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  • Cirl bunting

Cirl bunting

Cirl bunting (male)
Cirl bunting (male)
Cirl bunting (female)
Cirl bunting (female)
  • Scientific name: Emberiza cirlus
  • Bird family: Buntings
  • UK conservation status: Red
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Cirl bunting song

Your browser does not support this audio feature.

Mathias Ritschard, Xeno-canto

Key information

The cirl bunting is a charming relative of the yellowhammer that is at the limit of its European range in the UK. In spring, males have a striking black chin, eye stripe and crown and yellow stripes on head and yellow underparts. Female and juveniles look similar to yellowhammers, but have bolder head markings and streaked grey/brown rumps. It is a Schedule 1 species.

What they eat:

Insects and seeds.

Measurements:

Length:
15.5cm
Wingspan:
22-25.5cm
Weight:
21-27g

Population:

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.
UK breeding:
860 territories

Identifying features:

This bird species has different identifying features depending on sex/age/season.

Cirl bunting (male)

Cirl bunting, male
Feather colour: Black Brown Cream/buff Green Grey Yellow
Leg colour: Pink
Beak: Black Short Chunky
Natural habitats: Farmland

Cirl bunting (female)

Cirl bunting, female
Feather colour: Black Brown Cream/buff Grey Yellow
Leg colour: Pink
Beak: Black Short Chunky
Natural habitats: Farmland

Similar birds:

Male yellowhammer
Yellowhammer
Male reed bunting
Reed bunting

Where and when to see them

Cirl buntings are confined to south-west England. They are best looked for in fields and hedges of south Devon, near to the coast. For details of some recommended sites, please see the 'Watching cirl buntings' page.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.
  • Resident
  • Passage
  • Summer
  • Winter
Cirl bunting distribution map

Cirl buntings can be seen all year round.

  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

RSPB reserves

  • RSPB Exminster and Powderham Marshes
  • RSPB Labrador Bay

Video

A cirl bunting perched on a branch.

A cirl bunting perched on a branch.

Cirl bunting video screenshot

In more depth

Conservation

Conservation

Watching cirl buntings

Watching cirl buntings

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Adult male Cirl bunting, Emberiza cirlus. RSPB Cirl Bunting Project. Devon, England. July

The Cirl Bunting Project

Cirl buntings were once widespread and common, but in recent years, they have become rare.
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1 in 4 UK birds are now on the Red List of Conservation Concern. This is an emergency for UK bird life.

We spend 90% of net income on conservation, public education and advocacy

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