This species also does not prevail in edge habitats, and fewer young tend to be fledged in such areas (Weldon). Many other species have lost their habitats due to this destruction, but the Indigo Buntings use it to their advantage. However, they have been thriving in areas where deforestation, woodland clearings, and wildfires have occurred. The Indigo Bunting population has seen a 31% decrease between 19 due to an increase in crop cultivation, reforestation, and mowing (All About Birds). They seem to favor this type of environment, they have also been found in swamplands and near water sources. They can be found in shrubby areas such as on roadsides and the edges of forests in thickets, as well as in open fields with plenty of vegetation. Indigo Buntings prefer a habitat close to the ground in the cover of thick brush and grasses, although the males will frequently be found singing on the tops of tall trees and telephone lines. They observe the patterns of stars around the north star, as well as use the sun, wind, smells, and landmarks to gauge direction and orient themselves (Deinlein). Indigo Buntings also use the stars to navigate. While migrating, they will flock, travel, and gather food together. During breeding season, Indigo Buntings are solitary birds and roost alone. However, females rarely mate within the area where they were born (“A Genetic and Behavioral Analysis”). They can travel up to 2000 km to their winter destination and will often return to the area where they were born for the next breeding season (Payne 2016). Migration can take place between September and November, traveling to Mexico, South and Central America, the West Indies, and occasionally staying in the southern states such as Florida (Encyclopedia of Life). Breeding can occur in many places throughout the eastern United States and southern Canada, although they have also been spotted in western states as far as California. They breed during the late spring and early summer, typically between May and August (Wildscreen Arkive). Their short, conical beaks are great for breaking and eating seeds. Their diet consists mainly of spiders, insects, and seeds, as well as buds of plants and berries (Zumberg). The Indigo Bunting diet varies slightly depending on the season and what is available. They also molt their feathers twice every year (Dwight) and have short, black and silver, cone-shaped beaks (Wildscreen Arkive). Male Indigo Buntings can be mistaken for Blue Grosbeaks however, the bunting is smaller and has slightly different coloration. Look similar to females or immature males when not breeding. Females are dull grey-brown with some streaking on the breast and a white throat and belly. This difference between male and female appearance is called sexual dimorphism. Immature males tend to be mostly blue with some brown throughout. Interestingly, the feathers contain no blue pigment at all, but seem blue due to the diffraction of light (Deinlein). During breeding season, adult males appear to have bright blue feathers that can look black in some lighting. The head and wings are a darker blue than the body. It weighs approximately 0.4-0.6 ounces, with a length of 4.77-5.1 inches and wingspan of 7.5-8.7 inches (All About Birds). The Indigo Bunting ( Passerina cyanea) is a small bird of the family Cardinalidae. The Indigo Bunting is a long distance migrant, traveling to central America and northern South America for the winter months.Content for this page researched and created by Danielle Leeman In Spring of 2013 an indigo bunting was spotted near the SBG welcome sign, on the grass near the trees that surround the Demonstration Garden. The Demonstration Garden’s herbaceous perennials may provide food and nesting sites. The SBG area contains the Indigo Bunting’s preferred habitat of open, scrubby areas combined with trees. This bird has a high pitched chirpy song that is locally specific.įood, cover, nesting sites. They nest fairly near the ground and choose from among many species including shrubs but also will nest in sturdy herbaceous native perennials like goldenrod or Joe-Pye weed. They will hop about in grass seeking insects glean from twigs and leaves of many tree species (alder for example) or consume fruits like blueberries. Indigo Buntings eat a variety of seeds and fruit. Females are hard to tell from other grayish nondescript birds. The males are a spectacular blue all over, with small conical grayish beak. A sparrow sized bird with pronounced difference between males and females (sexual dimorphism).
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