Buntings are some of the most colorful birds in North America, and seeing one in your backyard feels like a rare treat. Fortunately, attracting them is easier than you might think. With the right mix of food, cover, and seasonal awareness, you can turn your yard into a bunting magnet, whether you’re hoping for indigo, painted, lazuli, or even varied buntings.
Article highlights:
- Which buntings you can attract depending on where you live
- Best seeds, feeders, and water sources to use
- How to plant and arrange your yard for bunting habitat
- Seasonal tips to increase your chances during migration
Common bunting species you might be able to attract
Depending on your region, here are the main types of bunting you may be able to attract:
- Indigo bunting (Passerina cyanea) – Found across the eastern and central U.S. during spring and summer. Males are deep, vibrant blue.
- Painted bunting (Passerina ciris) – Found in the Southeast and south-central U.S. Males are rainbow-colored, and females are bright green.
- Lazuli bunting (Passerina amoena) – Found throughout the western U.S. Males have sky-blue heads, rusty chests, and white bellies.
- Varied bunting (Passerina versicolor) – A more southwestern species found in parts of Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Males are purple to red.
Most buntings can be attracted using a similar approach, no matter the species. If you provide the right mix of food, water, and natural cover, you’ll have a solid foundation. However, there are a few subtle differences between species, like where they prefer to feed or how much cover they need, that can improve your chances. We’ll break it all down in the sections below.
How to attract buntings to your yard – 9 tips
1. Offer the right seeds
Buntings prefer small seeds that are easy to eat, and offering the right ones is one of the fastest ways to attract them. White millet is the go-to favorite for painted and indigo buntings, while nyjer seed and finch mixes work well for indigo and lazuli buntings.
Scatter seeds on low trays, platform feeders, or even directly on the ground near cover. Avoid sunflower seed and cracked corn, which tend to attract more aggressive species that can drive buntings away.
2. Use feeders they’re comfortable with
Buntings don’t do well on narrow perches or hanging tube feeders. Instead, offer flat surfaces like open trays or ground-level platforms where they can feed comfortably and watch for danger.
Painted buntings especially prefer to feed low and close to cover. Lazuli and indigo buntings are a bit more flexible and may visit raised feeders if they feel secure. Keep feeders clean and consistent to encourage return visits.
3. Add native plants for food and shelter
Native vegetation provides natural food sources and cover for buntings throughout the year. Grasses, wildflowers, and berry-producing shrubs can turn your yard into a miniature habitat that supports their needs beyond the feeder.