Meadow Bunting

Overview

The meadow bunting, also known as the Siberian meadow bunting, is a passerine bird of eastern Asia belonging to the genus Emberiza in the bunting family Emberizidae. It is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• 15 to 16.5 cm in length with a rufous-brown body and dark streaks on the back.
• Boldly-patterned brown head featuring white eyebrows, moustachial stripe, and throat, with grey sides to the neck.
• Outer tail-feathers are white and legs are pinkish-brown.
• Song consists of a short, hurried phrase from a prominent perch, accompanied by a call of up to four sharp notes.

Habitat

Breeds in southern Siberia, northern and eastern China, eastern Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Korea, and Japan, though northern birds may move south to southern China and Taiwan. It favours dry, open habitats such as scrub, farmland, grassland, and open woodland.

Did you know?

Pairs are monogamous and use the same area for breeding several years in a row.