Painted Bunting

Scientific Name: Passerina ciris

Classification: Order: Passeriformes; Family: Cardinalidae

Often called the most beautiful bird in North America, the Painted Bunting is a small, shy seed-eater that prefers thick cover.

Region of Origin: North America, primarily the Southeast and South-Central United States and Mexico.
Typical Sighting Period: Spring and summer (breeding season) in the U.S.; year-round in extreme southern Florida and parts of Central America.
Plumage Details: Adult males are spectacularly multicolored with blue heads, red underparts, and green backs. Adult females and juveniles are entirely bright green (unusual for songbirds). Second-year males may also appear green but can show patches of blue.
Ecological Significance: Contributes to seed dispersal and insect population control within its brushy habitats.
Conservation Status: Near Threatened (IUCN); population is declining due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade.
Observation Tips: Listen for the sweet, warbling song during spring. They are secretive; look for them in dense shrubbery or at bird feeders offering white millet.

Length: 4.7-5.5 in; Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in; Weight: 13-19 g.

Primarily seeds during winter and insects (like grasshoppers and caterpillars) during the breeding season.

Low-lying brush, forest edges, coastal scrub, and overgrown fields.

Migratory; breeds in the U.S. and winters in Florida, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

A musical, sweet, high-pitched warble; the call is a sharp 'chip'.

Open-cup nest built low in a shrub or tree. Clutch size is typically 3-4 eggs; females incubate alone.

Males have a distinct blue head, red breast, and lime-green back. Females are exceptionally bright green compared to other sparrow-like birds.

Indigo Bunting (males are all blue); Varied Bunting (males are darker purple/plum; females are drabber brownish-green).

In French, this bird is called 'nonpareil', meaning 'without equal', referring to its incredible coloration.