Painted Bunting
Least ConcernPasserina ciris
Visual Identification
Painted Bunting
Appearance
The male Painted Bunting is a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors, with a bright blue head, red underparts, and green back. Its wings show a mix of green and reddish-brown, creating a striking contrast.
Females and juveniles are a uniform bright green above with yellowish-green underparts. This stark difference in plumage between sexes is a classic example of sexual dimorphism in birds.
Size
Length
12cm to 14cm
Wingspan
21cm to 23cm
Weight
13g to 19g
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Painted Buntings inhabit semi-open areas with scattered trees and shrubs, including woodland edges, thickets, and overgrown fields.
In the United States, they breed in two distinct populations: along the Atlantic coast from North Carolina to Florida and in the south-central states from Texas to Mississippi.
During winter, they migrate to Florida, the Caribbean, Mexico, and parts of Central America. Some individuals may overwinter in southern parts of their breeding range, particularly in coastal areas.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,700 meters
Climate zones
Subtropical, Temperate
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Diet
Painted Buntings primarily feed on seeds, particularly those of grasses and forbs. During breeding season, they supplement their diet with insects and spiders, crucial for feeding nestlings.
They often forage on the ground or in low vegetation, using their stout beaks to crack open seeds.
Behaviour
Painted Buntings are typically shy and secretive, often hiding in dense vegetation. They forage on the ground or in low shrubs, hopping and fluttering between branches.
During the breeding season, males become more conspicuous, perching on exposed branches to sing and defend their territories.
Vocalisation
The Painted Bunting's song is a series of high-pitched, sweet, warbling notes, often described as 'plik plik plik-o-lee chee-wee'.
Males sing persistently during the breeding season, especially in the early morning. Their call is a soft, metallic 'chip' or 'tink' sound used for communication between pairs or to signal an alarm.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Painted Buntings typically begins in late April to early May. Males establish territories and attract females with their vibrant plumage and melodious songs.
Females construct cup-shaped nests in dense vegetation, usually 3-6 feet above the ground. The nest is made of grasses, leaves, and bark, lined with finer materials. A typical clutch consists of 3-4 pale blue or greenish-white eggs with brown speckles.
Incubation lasts about 11-12 days, performed solely by the female. Both parents feed the nestlings, which fledge after 8-9 days but remain dependent on their parents for several more weeks.
Lifespan
The Painted Bunting typically lives for 5 to 10 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 12 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
Although listed as Least Concern, the Painted Bunting faces threats to habitat loss and fragmentation. Coastal development in its breeding range and deforestation in wintering grounds pose significant threats.
Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring suitable habitats, particularly in coastal areas.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for males singing from exposed perches during the breeding season
- Search dense, shrubby areas near forest edges or fields
- Listen for their distinctive, high-pitched warbling song
- In the US, visit coastal areas of the Southeast during the summer months
- Be patient and quiet, as these birds can be shy and elusive
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
Nonpareil
Family:
CardinalidaePredators
Did You Know?
- Male Painted Buntings don't acquire their colorful plumage until their second year.
- They are sometimes called 'Nonpareil', French for 'without equal', due to their exceptional beauty.
- Painted Buntings can live up to 12 years in the wild, though the average lifespan is shorter.
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References
- 2 4
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Passerina ciris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22723957A131475071.
View source - 3
website, 2018: Partners in Flight
View source - 1
book, 1980: John Terres, The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds