Reed bunting

Scientific name: Emberiza schoeniclus
Bird family: Buntings
UK conservation status: Amber
Protected by The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981

Reed bunting call audio

Key information

Sparrow-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.

What they eat:

Seeds and insects.

Measurements:

Length:: 15-16.5cm

Wingspan:: 21-28cm

Weight:: 16-25g

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:: 250,000 territories

Identifying features:

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

Reed bunting (male)

Feather colour: Black Brown Cream/buff Grey White

Leg colour: Brown Pink

Beak: Black Short Powerful Chunky

Natural habitats: Farmland Grassland Urban and suburban Wetland

Reed bunting (female)

Feather colour: Black Brown Cream/buff Grey White

Leg colour: Brown Pink

Beak: Black Short Powerful Chunky

Natural habitats: Farmland Grassland Urban and suburban Wetland

Similar birds:

Yellowhammer

Lapland bunting

Where and when to see them

Reed buntings are predominantly 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.

* This map is intended as a guide. It shows general distribution rather than detailed, localised populations.

Resident
Passage
Summer
Winter

Reed buntings can be seen all year round.

Minsmere

Coombes Valley

Arne

Reed bunting

Reed bunting call audio