About:
The **Painted Bunting** (*Passerina ciris*) is a striking bird native to North America. Here are some key details:
1. **Appearance**:
– **Male**: Often considered the most beautiful bird in North America, the male painted bunting boasts vibrant colors. Its head is dark blue, back is green, rump is red, and underparts are also red. These features make it easy to identify.
– **Female and Juvenile**: Their plumage is green and yellow-green, serving as effective camouflage. Adult females have a brighter, truer green than other similar songbirds.
– **Size**: Adult painted buntings measure 12–14 cm (4.7–5.5 in) in length, with a wingspan of 21–23 cm (8.3–9.1 in) and a weight of 13–19 g (0.46–0.67 oz).
2. **Breeding and Nesting**:
– Painted buntings lay pale blue-white eggs speckled or spotted with brown.
– Nests are cup-shaped and usually built in brush or low trees, 3 to 6 feet from the ground (occasionally up to 12 feet).
3. **Habitat**:
– They inhabit thickets, woodland edges, shrubbery, and brushy areas.
– Breeding range includes parts of the southeastern United States, northern Mexico, and coastal Georgia.
– Wintering habitat consists of shrubby edges along tropical forests or densely vegetated savannas.
4. **Taxonomy and Names**:
– Scientific name: *Passerina ciris*.
– Also known as the Mexican canary, painted finch, pope, or nonpareil.
These colorful birds are a delight to spot, especially the males with their dazzling plumage! 🌈🐦¹².
. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/florida-painted-bunting-male-immokalee-in-flight-news-photo/179801970.