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Henry Sowell

Vol. I · Est. 2026

Pl. CXVI
Field-journal plate: Painted Bunting
The Painted Bunting plate as rendered on the e-ink frame
As rendered on the frame

The Birds · Plate CXVI

Painted Bunting

Passerina ciris

Cardinalidae · Taxon 10224

Length12–13 cm (4.7–5.1 in)
Wingspan21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in)
Weight13–19 g (0.5–0.7 oz)

Field marks

  1. Adult male has a deep blue head, bright green back, and scarlet-red underparts and rump.
  2. Female and immature plumage is mostly bright yellow-green, with a paler eyering.
  3. Small, stocky proportions with a short neck and rounded body.
  4. Stubby, thick, conical seed-cracking bill, gray to dark in color.
  5. Dark eyes and dusky gray-brown legs and feet.
  6. Wings and tail are relatively dark, with a compact wing and medium-length tail.

HabitatDense brush and semi-open habitats with low cover, including grassy or weedy edges, riparian thickets, scrub, hedgerows, open-woodland understory, overgrown fields, and tropical forest margins or densely vegetated savannas.

BehaviorSecretive and often concealed; forages mainly on the ground for grass seeds, taking more insects during the breeding season. Breeding males sing from exposed perches and vigorously defend territories. Migrates chiefly at night.

Palette

deep blueleaf greenscarlet redyellow-greencharcoal brown