Lazuli Bunting vs Indigo Bunting

In short

Lazuli Buntings and Indigo Buntings are similar in size and structure but differ in plumage and song. Male Lazuli Buntings have a distinctive orange breast and white belly, while male Indigo Buntings are uniformly blue. Both species have short, conical bills and can hybridize, complicating identification.

Identification tips

• Males: Look for the orange breast and white belly in Lazuli Buntings; Indigo Buntings are uniformly blue.
• Females/Juveniles: Check for wing bars; Lazuli Buntings have more prominent ones.
• Song: Lazuli Buntings have a more varied song, while Indigo Buntings are more repetitive.
• Hybrids: Be aware of possible hybrids, which can show mixed traits.

Size

Both species are small, similar-sized buntings with short, conical bills.

Plumage

Male Lazuli Buntings have a bright blue head and back, orange breast, and white belly with white wing bars. Male Indigo Buntings are darker blue overall with no wing bars. Female and juvenile plumages are more challenging, as both are brownish, but Lazuli females have more prominent wing bars.

Behaviour

Both species are active and conspicuous during the breeding season, often singing from exposed perches.

Habitat

Lazuli Buntings are found in brushy habitats in the western U.S. and southwestern Canada, while Indigo Buntings prefer weedy fields and edges across eastern North America.

Voice

Lazuli Buntings have a distinctive, varied song that can be an 'acoustic barcode' unique to individuals. Indigo Buntings have a more repetitive, musical song. Listening for song differences can aid identification.