indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION

• 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 bunt-
ings. 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 streak-
ed backs.

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Neotropical migrant
Breeding Habitat: Successional-scrub
Nest Location: Ground-low nesting
Nest Type: Open-cup
Clutch Size: 2-6
Length of Incubation: 12-13 days
Days to Fledge: 9-10
Number of Broods: 2
Diet: Mostly insects; lesser quantities of seeds and fruit

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May C
      Su - Summer: June, July, August C
      Fall: September, October, November C

      Winter: December, January, February

 

 

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