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!
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Have a wonderful day, Peeps!
As always, I appreciate your visits and comments :)
oh, you're so lucky to have so many at once! awesome!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun having so many at one time, Theresa :)
DeleteLove these birds, and especially the immature ones you've captured! Hope they make it here on their way back through.
ReplyDeleteI hope so too, Connie
DeletePretty birds. The blue colour is lovely.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gunilla. I love their electric blue plumage.
DeleteI am always overjoyed when I see these beautiful birds during migration!! Wonderful images.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anni.
DeleteThey are such gorgeous birds!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mama Zen ;)
DeleteColorful birds, great photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you Christian!
DeleteBeautiful blue birds
ReplyDeleteNice to see
Thank you for visiting and commenting :)
DeleteLovely series on the Indigo Bunting.. They are one of my favorite summer birds.. Great photos, enjoy your evening!
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderful little birds. Thank you, Eileen!
DeleteThese birds have gorgeous colours, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome and thank you!
DeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteThank you Karen. I'm looking forward to their return for a few days during fall.
DeleteI know you'll be sad to say goodbye, but hopefully they will return. Beautiful photos of these beautiful birds!
ReplyDeleteKeeping my fingers crossed for their return. Thanks, Marie.
DeleteLovely 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.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sonjia.
DeleteAmazing 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!
ReplyDeleteI will enjoy them while I can, Phil. Thank you.
DeleteYes, they are, Arija. Thank you for visiting and commenting.
ReplyDeleteWhat gorgeous little birds. I love the patchy plumage of the juveniles.
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and commenting!
DeleteSusan, these are beautiful! Such a vivid blue. Always look forward to seeing them in the spring.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gail.
DeleteGreat looking birds. I think I may become almost uncontrollably excited if I ever saw one of these in the feather! Nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
You're a true birder, Stewart :) Thank you!
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