Reed Buntings (Emberiza schoeniclus) breed across Europe and much of temperate and northern Asia. Many of them migrate south for the winter. Those found in the milder south and west of its range are resident (non-migratory).
They inhabit reedbeds as well as drier open areas, such as moorland and cultivations.
Description:
The Reed Bunting is a medium sized bird that measures about 13.5 – 15.5 cm in length.
It has a small bill.
The male can be identified by his black head and throat. He has a white neck collar. The underside is also white. His back is heavily streaked.
The female’s plumage is duller. She has a streaked brown head and is more streaked below and slightly resembles a Little Bunting.
Song / Call:
The male’s song is described as a monotonous, repetitive zrip.
Diet:
Their staple diet consist of seeds. However, when raising young, they will feed mostly on insects.
Breeding / Nesting:
They usually nest in bushes or reed tussocks. The average nest consists of 4 – 7 eggs with hair-like markings.
