In the area we have two species of buntings: the Snow and the Indigo.

The Indigo Bunting, photo taken from Carol Pollard's Wings on the Web

They are strikingly different in looks and size. The male Indigo Bunting is deep blue all over, with black dashes on wings and tail, and the female is a mixture of light and dark brown. In the winter the male becomes molted with brown shades, and closely resembles the female. Their song is lively and high pitched, with varying notes that usually flow in pairs. The Snow Bunting in nearly snow-white, with dashes of brown and black, and is also a little larger than the Indigo. In the summer the male becomes a brighter white, with a black back, and dashes of black on the wings and tail. Their song is a ti-ti-chur-ee, in a sharp whistle, which is usually repeated. The Snow Bunting is only in the area during the winter, whereas the Indigo stays for the summer and winters in Mexico. Their drastic color-changes from summer to winter make them truly unique, although sadly the residents of the Mississagi River Valley never get to see their changed coats. In the winter the Snow Bunting can be spotted frequently at feeders, as well as in prairies and fields. The Indigo can be spotted along the forest's edge and in bushy pastures during the summer.