Introducing the mesmerizing Blue Bunting: a stunning avian creature adorned in a breathtaking combination of salmon pink and rose red hues, creating an enchanting vest for a truly remarkable appearance.
Behold, a charming bunting graced with a waistcoat displaying a fusion of rose pink and electric blue shades, emanating an aura of elegance and uniqueness!
A feast for the eyes, we present to you the Rose-Bellied Bunting, also recognized as the Rosita’s bunting (Passerina rositae). This beautiful bird spans a length ranging from 3.5 to 14.5 cm (5.3 to 5.7 in) and weighs between 19.5 and 20.5 g (0.69 and 0.72 oz). The male possesses an array of stunning features such as electric blue plumage on his upper body that gracefully transitions into darker tones towards his tail. His head is adorned with a captivating purplish-blue shade. Notably, his belly and vent area are adorned with a delightful salmon pink hue, while his throat and chest portray a mesmerizing shade of blue. Completing his charismatic appearance, his chin exhibits a subtle touch of greyish coloring.
In contrast, the mature female displays a blend of gray-brown hues with a subtle hint of blue towards the posterior. Tinted in a pinkish-beige shade, her chest and abdomen exhibit a gentle warmth, while her throat emanates a slightly darker tone. Moving down, her lower abdomen boasts a paler complexion.
The rose-bellied bunting is a seldom seen bird that can only be found in a small area along the pacific slope of southern Mexico. This beautiful creature typically chooses to reside in habitats characterized by thorny scrub and semideciduous woods.
Within the lower to middle regions of its natural home, the rose-bellied bunting engages in solitary or partnered foraging activities. Its diet primarily consists of grass seeds and fruits procured from various shrubs and trees.
Usually, these avian creatures are commonly seen by themselves or in pairs, particularly when it’s time for them to mate. Last year in June and July, two nests were discovered, although very little is known about their breeding or nesting habits. The nests were crafted from delicate weed stems, shredded bark, and lifeless leaves, cleverly arranged in an exposed container shape. While one of the nests was situated at a modest height of 1.5 meters, the other was strategically built at a higher altitude of 4 meters. Each nest contained a clutch of three to four eggs.
The rose-bellied bunting, with its charming outfit of salmon pink and rose red, is becoming increasingly rare due to the decline of its natural habitat and the expansion of infrastructure. Recognizing this, the IUCN has classified this bird as being at risk of endangerment, placing it under the category of “Near Threatened”.