McKay's Bunting

Overview

McKay's bunting is a passerine bird in the longspur family, most closely related to the snow bunting. It is a rare species with an estimated population of 19,481 individuals, though currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Larger than the similar snow bunting, with an average length of 18 cm and weight between 38 and 62 g.
• Breeding males are almost purely white with small black areas on the wingtips and tail.
• Breeding females display a streaked back.
• Non-breeding birds feature warm brown patches on the cheeks, crown, and sides of the neck.

Habitat

The species breeds on two islands in the Bering Sea, St. Matthew and Hall islands, nesting on shingle beaches within hollow drift logs and rock crevices. During winter, it migrates to the western coast of the U.S. state of Alaska, occupying coastal marshes, shingle beaches, and agricultural fields.

Diet

Feeding habits are believed to be similar to the snow bunting, consuming seeds from weeds and grasses during the winter. In summer, the diet becomes mixed, consisting of seeds, buds, and insects.

Did you know?

Despite its distinct classification, this species is under no immediate threat but remains highly susceptible to devastation by introduced rats, weasels, or foxes.