The Painted Bunting male is arguably the most colorful bird in North America — cobalt-blue head, scarlet-red underparts, and lime-green back in combination unique among North American songbirds. It has declined significantly due to illegal trapping for the cage-bird trade. Females are a rich lime-green and are among the most confusingly plain birds for beginners.
Best time to see a Painted Bunting
The best time to see a Painted Bunting is March–June, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 29,091 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Painted Bunting? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Painted Bunting sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Painted Bunting?
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