Indigo Bunting

The indigo bunting is a small sparrow sized songbird foundthrough out the eastern half of North America and in winter migrates down into Central America. The males are the ones who are the brilliant blue while females are brown with faint streaking on their breasts. Their prefered habitats are overgrown fields, brushy areas and hedgerows. These little birds have a prefered diet of seeds, berries and insects. Some of their favorites are thistles, wild berries, and various insects.

During breeding season males can be heard singing from the top of shrubs, poles and other elevated perches. Their song can often be described as sound like fire-fire-where-where-here-here-see it-see it, this call is used to attract females and to mark their territory.

The indigo bunting typically nests in fields and wood edges. Made in the fork of a branch, about 3 to 4 white eggs would be laid inside.

An interesting fact about this bird is that like other blue birds, the indigo buntig actually lack any blue pigment. They get their stunning color from microscopic structures in their feathers that refract and reflect blue light.

Indigo Bunting range map — Indigo Bunting Range Map

While still being a species of least concern with a estimated population of 28 million individuals, their population is still in decline. With their main threats being agriculture, frequest mowing of roadsides and fields and urbanization.

Species Overview:

Common Name: Indigo Bunting

Scientific Name: Passerina cyanea

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Measurments: Length- 12 to 13 cm. Wingspan- 19 to 22 cm. Weight- 12 to 18 g.

Distribution: Eastern half of North America and down into Central America.

Habitat: Overgrown fields, brushy areas and hedgerows.

Diet: Seeds, berries, and insects.

References: