I stalked this skittish adult male Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea) through a field before finally catching him feeding on grass seeds. Though it looks like a sparrow in size and appearance, this species is actually in the cardinal family.

The genus name refers to true sparrows (picking up on the superficial resemblance), while the latter part of the binomial is based on the male’s brilliant coloration during breeding season.

This one, unfortunately, is not yet all dressed up for prom. Though he is in his nonbreeding plumage he is still a handsome bird! The female by contrast is always quite drab.