Unusually blue "greenie" painted bunting - Amelia Island, Florida (1 Viewer)

[KathyJB]

I've been hosting painted buntings in my yard for more than 12 years now, and have a devoted group of at least a dozen who show up every season. (My husband jokingly refers to them as pests.) Occasionally we have an indigo bunting or two come through for a few days, usually February or March. A blueish bird caught my eye yesterday, and I had to look at it for a moment or two to see what it was. I'm sure it's a female/juvenile male painted bunting, but I thought its coloring was unusual. I chalked it up to a the way the sunlight was hitting it. But today is gray and overcast. And there was the bunting again. I got a few quick photos through the window both days (my camera does not do well with low sunlight). I just thought I'd share them. The second photo includes a typical greenie for comparison. I have never seen such a blue, almost turquoise "greenie" before!

 

[Andy Adcock]

Looks like a fairly regular female to me?

 

[KathyJB]

Looks like a fairly regular female to me?

I suppose. For some reason its coloring stood out to me, as I see these all day long. Just a bit darker than usual with a tinge of blue. Most descriptions say they're bright yellow-green, which this is not (to my eyes). ;-)

 

[KenM]

Never seen Painted Bunting afore Kathy, certainly on my hit list if I get back across the pond...post Covid. Suffice to say that...variation in all things to a greater or lesser extent seems to be not uncommon amongst bird species, with some individuals perhaps brighter (can see the turquoise sheen in yours) than others. If you want a more scientific explanation...in the words of the great Movie maker Sam Goldwyn....''include me out!''

Cheers

 

[KC Foggin]

Female Painted Bunting or perhaps an immature male.

 

[i.like.birds]

Hi Kathy, I definitely see what you mean about the coloring being unique. When I see the greenies, they are usually a yellow-green, one that blends in with leaves very well, dappled with sunlight! It's certainly beautiful. I am down in Key Largo, and this is the first time I have seen so many in person. They arrived early October and I saw them every day up until two days ago. Thinking that maybe this group continued migration, but I hope I do see some more that stick around for winter. They are such a joy.