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  • Lapland bunting

Lapland bunting

Lapland bunting (winter plumage)
Lapland bunting (winter plumage)
  • Scientific name: Calcarius lapponicus
  • Bird family: Buntings
  • UK conservation status: Amber
  • Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

lapland bunting call

Your browser does not support this audio feature.

Patrik Åberg, Xeno-canto

Key information

Lapland buntings are lightly larger than a reed bunting with a well-marked head pattern, chestnut nape and chestnut wing panel. It spends most of its time on the ground and is often seen in small flocks. Occasional birds are seen in Scotland in the summer, when males have a striking black crown, face and throat. It is listed as a Schedule 1 species under The Wildlife and Countryside Act offering it additional protection.

What they eat:

Seeds.

Measurements:

Length:
15-16cm
Wingspan:
25.5-28cm
Weight:
20-28g

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 wintering:
710 birds

Identifying features:

Lapland bunting (winter plumage)

Lapland bunting
Feather colour: Black Brown Cream/buff Grey White
Leg colour: Black
Beak: Black Yellow Short Chunky
Natural habitats: Farmland Grassland Marine and intertidal

Similar birds:

Male snow bunting, winter plumage
Snow bunting
Male reed bunting
Reed bunting

Where and when to see them

You can find wintering birds along the east coast of the UK, from East Lothian to Kent. Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and North Norfolk coasts usually hold the most birds.

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

Lapland buntings arrive from northern Europe in September/October, leaving by May/April, so it is best to look out for them between November and March.

  • jan
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  • mar
  • apr
  • may
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