Print
Buntings
The buntings of Europe, Asia and Africa are related to American sparrows.
They are rather finch-like but have differently-structured bills, slightly flatter heads and longer bodies, and many have longer tails with white sides. Some are short-legged and heavy-bodied and strictly terrestrial, others are lighter and live more in trees and bushes. Most have simple, unmusical but distinctive songs.
Some are long-distance migrants and several European and Asian species have appeared in the UK as rare vagrants.
|
A charming relative of the yellowhammer that is at the limit of its European range in the UK. ... More... |
 |
|
This nondescript lowland farmland bird is the largest of the buntings and is most usually seen perched on a wire or post. It is a stout, dumpy bird brown which flies off with a fluttering flight and ... More... |
 |
|
Slightly smaller than a reed bunting with a well marked head pattern, chestnut nape and chestnut wing panel. Spends most of its time on the ground and often seen in small flocks. Occasional birds are... More... |
 |
|
Sparrow-sized but slim and with a long, deeply notched tail, the male has a black head, white collar and a drooping moustache. Females and winter males have a streaked head. In flight the tail looks b... More... |
 |
|
Snow buntings are large buntings, with striking `snowy' plumages. Males in summer have all white heads and underparts contrasting with a black mantle and wing tips. Females are a more mottled above.... More... |
 |
|
Males are unmistakeable with a bright yellow head and underparts, brown back streaked with black, and chestnut rump. In flight it shows white outer tail feathers. Often seen perched on top of a hedge ... More... |
 |