The Blue-black GrassquitVolatinia jacarina is in the tanager family, Thraupidae. It is in the Group I Tanagers – Dull Colored. It breeds from southern Mexico through Central America and down to Chile and Argentina. It is the only member of the genus Volatinia. They have a slender conical black bill. The male is glossy blue-black, with a black tail and wings; the white inner under wing is visible in flight or display. The male has a jumping display, often performed for long periods, which gives rise to the local name Johnny Jump-up. This bird was photographed at the Arenal Obsevatory.
These photos of juveniles were taken at the Parque Zoologico Huachipa Zoo.