Back on the topic of Painted Buntings. The very colorful one is the male as has been stated. But the green (green w/ yellow) ones are called "greenies" & are called that because they are either females OR immature males. The immature males look like the females prior to getting their adult male plumage. Linda, that last photo of the male looks like he might be finishing off coming into mature male status. See, his lines of color are not distinct --- kind of unclear margins. I've seen them in my yard when they are changing into adults & sometimes they look like clowns the way the mature coloration comes in on them. Most especially when they just begin turning. It's very cute.
The painted buntings are shy birds. Wouldn't you be if you were their size & color? They like having dense cover near feeders so they can take refuge against predators. They DO frequent feeders & will become regulars at them. They love the tiny finch birdseed. Supposed to love nijer thistle seed too but in south Fl. I tried that & they preferred the finch seed over nijer thistle. All depends. They will have to get used to the people who feed them & they do but it takes a while for them to learn you can't fly!
Check out our conversation & some links about them here:
The thread "Lin's Painted Buntings" in
Garden Art forum
