North Carolina wildlife
Painted Bunting (male)
Passerina ciris
Males are among the most colorful songbirds in North America.
See the Painted Bunting (male) up close
Best months
Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug
Visit in late April through early September, and check eBird for recent sightings.
Where to look
Outer Banks (maritime scrub near campgrounds)Cape Hatteras National SeashoreCroatan National Forest
Conservation status
Locally common in coastal scrub and open woodlands
Good to know
When is the best time to see painted buntings in North Carolina?
The best time is from late April through August, when males are singing and displaying.
Where on the Outer Banks can I find painted buntings?
Look in maritime scrub and thickets near campgrounds, especially in Cape Hatteras National Seashore.
Make it a trip
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