Kingdom: Animalia, Class: Aves, Order: Passeriformes, Family: Cardinalidae, Genus: Passerina, Species: Passerina ciris
Painted Bunting
Often described as the most beautiful bird in North America, the Painted Bunting is a small, seed-eating songbird. While the males are spectacularly colored, they are often shy and difficult to spot in dense vegetation.
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Plumage & appearance
Adult males are vibrantly multicolored with an indigo blue head, bright red underparts and rump, and a lime-green back. Females and juveniles are a distinctive bright chartreuse-green all over.
Ecological significance
Acts as a consumer of seeds and small insects (especially during breeding), and serves as prey for larger birds and snakes; they also contribute to seed dispersal within their habitats.
Conservation status
Near Threatened (Population is declining due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade).
Observation tips
Look for them in thickets, woodland edges, and brushy areas. They are most easily seen at bird feeders stocked with white proso millet or by listening for the male's sweet, high-pitched warbling song during spring.
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