Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Spring Migration of Indigo Buntings

It was a delight to host these beautiful bright blue Indigo Buntings during their spring migration northward. The images below were captured in April.  For about two weeks, the buntings, along with some Blue Grosbeaks, frequently made trips back and forth to our feeders.  

A breeding male Indigo Bunting is blue all over, with slightly richer blue on his head and a shiny, silver-gray bill. Females are basically brown, with faint streaking on the breast, a whitish throat, and sometimes a touch of blue on the wings, tail, or rump. Immature males are patchy blue and brown.

Adult male and female Indigo Buntings:


Adult male:


Immature males in molting stage: 


These birds travel up to 1,200 miles one way (some references say to up 2,000 miles) during their migration to summer breeding grounds.  They winter in the southernmost tip of Florida to South America.  Hopefully, I'll host them again as they travel south to their wintering grounds.  They're so beautiful in their bright blue plumage!  

Linked with Stewart on Wild Bird Wednesday
Click on the above link for beautiful images
 and stories of birds all over the world

Have a wonderful day, Peeps!
As always, I appreciate your visits and comments :)




33 comments:

  1. oh, you're so lucky to have so many at once! awesome!

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    1. It was fun having so many at one time, Theresa :)

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  2. Love these birds, and especially the immature ones you've captured! Hope they make it here on their way back through.

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  3. Pretty birds. The blue colour is lovely.

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    1. Thank you, Gunilla. I love their electric blue plumage.

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  4. I am always overjoyed when I see these beautiful birds during migration!! Wonderful images.

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  5. Lovely series on the Indigo Bunting.. They are one of my favorite summer birds.. Great photos, enjoy your evening!

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    1. They are wonderful little birds. Thank you, Eileen!

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  6. These birds have gorgeous colours, thanks for sharing.

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  7. I had one lone Indigo stop by the yard in the spring. I sure hope he stays a little longer on the way out in the fall. These are fabulous captures, how wonderful to have so many visit!

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    1. Thank you Karen. I'm looking forward to their return for a few days during fall.

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  8. I know you'll be sad to say goodbye, but hopefully they will return. Beautiful photos of these beautiful birds!

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    1. Keeping my fingers crossed for their return. Thanks, Marie.

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  9. Lovely photos Susan!:) What a wonderful sight to see so many beautiful blue birds at your feeders. The male Indigo Bunting is so lovely. They never forget a place where they have eaten well, so they will return.

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  10. Amazing colours and almost unreal, probably because here in the UK we have nothing approaching such a truly blue bird. Lucky you to have them on your bird table like that. Enjoy!

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    1. I will enjoy them while I can, Phil. Thank you.

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  11. Yes, they are, Arija. Thank you for visiting and commenting.

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  12. What gorgeous little birds. I love the patchy plumage of the juveniles.

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  13. Susan, these are beautiful! Such a vivid blue. Always look forward to seeing them in the spring.

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  14. Great looking birds. I think I may become almost uncontrollably excited if I ever saw one of these in the feather! Nice pictures.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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    1. You're a true birder, Stewart :) Thank you!

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