Painted buntings are stunning little songbirds that live in the southern United States. They are known for their bright, rainbow-colored plumage that gives them their name. While painted buntings do frequent backyard feeders in some parts of their range, attracting them to feeders can be a challenge. Here is a look at what you need to know about painted buntings and bird feeders.
An Overview of Painted Buntings
The painted bunting (Passerina ciris) is a small North American songbird found along the southern Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. They range from North Carolina down through Florida and west to Arizona, with the core of their breeding range in the southeastern states. Only the adult males display the bright, variegated plumage that gives the species its name – females and juveniles have greenish-yellow coloring instead.
These little birds reach lengths of just 4.5-5.5 inches and weigh around 0.5 ounces. They prefer brushy, forested habitats and the edges of woodlands during the breeding season. In winter they are more likely to visit backyard feeders or open areas. Painted buntings are primarily seed-eaters, using their conical bills to crack open seeds as they forage among low vegetation.
Do Painted Buntings Visit Bird Feeders?
While painted buntings are sometimes attracted to feeders, they are more reluctant feeder visitors compared to other species. However, they will occasionally come to feeders for certain preferred seeds, especially during winter and migration.
Here are some key points on getting painted buntings to come to feeders:
- Location – Painted buntings are much more likely to visit feeders in the core parts of their range like Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, etc. They are rare feeder birds outside the Southeast.
- Season – They are most likely to come to feeders during winter months and migration periods. In summer, they tend to stick to nesting and foraging in natural habitats.
- Food preferences – They prefer white proso millet above all other seeds, and may also eat black oil sunflower seeds. Food with high oil content helps fuel their migrations.
- Feeder type – Platform feeders or hopper feeders at ground level are preferable, as they forage on the ground naturally. Painted buntings are shy and may be intimidated by hanging feeders.
- Habitat – They are much more likely to visit feeders if brushy, wooded edges are nearby for escape cover. They avoid open areas.
While painted buntings are infrequent feeder visitors, they will sometimes make appearances if the conditions are right. Offering their preferred millet in ground feeders, in a suitable wooded habitat in the Southeast, may yield sightings during winter and migration.
Best Bird Feeders to Attract Painted Buntings
If you want to try luring painted buntings to your yard, using an appropriate feeder designed with their needs in mind is important. Here are some of the best feeder types and features for attracting painted buntings:
Platform Feeders
Platform feeders or tray feeders that sit at ground level are great choices. Platform feeders mimic the natural foraging conditions painted buntings are accustomed to, as they typically eat fallen seeds on the ground in the wild. Opt for a platform style with excellent drainage to keep the seeds dry.
Hopper Feeders
Hopper feeders are another good option for painted buntings. Look for ones designed with short perches, small feeding ports, and angled covers to provide shelter. Position the hopper at or very close to ground level for the best results.
Smaller Size
Since painted buntings are timid, small birds, oversized feeders can intimidate them. Stick to smaller tube feeders, platform feeders, or hoppers to make them feel more comfortable.
Metal Construction
Metal feeders last longer than plastic and stand up better to the elements. Painted buntings have strong pointed bills that can scratch plastic when opening seeds. Durable metal feeders prevent damage.
Simple Design
Intricate or brightly colored feeders may scare away these shy birds. Opt for subdued colors and simple silhouettes without decorative elements.
Tail Prop Area
Since painted buntings need to brace their tail against something while eating, look for feeders with a tail prop area. A platform lip, perch, or space under a hopper roof provides support.
Drainage Holes
Good drainage is crucial to keep seeds dry and prevent mold or clogs. Platform feeders should have wire bottoms or drainage holes. Hoppers should have seed flow devices to prevent waterlogging.
Best Seeds to Offer Painted Buntings
Painted buntings have some specific food preferences when it comes to bird seed. Here are the top seeds to offer to attract them to feeders:
White Proso Millet
This tiny round seed is hands-down the favorite of painted buntings. Its small size and thin hull makes it easy to eat. Always make sure white proso millet is available in any feeder meant to attract these birds.
Black Oil Sunflower Seeds
Black oil sunflower seeds are high in fat and protein – perfect for fueling migration. They are nutritious additions painted buntings will eat when available.
Nyjer Seed
Tiny nyjer seeds are sometimes eaten by painted buntings. They offer a high energy value the birds can use during long migrations.
Safflower Seeds
Painted buntings may occasionally eat safflower seeds, though it’s not a top choice. The hard shells can deter them. Offer hulled safflower seeds instead.
Cracked Corn
Cracked corn is lower in fat than other options, but painted buntings will eat small amounts of it mixed with other seeds.
Peanuts
Skip the peanuts – their size and shell make them difficult for small painted buntings to eat.
In addition to seeds, providing fruit is another good way to attract painted buntings. Offer sliced oranges, grapes, raisins, currants, and other small fruits. Change fruit every 2-3 days to keep it fresh.
Feeder Placement Tips
Properly placing feeders in your yard can increase your odds of attracting painted buntings:
- Position feeders within 3 feet of shrubs, trees, or other sheltered sites. Painted buntings want quick cover to escape predators.
- Avoid wide open spaces and place feeders near the edges of woods or brush instead. Open areas make them nervous.
- Situate feeders near dense foliage or branches painted buntings can perch on while waiting for a feeding spot.
- Elevate feeders just 1-2 feet off the ground at most, as painted buntings are ground foragers.
- Place multiple small platform or hopper feeders in different spots to give them options.
- Good locations are under the canopy of trees or shrubs, protected from rainstorms.
Tips for Attracting Painted Buntings
Follow these handy tips to make your yard as attractive as possible to painted buntings:
- Offer fresh food daily, as painted buntings eat smaller amounts more often.
- Clean feeders regularly to prevent moldy or rotten food.
- Provide a water source like a fountain, pond, or birdbath for drinking and bathing.
- Include plenty of plants that offer natural food sources like seeds, fruits, and berries.
- Avoid using pesticides and herbicides that could poison the birds or their food supply.
- Include dense shrubs and brushy thickets the birds can hide in.
- Use natural wood or vegetation when landscaping, rather than fences or ornamentation.
- Include a diversity of plants with different heights, densities, and colors.
- Reduce noise and movement around feeders when possible.
- Be patient, as painted buntings can take time to discover new food sources.
When and Where to See Painted Buntings
Painted buntings follow seasonal migration patterns across their range. Here is when and where you are most likely to see them in different regions:
Winter Range
In winter, painted buntings migrate to the southernmost parts of Florida (including the Keys), coastal Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. They frequent brushy areas and may visit backyard feeders.
Spring Migration
They start migrating north again in March and April. The birds spread inland through the Southeastern states, with some even reaching the Carolinas. Feeders along the Gulf Coast and Atlantic Coast may attract them during migration.
Breeding Range
From around April to July, painted buntings nest in the inland parts of the Southeastern U.S. They are common in states like Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Arkansas, and others. Natural habitats are preferred over feeders in summer.
Fall Migration
In September and October, they migrate back south toward their wintering grounds. Coastal areas and feeders across the Southeast see migrant painted buntings passing through.
Conclusion
With their vibrant tropical colors, painted buntings are rare and exciting feeder visitors. While they can be shy and selective about feeders, you may be able to lure them by offering millet in a suitable habitat. Observing them can brighten up a winter day. With the right techniques, you may get lucky and have these little jewels of the bird world stop by your feeders during migration or winter.