Introducing the Orange-breasted Bunting: Mexico’s Vibrant Gem of the Pacific Woodlands

The Orange-breasted Bunting (Passerina leclancherii) is a small, vividly colored bird native to the Pacific slope of Mexico, from southern Sonora to Oaxaca.

Known for its striking plumage, this species is particularly notable for its males, which display vibrant turquoise and green hues on their back, head, and wings, with a brilliant orange breast. The females, on the other hand, are less colorful, typically showing greenish and brown tones with a faint hint of orange.

Orange-breasted Buntings inhabit arid and semi-arid areas, favoring scrubby woodlands, dry forests, and regions with low vegetation where they can easily forage for food. They primarily feed on seeds and insects, which provide them with the nutrients necessary for their energetic lifestyle. During the breeding season, these birds build cup-shaped nests in shrubs or small trees, where they lay a clutch of eggs that both parents help incubate and care for.