Habitat:

The Indigo Bunting may be the most common songbird in some parts of eastern U.S. The plain brown females are seen far less often because they are busy doing all the work in caring for the eggs and the young, hidden away in dense thickets. The Indigo Bunting favors brushy edges rather than unborken forests. It is probably far more common today than in the days of the Pilgrims.

Diet:

Mostly seeds and insects. Young in nest are fed mostly insects at first. In winter, they feed mostly on seeds.

Nesting:

Male may have more than one mate at a time, living in the territory he defends. Site of nest is usually 1-3' above ground. Late in the season, may make a nest in large weeds such as goldenrod. Nest, built by the female, is an open cup of grass, leaves and weeds, lined with finer materials.

Eggs:

3-4, white to bluish white. Incubation is by the female only, usually 12-13 days.

Young:

Fed only by the female in most cases. Young usually leave the nest in 0-12 days after hatching. 2 broods per year.

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