Corn Bunting
Emberiza calandra
The Corn Bunting is a rare breeding bird in Britain, mostly found in eastern and southern England, with sightings typically occurring from April to October. It can be spotted in open countryside, particularly in areas with arable farmland and grasslands.
Field Identification Guide
Use these features to identify Corn Bunting in the field.
The Corn Bunting's heavily streaked buff-brown plumage, distinctive white wing bars, and rounded tail are key features that distinguish it at a glance. Its overall appearance is quite distinctive, with a stout build and a short, notched tail.
The Corn Bunting is slightly larger than a House Sparrow, but smaller than a Starling, making it a medium-sized bird that is easily overlooked.
The male Corn Bunting has a streaked buff-brown back, wings, and tail, with a pale brown chest and belly, and a distinctive blackish-brown stripe through the eye, with little seasonal variation in its plumage.
The female Corn Bunting is similar to the male, with slightly duller and more subdued colours, but overall, the female's plumage is very similar to that of the male.
The Corn Bunting's song is a repetitive, jingling melody, often described as a series of descending phrases, while its call is a sharp, metallic "tek" or "tink" sound.
The Corn Bunting is a ground-foraging bird, feeding on seeds, grains, and insects, and is often seen walking or running on the ground in search of food, with a distinctive, upright posture and a tendency to fly low and swiftly when disturbed.
The Corn Bunting can be confused with other buntings, such as the Reed Bunting, but can be distinguished by its larger size, more streaked plumage, and distinctive white wing bars, as well as its habitat preferences and behaviour.
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