Varied Bunting
NameVaried Bunting
Common NameVaried Bunting
Scientific NamePasserina versicolor
FamilyCardinalidae
Wingspan (cm)19
Length (cm)12
Weight (g)12.5
Plumage DetailsAdult males exhibit an iridescent blue crown, a reddish-purple nape and back, and purplish underparts. The wings and tail are darker, often with blue edgings. Females are plain, unstreaked brown overall, sometimes with a faint buffy wash on the underparts.
Vocalization / CallThe song is a high-pitched, warbling series of notes, often rising and falling in pitch, similar to other *Passerina* buntings but with a distinct pattern. Calls include a sharp 'chip' or 'tseet'.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, forest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound in the southwestern United States (southern Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas) and throughout much of Mexico, south to Oaxaca. It prefers arid and semi-arid regions.
Identifying FeaturesMale's iridescent blue crown, Male's purplish-red body and red nape, Small size and conical bill, Shy behavior, often hidden in dense thickets, Plain brown female plumage
Description
The Varied Bunting is a small, stocky songbird known for the male's striking iridescent plumage. Males display a unique combination of blue, red, and purple, while females are a duller brown. They are typically shy birds, often found foraging in dense brush.
