Yellow-browed Bunting

Overview

The yellow-browed bunting (Emberiza chrysophrys) is a passerine bird in the bunting family Emberizidae. It is a migratory species that breeds in eastern Siberia and winters in central and southern China, and is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Smaller than a reed bunting with a relatively large head and stout, pink beaks.
• Breeding males feature a black head with white crown and moustachial stripes, a white throat, and a bright yellow eyebrow stripe.
• Females and young birds have weaker head patterns with brown instead of black, but retain some yellow in the eyebrow and a hint of a white stripe on the crown.
• Upper parts are brown and heavily streaked, while underparts are white with an orange hue on the flanks and fine dark streaks.

Habitat

The species breeds in the taiga zone of eastern Siberia and is migratory, wintering in central and southern China. It is considered a very rare wanderer to western Europe.

Diet

Adults in the wild feed on seeds, while they feed insects to their nestlings.

Did you know?

The specific name chrysophrys is derived from Ancient Greek khrusophrus, meaning 'golden-browed'.