Indigo Bunting
NameIndigo Bunting
Common NameIndigo Bunting
Scientific NamePasserina cyanea
FamilyCardinalidae
Wingspan (cm)20.5
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)14.5
Plumage DetailsAdult males are entirely vibrant cerulean blue, appearing iridescent and sometimes purplish or greenish depending on the light. Their wings and tail are darker, often blackish with blue edging. Females are plain brown with faint streaking on the breast and sometimes a bluish tinge on the rump and tail.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a high-pitched, sweet, warbling series of paired notes, often described as 'sweet-sweet, where-where, here-here, see-it, see-it'. Their call is a sharp 'spik' or 'chip'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsbrushy fields, woodland edges, clearings, roadsides, abandoned farmlands
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 FeaturesVibrant iridescent blue plumage (male), Conical, silvery bill, Darker wings and tail (male), Small size, Distinctive warbling song, Plain brown female with faint streaking
Description
The Indigo Bunting is a small, seed-eating bird known for the male's brilliant blue plumage during the breeding season. They are often found in brushy areas and woodland edges, where males sing their distinctive warbling song from prominent perches.
