Painted Bunting: Aggression

Wing Quiver of Passerina ciris

The male Painted Bunting is known for its extremely aggressive nature, especially during summer breeding when territoriality is in place. Unlike the other 90% of bird species, the Painted Bunting is considered a polygamous bird. As in other polygamous species, the healthiest male with the best territory for raising young has the highest chance of mating. As such, the male Painted Bunting defends its territory with high aggression, spending most the day singing vigorously at exposed, strategic perches. If the aggression escalates beyond song, there are other non-vocal displays to further discourage any intruding male. These two combined factors usually can prevent physical fighting, but not always.

There is a sense of site fidelity among these birds. Often, if singing is heard within trees or removed from a meadow, it is a sub-adult Painted Bunting, not yet able to best more experienced males; however, this does not mean all males will return to the same territory they held the year before.