Appearance:

Large and rather heavy bunting with yellow bill in all plumages. Head of breeding male brightly tricoloured in black, white and warm, rufous brown. Female similar to male, but much duller coloured, and with black parts speckled. All adults show rufous hind-neck. Juveniles show rufous greater coverts and may be confused with Reed Bunting. Differs from RB in yellow bill, dark spots on chest and cleaner markings on cheeks. Often runs along the ground like a mouse.

Sound:

Song: a short, creaky, brittle phrase, rich in harmonics; "kril-trrlrtt-ti-trlllkrlltrrt". Somewhat reminiscent of Horned Lark, but without its hesitating intro. In form a bit like Snow Bunting, but much less clear tones. Call: A Snow Bunting-like "prrrrit", but tone harder. Also a Snow Bunting-like "pjuu". Other sounds: soft, whistling calls reminiscent of Bullfinch, but with richer harmonics.

Song:

Distribution:

Wikipedia: map (se also Xeno-canto below)

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

CC

Appearance:

All plumages differs from Reed Bunting, and most other buntings by; white belly, pale cheek-patch, flanks coarsely spotted in rufous red, rufous rump with no streaking, pale pinkish legs and lower mandible. Summer plumage male easily recognized by boldly rufous breast and contrasting black and white head pattern. Young male resembles females, and may breed before adult plumage is fully developed. Posture often erect when moving around on the ground. Crown feathers often erect. Flight pattern light and fluttering, and more even than in Reed Bunting.

Sound:

Contact call a short "zick", like Little Bunting, but slightly sharper. Song distinct and melodic: A soft, fluting phrase in an undulating rhythm. Integrated in the flute-like tones are high-pitched, dunnock-like bi-notes, especially towards the end of each phrase.

Song:

Distribution:

Xeno-canto: map

Ecology:

Birdlife ecology

Links:

Observation.org Latest observations

Video IBC

Image search Flickr NB! May give other species

Sound search at Xeno-canto

CC

CC-photo:Aaron Maizlish, Licence,Link.