We recently added the Indigo Bunting to Birdorable. These birds are named for the striking bright blue plumage found in breeding males.

Indigo bunting by Henry McLin, on Flickr

Like many passerine birds, for safety the Indigo Bunting often migrates overnight. They use the stars as a directional tool in their travels. In captivity, since they cannot migrate, Indigo Buntings may experience disorientation in April and May and in September and October if they cannot see the stars from their cages.

Indigo Bunting by drivebybiscuits1, on Flickr

We can expect Indigo Buntings to return here to northern Illinois very soon. They will visit back yard feeders and the males especially are hard to miss.

American Goldfinch and Indigo Bunting by jackanapes, on Flickr

You can also listen for their song, which some birders describe as sounding like "fire! fire! where? where? here! here! see it? see it?"

Calling For Love by Chad Horwedel, on Flickr

Indigo Buntings summer across much of the eastern part of the United States. Do you have Indigo Buntings where you live? Have they already returned? While you wait, be sure to check out our cute Birdorable Indigo Bunting t-shirts & gifts! :)

The Painted Bunting - a true jewel in the crown of North American birdlife, often described as a flying rainbow, and for good reason. The male of the species boasts a vivid splendor of colors that could rival any artist's palette: blues, greens, yellows, and reds all adorn its petite frame, making it one of the most colorful birds found on the continent.

Found mainly in the Southeastern United States during breeding season, the Painted Bunting has a preference for thickets, woodland edges, and brushy areas. Despite their bright plumage, these birds can be surprisingly difficult to spot as they tend to skulk in dense foliage. Male Painted Buntings are the showstoppers with their multi-hued feathers, while the females and juveniles maintain a more subdued greenish-yellow coloration that provides excellent camouflage amongst the leaves.

As a seedeater, the Painted Bunting frequents feeders where they can often be seen feasting on a diet that consists mainly of grass seeds, but they don't turn their beaks up at insects either, especially during the breeding season when extra protein is needed.

Birdwatchers and bird lovers across the United States eagerly anticipate the return of these buntings each spring and summer. They are a testament to the rich biodiversity and the spectrum of avian beauty found within North America. This delightful rendition of the Painted Bunting is perfect for anyone who appreciates the allure of birds or is an aficionado of ornithology. It's a way to celebrate the splendor of these birds year-round, as the actual buntings are migratory and only grace certain areas for a portion of the year. 

Whether you're decking out your wardrobe, adding flair to your home, or searching for the perfect gift for a fellow bird enthusiast, the Birdorable Painted Bunting is an artistic and adorable choice. When you spot a Painted Bunting, or see one in art or merchandise, take a moment to appreciate the natural artistry at play. It's a bird that easily captures the imagination and reminds us of the colorful tapestry of wildlife with which we share our world. And with Birdorable's take on the Painted Bunting, you can carry a piece of that beauty with you, no matter where you go.