How to identify the Painted Bunting

To correctly identify the Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

12-14 cm (4.7-5.5 in)

Wingspan

21-23 cm (8.3-9.1 in)

Weight

13-19 g (0.46-0.67 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Adult males are unmistakable: deep blue head, bright green back and scapulars, and brilliant red underparts, rump, and eye-ring. Adult females and immatures are duller, uniformly greenish-yellow above and paler yellowish below, with a faint pale eye-ring. They lack streaking.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Short, conical, and stout finch-like bill, adapted for cracking seeds. Males have a dark gray to black bill; females have a paler, horn-colored bill.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark gray to black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The male's iridescent, multi-colored plumage is its most distinguishing feature. Females and immatures are identified by their unstreaked, bright greenish-yellow coloration, which is brighter than many other female buntings.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adult females, being dull greenish-yellow overall. First-year males may show a mix of green-yellow and patches of blue or red plumage as they molt into their adult coloration.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   Males retain their vibrant plumage year-round. Females and immatures also show little seasonal variation in plumage.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Highly sexually dimorphic. Males are brilliantly colored, while females are predominantly green-yellow.

Key field marks

• Male Plumage. Look for the unmistakable combination of a deep blue head, bright green back, and brilliant red underparts. No other North American bird has this color pattern.
• Female/Immature Plumage. Identify by their unstreaked, bright greenish-yellow plumage overall, which is brighter and more uniformly green-yellow than most other female buntings or sparrows. Note the pale eye-ring.
• Song. Listen for the high-pitched, sweet, warbling song, a rapid series of varied phrases, often delivered from a hidden perch within dense vegetation.
• Habitat. Search in dense, shrubby areas, woodland edges, and overgrown fields, especially near water sources. They are often secretive and can be difficult to spot despite their colors.
• Behavior. Observe for ground-foraging behavior or short, quick flights between dense cover. Males may sing from slightly more exposed perches.

Explore the Painted Bunting