Reed Bunting

Overview

Reed Bunting: Medium-sized finch with dark-streaked brown upperparts and faintly streaked, white underparts. Head and throat are black; moustache stripe and collar are distinctly white, and tail is white-edged. Short, low flights, alternates rapid wing beats with wings pulled to sides.

Range and Habitat

Reed Bunting: Breeds on the Aleutians off the coast of Alaska.

INTERESTING FACTS

The Reed Bunting regularly form flocks outside the breeding season, often flocking with other Emberiza species. These flocks form in September.
They sometimes make holes in bullrush stems to extract insect larvae.
A group of buntings are collectively known as a "decoration", "mural", and "sacrifice" of buntings.

The Reed Bunting is a medium-sized passerine bird. This species breeds throughout Europe and the temperate, northern regions of Asia. Most Reed Buntings are migratory, flying south in winter months. However, some populations in the south and west are year-round residents. Their preferred habitat includes reedbeds, as well as dry, open areas including moorlands and cultivated farmland. The typical diet of this species includes insects in younger birds and seeds for older members. Nests are built in reeds or low bushes. Due to maintained or increasing populations in recent years, the conservation rating for the Reed Bunting is Least Concern.