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. Â It is part of the Emberizidae family
It measures 9cm and is shiny blue-black with slightly speckled underparts. Â 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. Â She has brown upperparts and buff underparts with brown streaking.
