The male Painted Bunting is often hailed as the most exquisite bird in North America, earning the nickname "nonpareil" or "without equal" due to its vibrant fusion of blue, green, yellow, and red. It can be easily identified by its dark blue head, green back, red rump, and underparts. However, spotting it can be challenging, as it tends to hide in foliage even while singing. On the other hand, females and juvenile Painted Buntings showcase green and yellow-green plumage, serving as effective camouflage.

Basic Info:

Scientific Name: Passerina ciris
Lifespan: Over 10 years
Size: 4.7–5.5 in
Weight: 0.46–0.67 oz
Wingspan: 8.3–9.1 in

Painted Bunting Distribution and Habitat:

Painted Buntings inhabit thickets, woodland edges with riparian thickets, shrubbery, and brushy areas. In the eastern regions, they breed in maritime hammocks and scrub communities. Nowadays, they are commonly found along roadsides, suburban areas, and gardens with dense, shrubby vegetation. During the winter, they prefer shrubby edges along the borders of tropical forests or densely vegetated savannas.

Painted Bunting in the Backyard:

Painted Buntings primarily feed on seeds, especially after the breeding season, typically starting in midsummer. They are more likely to visit bird feeders in yards with low, dense vegetation.

Painted Bunting Breeding:

The breeding season for Painted Buntings extends from late April to early August, with peak activity observed from mid-May to mid-July. The male arrives about a week before the female and establishes a small territory. Nest building is typically carried out by females, who weave the nests into low, dense vegetation for added strength.

Each brood consists of three or four gray-white eggs, often spotted with brown, and the incubation period lasts around 10 days until the altricial young hatch. The female solely takes care of the young ones, brooding them for approximately 12 to 14 days until they fledge. Around 30 days after the first eggs hatch, the female often lays a second brood. Unfortunately, their nests are sometimes parasitized by cowbirds.

Bird Info From Wuipet