The lazuli bunting and indigo bunting are two similar-looking species of songbirds in the genus Passerina. They are closely related and some scientists consider them to be the same species. However, there are some key differences between the two birds in terms of appearance, habitat, range, behavior, and more. This article will compare and contrast the lazuli bunting and indigo bunting to highlight the distinguishing features of each one. Understanding the differences can help birders accurately identify these birds in the field.
Appearance
The lazuli bunting and indigo bunting are often confused with each other due to their strikingly blue plumage during the breeding season. However, there are some subtle but noticeable differences in their appearance:
Size
– Lazuli bunting: Slightly smaller, around 4.5-5 inches in length with a wingspan of 7-8 inches. Weighs 0.4-0.5 oz.
– Indigo bunting: Slightly larger, around 5-5.5 inches in length with a wingspan of 8-9 inches. Weighs 0.5-0.6 oz.
Bill
– Lazuli bunting: All black conical bill.
– Indigo bunting: Bill is black on top but the bottom mandible is blue.
Plumage
– Lazuli bunting (male): Vivid blue head and back, with some greenish tints on the wings and rump. White wing bars. Belly is white.
– Indigo bunting (male): Deep blue head, back, wings and tail. Lacks the greenish tinge of the lazuli. No wing bars. White belly.
– Females of both species are brownish with faint wing bars. Lazuli females tend to be more grey.
Immature Birds
– Young lazuli buntings have brown plumage with some blue spotting on the wings.
– Young indigo buntings are more uniformly brown without distinctive markings.
Feature | Lazuli Bunting | Indigo Bunting |
---|---|---|
Size | 4.5-5 inches long | 5-5.5 inches long |
Bill | All black | Black on top, blue bottom mandible |
Male Plumage | Blue with green tints, white wing bars | Deep blue, no wing bars |
Female Plumage | Greyish brown with wing bars | Brown with faint wing bars |
Immature Plumage | Brown with blue spotting on wings | Uniform brown |
Habitat and Range
Lazuli buntings and indigo buntings generally occupy different habitats and geographic regions:
Habitat
– Lazuli bunting: Prefers open woodlands, forest edges, riparian thickets, scrubby areas. Mostly found in drier habitats.
– Indigo bunting: Prefers brushy forest edges, overgrown fields, wet thickets, and other densely vegetated areas. Tolerates wetter habitats.
Range
– Lazuli bunting: Found in western North America from southern Canada through the western U.S. to Mexico.
– Indigo bunting: Found in eastern North America, from southern Canada through eastern and central U.S. to the Gulf coast and into Mexico.
There is a narrow hybrid zone where their ranges overlap in the Great Plains.
Migration
– Lazuli bunting: Winters in Mexico and down to Panama.
– Indigo bunting: Winters from southern Florida down through the Caribbean to Central America.
Feature | Lazuli Bunting | Indigo Bunting |
---|---|---|
Habitat | Open woodlands, scrublands | Brushy thickets, wetlands |
Range | Western North America | Eastern North America |
Migration | Winters in Mexico to Panama | Winters in southern Florida to Central America |
Behavior
Some aspects of behavior also differ between these two bunting species:
Nesting
– Lazuli bunting: Builds an open cup nest low in a bush or tree, 1-10 feet up.
– Indigo bunting: Nest is domed with a side entrance, built higher in a tree, 5-15 feet up.
Diet
– Both eat insects and seeds. Indigo buntings may eat a higher proportion of seeds.
Sociality
– Lazuli buntings tend to be solitary nesters.
– Indigo buntings are more social, nesting loosely in colonies.
Vocalizations
– Lazuli bunting: Song is a hurried series of paired notes. Call is a sharp “zee”.
– Indigo bunting: Sings a high whistled song. Call is a buzzy “zee-zee-zeee”.
Feature | Lazuli Bunting | Indigo Bunting |
---|---|---|
Nest Placement | Open cup nest, low in shrubs | Domed nest higher in trees |
Diet | Insects and seeds | More seeds |
Sociality | Solitary nester | Colonial, social nester |
Song | Paired hurried notes | High whistled song |
Call | Sharp “zee” | Buzzy “zee-zee-zeee” |
Identification Tips
Here are some key points to help distinguish lazuli and indigo buntings:
– Check the bill—all black or part blue?
– Note if there are white wing bars on the male.
– Look for greenish tones on the back and wings.
– Listen for differences in vocalizations.
– Consider the habitat—open and arid or dense and wet?
– Check the range maps—is it west or east of the Great Plains?
– Focus on subtle plumage differences in females.
– Immature lazulis have blue flecks but indigos do not.
– Remember size difference—lazulis are slightly smaller.
Hybridization
In the Great Plains where their ranges come into contact, lazuli and indigo buntings will sometimes interbreed, producing hybrids that show intermediary characteristics. Hybrid males have plumage that is somewhat in between the two species. This can make identification challenging in the hybrid zone. Look for a combination of features from each parent species. Listen for songs that seem like a mix between the two as well. Keep location in mind—hybrids occur in the narrow overlap region.
Conclusion
Although similar in their brilliant blue breeding plumage, the lazuli bunting and indigo bunting can be distinguished by subtle differences in size, bill shape, wing markings, plumage tones, habitat preferences, behavior, vocalizations, and geographic range. Familiarity with their distinctive features allows bird enthusiasts to properly differentiate these two species in the field. Pay close attention to small variations in coloration, song, location, and habitat whenever attempting to identify a blue bunting. With practice, birders can confidently tell a Lazuli Bunting from an Indigo Bunting.