Painted buntings do travel in pairs during the breeding season. They are mostly monogamous, which means they form a pair bond with one mate and stay together during the breeding season. This pair bond is typically strong and the male and female painted bunting will work together to raise their young.
During the breeding season, you may often see a male and female painted bunting together, foraging for food or building a nest. They are solitary birds in the sense that they prefer to stay in their own territories and maintain a distance from other pairs, but they do form pairs themselves.
However, it is important to note that painted buntings sometimes exhibit polygyny. This means that a male painted bunting may have multiple mates during the breeding season. This is not as common as monogamy, but it does occur in some cases.
In my personal experience, I have observed painted buntings in pairs during the breeding season. I have seen a male and female painted bunting flying together, perching on branches close to each other, and engaging in courtship behavior. It is a beautiful sight to witness these colorful birds in pairs, displaying their vibrant plumage and singing their melodious songs.
It is worth mentioning that outside of the breeding season, painted buntings may exhibit different social behaviors. They may join mixed-species foraging flocks or gather in larger groups during migration. But during the breeding season, they generally prefer to be in pairs or solitary.
To summarize, painted buntings do travel in pairs during the breeding season and are mostly monogamous. However, there are cases where polygyny occurs. These beautiful birds are a delight to observe, especially when they are in pairs, showcasing their stunning colors and intricate courtship behaviors.