Cardinals and allies (Cardinalidae)
Varied Bunting
Passerina versicolor. Seeds and insects of desert thorn scrub.
Cardinals and allies (Cardinalidae)Varied BuntingPasserina versicolor
- Scientific name
- Passerina versicolor
- Length
- 4.3–5.5 in
- Weight
- 0.4–0.5 oz
- Nest
- Cup low in a thorny shrub in a desert canyon
- Entrance hole
- Does not use nest boxes
- Clutch
- 2–5 eggs
- Incubation
- 12–14 days
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
Identification
- Male plum-purple with a red nape, looking black in poor light
- Female plain grey-brown
- Small, curved-culmen bill
Voice
A bright, jumbled warble from thorn scrub.
Diet and feeding
Seeds and insects of desert thorn scrub.
What do varied buntings eat? · Best feeder for varied buntings
Varied Buntings by state and province
| Region | Status | Nesting |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Summer breeder | April–August |
| New Mexico | Summer breeder | May–August |
| Texas | Summer breeder | April–August |
Frequently asked
What do varied buntings eat?
Seeds and insects of desert thorn scrub. At feeders: millet, hulled sunflower.
How big is a Varied Bunting?
4.3–5.5 in long and 0.4–0.5 oz.
Do varied buntings use birdhouses?
No. Cup low in a thorny shrub in a desert canyon.
Sources
- Varied Bunting — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Varied Bunting life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- Varied Bunting — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.