When you peek through your binoculars and see only a fluttering flash of blue, it can be difficult to interpret that glimpse. flash of blue have you seen? If you managed to catch a few black accents on the wings, you can rule out or —but in distinguishing between a male blue grosbeak vs an indigo bunting, that might not be much help. Here’s how to I.D. these birds in a snap, so you’re never left wondering which visited your yard.
Marvel at these gorgeous .
have a large head, a stout body, dark blue feathers, and two rust-colored wing bars. Their bill, like the bill of the and other birds in the , is heavy and thick. Females are brown with contrasting wing bars.
If you’re hearing a rich, musical warble, you’re hearing a blue grosbeak—they also give a loud call when upset.
You’re most likely to spot one in the southern half of the U.S. during the summer, but their breeding range has been expanding north. If you’re located in the western half of Texas, you’ve probably spotted a blue grosbeak.
Learn how to tell the difference between a .
In contrast, are sparrow sized birds with bright blue feathers all over, some black on their wings and tail, and darker blue coloring on their head. They lack the blue grosbeak’s rusty wing bars. Their bill is small and conical.
Female indigo buntings are plain light brown with faint wing bars and thin streaks on the chest. When , focus on bill size and wing pattern.
These birds sing in quick, sweet phrases.
Their range falls in the eastern U.S. and parts of the Southwest during spring and summer. If you’re birding in any of the upper Midwestern states or around the , your mystery blue bird is probably an indigo bunting.
Next, meet 5 more beautiful you should know.
