Indigo Bunting
Image: mtart (cc-by-nc)
NameIndigo Bunting
Common NameIndigo Bunting
Scientific NamePasserina cyanea
FamilyCardinalidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)14.5
Plumage DetailsAdult males are entirely brilliant indigo blue, appearing blackish in poor light. Females are dull brown overall with faint streaking on the breast, a whitish belly, and often a bluish wash on the wings and tail. Juveniles resemble females but may have more prominent streaking.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a high-pitched, sweet, warbling series of paired notes, often described as 'sweet-sweet-chew-chew-sweet-sweet'. Calls include a sharp 'spik' or 'chip'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsshrubland, forest edge, grassland, agricultural land
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across eastern North America, from southern Canada to Florida and Texas. Winters in southern Florida, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Identifying Featuresbright indigo blue plumage (males), brown plumage with blue wash on wings/tail (females/juveniles), conical bill, distinctive warbling song
Description
The Indigo Bunting is a small, finch-like songbird. Males are a brilliant iridescent blue during the breeding season, while females and juveniles are mostly plain brown with subtle bluish tints on the wings and tail. They are known for their persistent, high-pitched warbling song.
