Have you ever wondered how to tell an Indigo Bunting apart from a Blue Grosbeak?
Both species are both found here in central N.C. They share a common habitat preference too (open fields and thickets at the edge of the woods) thus these similar looking birds are often confused for the other.
Here’s a quick list of points to consider when trying to asses the ID of these azure hued feathered gems.

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-Indigo Bunting-
*Male and female Indigo Buntings lack wingbars. Adult male wings are entirely blue with black points.
*Indigo Buntings have a much smaller, pointy beak.
*The head of an Indigo Buntings is rounded, smaller and more delicate.

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-Blue Grosbeak-
*Male Blue Grosbeaks have two rusty colored wingbars. While not as pronounced as on the males, the tan-colored females will also show two brownish wingbars.
*Similar to Northern Cardinals, Blue Grosbeaks have a large, heavy triangular shaped bill, the top edge of which nearly forms a straight line into the forehead.
*The head of a Blue Grosbeaks is large and squared off giving them a decidedly block-headed appearance.

Size: The average Blue Grosbeak is nearly twice the weight of an Indigo Bunting.
This is something you’ll notice if you happen to see both species in the same day.
A good place to do this is at the Mid Pines Rd. dog leg on the agricultural campus of N.C. State University near Yates Mill Park in Raleigh.
Another great spot to view both species is the Art Park at the North Carolina Museum of Art.

Photos by @sally_siko of @birdwatching_nc on the fabulous full frame SLR, the @canonusa
#5Ds