Indigo Bunting look-alikes
Passerina cyanea
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Open the appSeveral birds can be mistaken for the Indigo Bunting. Compare the key differences below to confirm your sighting.
Birds to compare
Lazuli Bunting
Passerina amoena
Key differences
Male Lazuli Bunting has a blue head and back, white belly, and a distinct rusty breast band. Male Indigo Bunting is entirely blue. Female Lazuli Bunting is duller brown than female Indigo, often with a pale blue wash on the rump and two distinct white wing bars, which are usually absent or very faint on female Indigo.
Blue Grosbeak
Passerina caerulea
Key differences
Blue Grosbeak is larger (15-17 cm) and has a much larger, conical bill. Male Blue Grosbeak is a darker, purplish-blue with two rusty wing bars. Female Blue Grosbeak is warm brown with two rusty wing bars, and a larger bill than female Indigo Bunting.
Eastern Bluebird
Sialia sialis
Key differences
Eastern Bluebird is larger (16-21 cm) and has a more upright posture. Male Eastern Bluebird has a bright blue back, rusty breast, and white belly. Its bill is slender, unlike the stout bill of the Indigo Bunting. Females are duller but retain the blue and rusty pattern.
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