Painted Bunting

colorful birds · North America · cardinals

Rainbow feathers. Male painted buntings are covered in brilliant blues, greens, reds, and yellows that make them look like living artwork. Their colors are so bright and unusual that early explorers thought they must be made up.

Late bloomer. Baby male painted buntings look dull and greenish, just like females. They don't develop their spectacular rainbow plumage until their second year of life, which helps them blend in and stay safe when they're young.

North American home. Painted buntings live in the southeastern United States and parts of Mexico and Central America. They love brushy areas near water where they can find seeds and insects to eat.

Sweet singers. Despite their flashy appearance, painted buntings are actually quite shy and often hide in dense bushes. You're more likely to hear their pretty, jumbled song than to spot one of these colorful birds.

Window danger. Because of their bright colors, painted buntings are sometimes trapped and sold illegally as cage birds, which threatens wild populations in some areas.