Indigo Blue Female Plucking Males Head?

[bugaboo5]

I've never seen a Indigo Bunting in person so I cannot comment on whether or not your male (or pair) are indeed so, but I think the best course of action at this time is to nurture and care for the birds. Wait till they are fully molted before taking any further action. Give the birds lots of TLC and hopefully the birds will unveil their natural beauty and identify themselves. After the birds are healthy and you are able to properly identify the birds, it's up to you to take whatever action. No one on this board can force you to do anything. We can only guide and advise you, so please do not feel threatened. Good luck!

[Sally]

I agree with bugaboo5 that we should all wait until this bird regains his health and feathers and looks a bit better. I'm wondering if this could be one of the tanagers? I don't have time to check it out right now, but until the bird can be positively identified, I think it best we all take a wait and see attitude.

[kheather]

I see indigo buntings on my bike rides in a field....thinkin' thats what it is! They are beautiful birds! good luck with them and finding the cause of his balding!

[wilkifam]

Here is a picture of a Wild Indigo Bunting. I took it last year at our feeder. They are rare, and even rarer to see here in Montana.

Lori

[DanteD716]

I think for now, worry about getting them back into health, try a good finch diet and try adding mealworms to the diet. I think you should confine them for now. Once they get back into health and feather, identify them properly, and get them the righ type of housing depending on the species.. If they have been in captivity for atleast two years like the woman said, they may not be able to survive in the wild if they are buntings. Also, they could have been on a poor diet, maybe they need a softbill diet??

Good luck, and like Sally said maybe they are some sort of tanager??

I think with proper care, even if they are buntings you should be able to keep them

[DanteD716]

Also, I believ female indigo buntings are brown?

[wellingtoncdm]

If releasing them is an option for you it might be best to wait till the feathers grow back and fall comes. These birds migrate and winter in Florida and south of here. This article covers it:

http://www.all-birds.com/bunting.htm


Unfortunately these birds as well as painted buntings are illegally traded in Florida quite often. Here is a link:

http://tropicalaudubon.org/trapping.html

[Lisa]

Poor little thing; he really does look terrible ... hoping you are able to help him regain his health