PAINTED BUNTINGS...WOW!!!

[KarenB]

I know that even with a good pair of binoculars they can be difficult to find in the field. They actually blend in quite well with the grasses they inhabit. But they are downright gorgeous birds.

Here are some really lousy photos I took of one in 2011

[isobea]

Elana - the only legal way I can think of getting some to you (not into the US because they are native birds here) is to find breeders in Europe and then somebody with an import license to get them into Canada. The reverse is true in some cases, too. When I first moved to the States, I wanted a pair of bullfinches as soon as my aviary was finished. But since they are native birds in Alaska (and Alaska is part of the US) they are illegal here. In Canada, though, they would be legal.
Now to answer your other question, the one about the double D: I guess it's a math problem: two 5 to 5 1/2 inch birds (I'm assuming you would want a pair) and the space available inside the double D. ?!?!
Iso

[lovezebs]

isobea
Hahaaha...... Trust me Iso, there would be massive amounts of space available. LOL!!! Might even manage a pair on each side.

I wonder, if there is anyone who breeds them in Canada. That is always a possibility.

Did you ever get your Bull Finches? Some of them are quite lovely as well.

~Elana~

[isobea]

Elana - If they lived here, I would be willing to catch 2 pairs for you and try out your double D idea. And yes, they would fit comfortably... LOL
And no, I never got those bullfinches. But you know they are quite big and would most likely be intimidating or frightening to my little guys. Back then I was also looking for Alarios (aka black headed canaries) because I had had one in Germany (good singers and cute). They are almost unknown here and by now I have given up on finding them. It's probably better that way, otherwise I would have to add on to my aviary (and it's 16 feet long already).
Iso

[lovezebs]

KarenB
Thanks for sharing your pictures, Karen. I noticed another one at the top part of the photo, and also a pretty Yellow birdie to the top left of the picture.

~Elana~

[KarenB]

KarenB
Thanks for sharing your pictures, Karen. I noticed another one at the top part of the photo, and also a pretty Yellow birdie to the top left of the picture.

~Elana~

There are three photos there showing the same bird, different distances with the zoom. The top photo shows the bunting and a hooded oriole below him on the ground. The center is more of a cropped zoom with him in flight, and the lower one is also a flight photo capturing him just as his wings came into his body during flight so he looks like a bullet with a tail, lol.

[lovezebs]

KarenB
Oh, okay. I see it now. I wasn't sure what the bottom picture was LOL. I thought it looked a little like a squished pop can ( ) .
You're lucky to have such pretty birdies to enjoy. All we usually get around here, are Magpies, Sparrows, Crows and Robins (in the Summer). The occasional Chickadee (which I love) and a few others. The pretty one around here, are the Blue Jay males.

~Elana~

[KarenB]

I had an opportunity once to buy some european chickadees at a bird show/mart. At that time I had lots of parrots, and they just didn't fit in with the zoo. But I love them, all types. If I found some tomorrow, I'd probably bring them home.

[lovezebs]

KarenB
Bring some for me too.
I always talk to them when I hear them... chickadee-dee-dee-dee-dee! Also their cute little whistle. I must do a pretty good imitation, because they always answer.

~Elana~

[KarenB]

Birders make a sound we call pishing, which also attracts them. It sounds like their alarm call. It will also attract warblers and finches toward you in order to get a better look at them.

[wilkifam]

They are beautiful, we don't see them in Montana, but we do see the Lazuli Buntings at our feeder all the time.

[lovezebs]

wilkifam
Those are very pretty as well. So many pretty birdies, so little space..... sigh~~~

~Elana~

[Colt]

A lot of the native US species are gorgeous. I'm always envious of European aviculturists who get to keep them. Lol

[lovezebs]

Colt
I was just trying to read up if it's legal to own/breed Painted Buntings in Canada (?) But can't really make heads or tails outof the Info I came across. Maybe just looking in the wrong places. My brain is frozen. Ughgh!

~ Elana~

[w.l.]

I saw them for sale on a market in Mexico City, for $25/male, less for a female.
Indigo buntings were also sold, and cost less.

It was soooo frustrating not to be able to buy and bring them home!
Gorgeous jays were sold, too.