Definition

Noun: 1. A small North American songbird with deep blue plumage: "Indigo bird" is a common name for a specific species of small passerine bird, the Passerina cyanea, known for the vibrant indigo blue coloration of the male, especially during the breeding season. It is a type of bunting.

Usage and Examples

• The indigo bird is a common sight in fields and along roadsides in the eastern United States during summer.
• We set up a feeder hoping to attract an indigo bird.
• The brilliant blue of the male indigo bird is stunning in direct sunlight.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in birdwatching (ornithology) contexts and regional common names. In more formal or scientific contexts, the full name "indigo bunting" is preferred.
• "Indigo bird" as a descriptive compound: While functioning as a name, the term descriptively highlights the bird's most notable feature—its indigo color.

Variants and Related Words

• Indigo bunting (n): The standard and more widely used common name for the same species (). This is the preferred term in field guides.
• Bunting (n): A general term for a group of small, seed-eating songbirds in the families Cardinalidae or Emberizidae, to which the indigo bird belongs.

Synonyms

• Indigo bunting: The direct synonym and more precise common name.
• Blue bunting: A less common regional name referencing its color.

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically refers to the species. It should not be confused with other blue-colored birds, such as the blue grosbeak or eastern bluebird.
• The female indigo bird is not blue but is predominantly brown with subtle streaks, which is a key identification point. The term "indigo bird" in general usage often implicitly refers to the brightly colored male.

Noun

1. small deep blue North American bunting