Listen

Sound clips and movies require Adobe Flash player.

Latin name

Calcarius lapponicus

Family

Buntings (Emberizidae)

Overview

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 seen in Scotland in the summer, when males have a striking black crown, face and throat.

Where to see them

Wintering birds are mainly found along the east coast of the UK, from East Lothian to Kent. Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and North Norfolk coasts usually hold the most birds.

When to see them

Birds arrive from N Europe in September and October, leaving by May. Best looked for from November to March.

What they eat

Seeds

Estimated numbers

* 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

Please note that the map is only intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Audio is from commercial recordings Bird Songs and Calls of Britain and Europe on 4 CDs or Bird Sounds of Europe & North-west Africa, copyright WildSounds & CEBA (www.wildsounds.com, (UK) +44 (0) 1263 741100)

1 illustration

Adult, winter

Similar birds

Snow bunting

Reed bunting