How big do Indigo Buntings get?

Indigo Buntings are small songbirds that are native to North America. Here are some quick facts about their size:

Length

Adult Indigo Buntings measure between 4.7 and 5.5 inches (12-14 cm) in length from the tip of the bill to the tip of the tail.

Wingspan

Indigo Buntings have a wingspan of about 7.5-9.1 inches (19-23 cm). This allows them to fly swiftly between perches.

Weight

These tiny birds weigh between 0.4-0.7 ounces (11-20 grams). Their light body weight allows them to perch on the thinnest branches and weed stems.

Differences Between Males and Females

Male Indigo Buntings are slightly larger than females. Some key differences include:

As you can see, male Indigo Buntings are generally larger than females. The size difference is most noticeable during the breeding season.

How do Indigo Bunting sizes compare to other birds?

Here’s how Indigo Buntings size up against some other common backyard birds:

Indigo Buntings are similar in size to chickadees and goldfinches. However, they are much smaller than larger backyard birds like cardinals. Their tiny size allows them to be very agile among branches and leaves.

Do Indigo Buntings Grow Much After Fledging?

Indigo Bunting chicks generally fledge from the nest when they are 9-12 days old. At this stage, they are about 2 inches long and weigh around 0.2 ounces.

Once they leave the nest, the young buntings will continue growing over the next few weeks. They reach their full adult size and mass by around 30 days after fledging.

So while the chicks may double in length by maturity, most of their growing happens in the nest before they fledge.

Changes in Size Over the Year

An individual Indigo Bunting’s size can fluctuate slightly over the course of a year due to seasonal changes:

• In winter, they are at their leanest and lightest weight.
• In spring, the males grow brighter feathers for breeding season and may put on some extra weight.
• In summer, females who are raising young may lose a bit of weight from the energy expenditure.
• In fall, both males and females eat extensively to store up fat before migration.

However, these seasonal shifts in weight are generally quite small – no more than a tenth of an ounce. Overall, Indigo Buntings maintain a very consistent size year-round.

Unusual Size Variations

While Indigo Bunting sizes remain within a narrow range, occasionally individuals exhibit more extreme size differences:

• Some males may be especially large or colorful if they are older or healthier.
• Rare genetic mutations can cause albino, leucistic, or melanistic plumage, but the bird remains a standard size.
• Injuries or illnesses may stunt growth resulting in an unusually small bird.
• Parasites like bird mites can cause weight loss and poor feather condition.

However, these abnormal variations in size are uncommon. Most Indigo Buntings remain remarkably consistent in their petite dimensions.

Conclusion

Indigo Buntings are tiny songbirds that reach 4.7-5.5 inches in length and weigh just 0.4-0.7 ounces. Males tend to be slightly larger than females. Their small size allows them to nimbly hop through branches and tall grasses.

Indigo Buntings have comparable measurements to goldfinches and chickadees. Their size remains quite stable year-round once they reach maturity. While abnormal size variations can occasionally occur due to mutations, injuries or illness, most Indigo Buntings retain a standard petite body form.

Quick Facts Summary

Key Size Measurements

• Length: 4.7-5.5 inches
• Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 inches
• Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces

Similarities and Differences

• Males slightly larger than females
• Comparable to goldfinches and chickadees
• Much smaller than cardinals

Growth and Changes

• Reach adult size by 30 days after fledging
• Minor seasonal fluctuations in weight
• Consistent size year-round once mature