Posted by Laura Rios on July 4, 2006

Q: I live in southwest Missouri and was driving just before dusk along a section of partially wooded grasslands near a creek when I saw a small flash of very deep, bright blue. It was a small bird, the size of a wren or small finch. The most vivid blue color I've ever seen! The bird flew away from the road into the wooded area on a low trajectory. I haven't been able to find a picture that adequately captures the beautiful bright blue bird I saw. Can you help?

Habitat: forest/open woods

State: Missouri

Habitat: forest/open woods

A: I received both of your emails - we usually don't get a question and then answer from the same person! Glad you were able to ID this bird. I find that if I make the identification myself, it seems to stick much better. Of course, an Indigo Bunting is such a spectacular bird that I doubt you'd have any trouble identifying it in the future.

I remember my first Indigo and was so impressed with its blue coloring. Glad you got to see one of our most beautiful birds. Take care and thanks for writing.

John Wiessinger ( July 5, 2006)