Indigo Bunting
NameIndigo Bunting
Common NameIndigo Bunting
Scientific NamePasserina cyanea
FamilyCardinalidae
Wingspan (cm)20
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)14.5
Plumage DetailsBreeding males are entirely iridescent cerulean blue, appearing duller or blackish in poor light. Females are plain brown with faint streaking on the breast and sometimes a bluish tint on the rump and tail. Non-breeding males resemble females but may retain some blue feathers.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a high-pitched, rapid series of paired notes, often described as 'sweet-sweet, chew-chew, sweet-sweet, where-where, here-here'. Calls include a sharp 'spik' and a soft 'tsip'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsshrubland, forest edge, grassland, fields, roadsides
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across eastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast. Winters primarily in southern Florida, the Caribbean, and Central America.
Identifying FeaturesBrilliant blue plumage (male), Small size, Conical bill, Distinctive paired-note song, Brown plumage with faint streaking (female)
Description
The Indigo Bunting is a small, seed-eating bird known for the brilliant blue plumage of the breeding male. Males often sing their distinctive song from prominent perches in open, shrubby habitats.
