The male Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) is bright blue only in the spring and summer. The theory is that this is for him to attract a mate; ‘putting on the Ritz’ as it were. This doesn’t seem likely to me, since all of the males of the species have the same bright blueness, it gives him no special advantage. I think it is more likely the usual explanation for why males of so many species (not just birds) have brighter colors, bigger manes, or more pronounced markings. It is to draw attention away from the females of any potential predators or competitors. Once the seeds are sown, the male is expendable. The female is to be defended at all cost to perpetuate the species. The male has a bright color and distracting songs to draw attention away from the nest. This change of color is a good reason for birders to pay more attention to what the females of species look like and look out for them. Audubon has an article about that.
The Indigo Bunting nests close to the ground, in low bushes or brush. A male may have more than one mate in his territory. It feeds mostly on insects and spiders and some seeds and berries. It does not do well in urbanized or intensely farmed areas. It prefers the brushy edges of roads, railroads and pastures.
Family: Cardinals / Grosbeaks / Buntings
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