AnnieL has a photo of a beautiful bluebird on her blog this morning, I told I was going to post a photo of two of my favorite birds.
The first is an Indigo Bunting. Several summers ago when we first built our fountain I put out all kinds of bird feeders... knowing that the sound of the water would help attract different kinds of featured freinds.
We have a speciality bird store here and the lady that owns it got a book and told me what to buy to attract certain birds. The birds below do migrate thru this area, and will return every year if you can get them to stop the first time.
I have photos of at least 10 of these Indigo Buntings I took from my window. They were all on the ground eating ( although the books says they eat from a feeder). I never got the painted buntings and I have since slacked off on my bird watching... but they were beautiful while they lasted. Thanks AnnieL. for the reminded!
Indigo bunting Passerina cyanea
Identification Tips:
- Length: 4.5 inches
- Small, conical bill
Adult male alternate:
- Deep blue plumage (in poor light appears black)
- Blackish wings and tail with blue edges
- Basic-plumaged male (Fall and Winter) similar to adult female but often has has some blue feathers
Adult female:
- Dark brown upperparts
- Warm brown underparts with faint dark streaks
- Indistinct wing bars
- Immature plumages similar to adult female-immature male can have blue patches
Similar species:
The Blue Grosbeak is very similar to the Indigo Bunting but is larger with brown wing bars. Female Indigo Buntings are similar to other female buntings. Female Lazuli Bunting has white wing bars. Female Varied Bunting very similar but has more curved culmen and lacks steaking below. Female Painted Bunting greener. Sparrows have more patterned faces and streaked backs.
Species Name: Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris)
Length: 5.5" WS 8.5"
Description: Sparrow-sized, male has deep iridescent blue head, red breast and belly, green feathers on back. One of the most colorful birds in North America. Large curved bill; plain greenish plumage of female distinctive. First year birds are plain and drab green.
Range: Areas of scattered brush and trees, riparian thickets, weedy and shrubby areas across southern U.S., east to Florida; Winters in n Florida, Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico south to Panama.
Habitat: Urban areas, suburbs, parks, farms, ranches, roadsides, feeders. Normally shy and skittish, especially the males.
Nesting: Thickets brush and trees 6' to 25'. Also occasionally in vine tangle. Nest is well made deep cup of grass, forbs, leaves, lined with fine grass, hair. EGGS: Pale bluish-white or grayish-white, spotted with reddish-brown concentrated toward large end. 0.8 (19 mm). CHICK DEVELOPMENT: Female incubates. Incubation takes 11-12 days. Development is altricial (immobile, downless, eyes closed, fed). Young leave the nest after 12-14 days. Female tends young with help from male.
Diet: Primarily seeds and insects
Odd Facts: Common Cowbird host; Male extremely pugnacious on territory; territorial disputes between males described as frequently bloody and sometimes fatal. Courtship: male flattens out with wings and tail spread, and fluffs plumage; actions are jerky and stiff, with alternating periods of activity and quiet. Popular as cage bird in mainland wintering grounds of the U.S.
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