Bird Guide

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

Least ConcernSeedsShrublandCup nestSmall · 16 g

About the Painted Bunting

The painted bunting is a species of bird in the cardinal family, Cardinalidae. It is native to North America. The bright plumage of the male develops beginning in the second year of life; in the first year, they can be distinguished from the female only by close inspection.

Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

ID tip

The male painted bunting is often described as the most beautiful bird in North America and as such has been nicknamed nonpareil, or "without equal". Its colors, dark blue head, green back, red rump, and underparts, make it extremely easy to identify, but it can still be difficult to spot since it often skulks in foliage even when it is singing. The plumage of female and juvenile painted buntings is green and yellow-green, serving as camouflage. Once seen, the adult female is still distinctive, since it is a brighter, truer green than other similar songbirds.

Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.

Where the Painted Bunting lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

Recorded as a rare visitor in United Kingdom, Norway.

When to see the Painted Bunting

Peak activity in May · a summer visitor species across most of its range

Easily confused with

Side by side: Indigo Bunting vs Painted Bunting · Blue Grosbeak vs Painted Bunting · Dickcissel vs Painted Bunting · Lazuli Bunting vs Painted Bunting

Learn the Painted Bunting in BeakBrain

Photo and call practice, free in any browser.

Play BeakBrain

Every photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.