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Help develop a Bird ID tool!

Varied Bunting

Passerina versicolor ORDER: PASSERIFORMES FAMILY: CARDINALIDAE

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

A bird of subtly beautiful colors, the Varied Bunting inhabits arid brushy woodlands and clearings. Found throughout most of Mexico, it reaches the northern limits of its range in the borderlands of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

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Appearance

Finchlike
Finchlike
Typical Voice

Adult Description

  • Small songbird.
  • Short, thick bill.
  • Male dark, purplish, with red nape.
  • Female dull tan.

Male Description

Breeding (Alternate) Plumage: Blue crown and rump. Reddish purple body. Red nape. Appears dark purplish overall from a distance.
Nonbreeding (Basic) Plumage: Brown overall.

Female Description

Smooth, unmarked grayish brown plumage overall.

Immature Description

Immature of both sexes resembles adult female.

Range Map Help

Varied Bunting Range Map
View dynamic map of eBird sightings

Field MarksHelp

  • Male
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    Varied Bunting

    Male
    • © Greg W.Lasley / CLO

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