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Birds by name

Lapland bunting

Conservation status: Amber

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.

Overview

Latin name

Calcarius lapponicus

Family

Buntings (Emberizidae)

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

Population

EuropeUK breeding*UK wintering*UK passage*
--200-500 birds-

* 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

Key

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

Illustrations

Audio

Patrik Aberg, Xeno-canto

Characteristics

Lapland bunting (winter)

Lapland bunting
  • Size: between robin-blackbird
  • Feather colours: brown, black, white, grey, cream/buff
  • Beak colours: black/dark grey, yellow
  • Beak length: short
  • Beak thickness: short
  • Leg colour: black/grey, brown
  • Behaviour: part of flock, on ground, wagging or flicking tail, bird walks/runs on the ground

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