Indigo Bunting

   These "blue canaries" (blue buntings) are primarily summer birds, virtually absent from North America in the cold months. Although Blue Grosbeak is found mainly in the South and Indigo Bunting mainly in the East, both occur so widely that observers in many regions will encounter them.

Birders who see both regularly may be able to distinguish them at a glance. For others, though, a review of their field marks is worthwhile, especially since some of their standard field marks can be misleading.

The best-known plumage difference between the two is that Blue Grosbeaks have cinnamon-brown wing bars, and Indigo Buntings do not. However, buntings of both sexes may bend this rule. Female indigos frequently show narrow wing bars; while these are usually dull whitish, they can be warm buff, especially in fall. Male indigos are blue only in breeding plumage and mostly rich brown during the winter. 
 

Indy