Convervation status: Amber 2 videos Latin nameEmberiza schoeniclus FamilyBuntings (Emberizidae) OverviewSparrow-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 black with broad, white edges. Where to see themPredominantly a farmland and wetland bird. Typically found in wet vegetation but has recently spread into farmland and, in winter, into gardens. When singing the male usually perched on top of a bush, or reed. When to see themAll year round. What they eatSeeds and insects Estimated numbers| Europe | UK breeding* | UK wintering* | UK passage* |
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| - | 192,000-211,000 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
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) | Print page  Reed bunting male breeding plumage  Reed bunting female Similar birdsHelp the Reed buntingAt Hope Farm, the RSPB is developing farming techniques that will benefit wildlife Give a gift to Hope Farm Are you a farmer or land manager?If so, you can improve this species' chances on your land. Find out more |