Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena 

Appearance: 

Small, finch-like songbird 

Coned shaped bill

Gently sloping forehead 

Male (breeding): 

     Bright blue above 

     Pumpkin-colored breast 

     White belly and shoulder patch 

Juvenile / Male (non-breeding):

     Mottled blue and tan above 

     Pumpkin-coloured breast 

Female: 

     Grayish-brown above 

     Blue tinge to wings and tail 

     Two buffy wing bars 

     Pale cinnamon or tan breast

This gorgeous bird has been frequenting Beckwith Park for the last few days. And he’s certainly been attracting a lot of attention singing from exposed branches in his bright breeding plumage.  Unfortunately, as Lazuli Buntings are a rarity in the area, it was from birders and not females of his own species. 

Listen to it’s call.