Indigo Bunting
Image: mtart (cc-by-nc)
NameIndigo Bunting
Common NameIndigo Bunting
Scientific NamePasserina cyanea
FamilyCardinalidae
Wingspan (cm)20.5
Length (cm)13.25
Weight (g)15.25
Plumage DetailsBreeding males are entirely brilliant indigo blue, appearing blackish in poor light. Non-breeding males are mottled blue and brown. Females are mostly plain brown with faint streaking on the breast and sometimes a bluish tint on the wings and tail, often showing two faint buffy wing bars. Juveniles resemble females but are more heavily streaked.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a high-pitched, sweet, and often double-syllabled warble, frequently described as 'sweet-sweet, where-where, here-here, see-it, see-it.' Calls include a sharp 'spik' or 'chip' and a soft 'tew.'
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest edge, open woodland, brushy field, overgrown clearing, roadside, suburban garden
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds across eastern North America, from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast. Winters in southern Florida, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Identifying FeaturesBrilliant indigo blue plumage of breeding males, Dull brown plumage with faint streaking and bluish wash on wings/tail for females/immatures, Conical, finch-like bill, Distinctive, high-pitched warbling song, Two faint buffy wing bars on females and immatures
Description
The Indigo Bunting is a small, finch-like songbird. Breeding males are striking indigo blue, while females and immatures are a duller brown with faint streaking and a subtle bluish wash on the wings and tail. They are often found in brushy areas and forest edges, where males sing their distinctive, high-pitched warble.
