps and whilst in the air one can see the white underwing. This suggests that it also takes insects.
The female is quite different. She has brown upperparts and buff underparts with brown streaking.
