Convervation status: Red 1 video Latin nameEmberiza calandra FamilyBuntings (Emberizidae) OverviewThis 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 with its legs characteristically 'dangling'. Its dramatic population decline in the UK makes it a Red List species. Where to see themOften seen perched prominently on a hedge, post or wire, singing its jangling song. In the summer corn buntings prefer open farmland and in winter they may be found in stubbles, root crops, weedy fields and cattle yards or stockyards. When to see themAll year round - forms flocks in the winter. What they eatSeeds and insects. Estimated numbers| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* |
|---|
| - | 8,500-12,200 territories | - | - |
* UK breeding is the number of pairs breeding annually. UK wintering is the number of individuals present from October to March. UK passage is the number of individuals passing through on migration in spring and/or autumn. Distribution
- In the UK
- Patchy- absent from Wales, N Ireland and parts of England and Scotland.
Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
Sound: Stuart Fisher, Xeno-canto | Print page  Corn bunting Similar birdsHelp the Corn buntingAt Hope Farm, the RSPB is developing farming techniques that will benefit wildlife Give a gift to Hope Farm |