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.
Key ID Features:
A slender bunting predominantly brown with heavy dark streaking on upperparts.
Summer males have a black head with a white collar and cheek stripe extending to the pale underside, but in winter it loses these features and becomes quite drab.
In flight summer males show rufous forewings and a wide forked tail with white edges.
The female is more creamy with black streaks and lacks the bold head markings, but has the hint of a narrow pale buff collar.
Overview
Scientific name: Emberiza schoeniclus
Family: Buntings (Emberizidae)
Where to see them:
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.
Seen in UK:
All year round.
What they eat
Seeds and insects.
Text (c) RSPB, used with permission
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Photographer: Tim Tapley
