Ortolan Bunting

Overview

The ortolan bunting (Emberiza hortulana) is a Eurasian passerine in the bunting family Emberizidae. It is noted for its resemblance to the yellowhammer and its controversial status in French cuisine, where it is prepared and consumed whole.

Identification

• Length of 16–17 cm with a wingspan of 23–29 cm.
• Greenish-grey head, contrasting with the bright yellow of the yellowhammer.
• Lacks the bright colouring of its yellowhammer relative.
• Male song resembles that of the yellowhammer.

Habitat

Native to most European countries and West Asia, reaching as far north as Scandinavia and beyond the Arctic Circle. It frequently inhabits cornfields and their surroundings. It is an uncommon vagrant to the British Isles, particularly in spring and autumn.

Diet

Seeds constitute the natural diet, but beetles and other insects are consumed when feeding young. During culinary preparation, the birds are force-fed grain, usually millet seed.

Did you know?

Diners traditionally cover their heads with a napkin or towel while eating the bird, a practice debated as being to retain aroma, hide the shame of the act from God's eyes, or conceal the spitting out of bones.