Orange-breasted Bunting

The Orange-breasted Bunting, Passerina leclancherii, is a small, vibrant bird, measuring approximately 12.5 cm in length. The male is particularly striking with a pale green crown, a turquoise blue nape, and upper parts that may have a greenish tinge. Its tail is also turquoise, while the lores, eye-ring, and underparts are a vivid canary yellow, intensifying to a golden-orange upon the breast. The female, in contrast, is more subdued with greyish-green upper parts and yellow underparts. Both sexes have dark brown irises and grey beaks and legs.

Identification Tips

When identifying the Orange-breasted Bunting, look for the male's distinctive coloration with its green crown and blue nape, as well as the bright yellow to orange breast. Females are less colorful but can be recognized by their yellow underparts and greyish-green upper parts. The bird's overall size and shape, similar to other buntings in the genus Passerina, can also aid in identification.

Habitat

This species is found in subtropical or tropical dry forests and shrublands, favoring thorny thickets, bushy deciduous woodland, and edges of clearings. It thrives at altitudes up to 900 meters and is often more abundant in secondary growth than in undisturbed forests.

Distribution

Endemic to Mexico, the Orange-breasted Bunting's range spans from the Pacific coast in southern Nayarit to western Chiapas and inland to western Puebla. Despite its patchy distribution, the species covers a substantial area of approximately 276,000 square kilometers.

Behaviour

Orange-breasted Buntings are social birds, often seen foraging in small groups or pairs. They are not present in some areas of seemingly suitable habitat, indicating a preference for certain environmental conditions.

Song & Calls

The male's song is a plaintive warble, distinguishable from other buntings by its slower and less protracted notes.

Breeding

Breeding occurs during the wet season, typically in May and June. The nest is a cup-shaped structure made of rootlets, grasses, and dry leaves, with a softer lining, situated in low bushes or thick scrub. The female lays a clutch of three to four bluish-white or greenish-white eggs.

Diet and Feeding

While specific dietary studies on the Orange-breasted Bunting are lacking, it is known that buntings in this genus generally consume seeds, with some fruit and invertebrates also forming part of their diet. In captivity, they have been observed eating white millet, hemp seed, thistle seed, hard sweet apples, ant cocoons, and mealworms.

Conservation status

The Orange-breasted Bunting is classified as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), thanks to its wide range and large population. There are no significant threats identified, and the population appears to be stable.