Common NamePainted Bunting
Scientific NamePasserina ciris
Type of ReportRare Species
Date of Observation01/21/2022
Media
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Number Observed1
Reporting Observer's NameEnid Weinheimer
Mailing Address1431 Monkton Road
North Ferrisburg, VT 05473
United States
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EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Date Completed01/28/2022
Names & Emails of Other Contributing Observers

Anne Majusiak, homeowner

Latitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)0
Longitude of Observation (enter 0 if unable to provide)0
Place NamePrivate home
TownshipBristol
CountyAddison
Vermont eBird Checklist URLebird.org
Time of Day12:00 PM
Length of Time Observed10 minutes
Maximum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)25
Minimum Estimated Distance from Bird (in feet)10
Noteworthy Weather Conditions

Bright and sunny. Bitterly cold. 0 F, without the windchill.

Optical Equipment Used for Observation

Gosky 10X42 binoculars
Nikon COOLPIX B700

Observer’s Previous Acquaintance With This or Similar Species

I have seen a Painted Bunting one other time.

I certify that any attachments included with this report were captured during this observation event​​.
Description of Habitat

Backyard bird feeders. Mostly clear of undergrowth, a few small bushes. Snow on the ground. Close to house.

Behaviors Observed

Painted Bunting flew to feeders and seemed to have some trouble landing on perches. The bird was very "puffed up" due to the frigid temps. Showed some aggression toward House Finches that were also using the feeder. The bunting also landed on the ground and ate seed from there as well. I stayed in my car and did not interact with the birds.

Description of Vocalizations

None

Verbal Narrative & Description of Observation

Red breast, throat, and rump, green back and wing coverts with dark gray secondaries and primaries. Blue head with large, silvery bunting beak. Red eye-ring. Landed on feeders and on the ground. Very puffed-up due to frigid temps.

Relative Size & Shape

Similar in size to House Finches, but more "rounded" in appearance.

Head

Blue crown, cheeks and nape. Red throat. Dark eye with red eye ring.

Feet & Bill

Legs and feet appeared orange or gray, depending on lighting.

Upper Back

Upper back bright green

Lower Back & Rump

Lower back and rump red

Wings

Shortish wings with green upper wing coverts and gray primaries and secondaries. Some subtle red and blue in secondaries.

Breast, Belly, Flanks, Under Tail Coverts

Red breast, belly, flanks and under tail coverts

Tail

Tail medium length, reddish gray in color

IMPORTANT: What similar species were eliminated when making the identification and how was this bird different?

Because it was a male Painted Bunting, there aren't any species to confuse with this bird.

Other Notes & Comments

Adult male.

This report was written from notes taken:Immediately After