Species Profile

Cirl Bunting

Emberiza cirlus

Quick Facts

Conservation

LCLeast Concern

Lifespan

2–3 years^[4]

Length

15–16.5 cm

Weight

20–25 g

Wingspan

22–25 cm

Migration

Partial migrant

This charming songbird, with its vibrant yellow and green plumage, brightens up hedgerows and farmlands across southern Europe.

Also known as: Zizi Bunting

Think you've spotted a Cirl Bunting?

Upload a photo and our AI will confirm it instantly

Confirm with a Photo

Gallery

Appearance

The Cirl Bunting is a small, colourful bird with a distinctive appearance. Males have a bright yellow head with a black crown, eye stripe, and chin. Their back is chestnut-brown, contrasting with an olive-green rump and yellow underparts.

Females, with a brown-streaked body and a yellowish wing bar, aren't as colourful as males. Both sexes have a grey bill and pink legs. Juveniles resemble females but with heavier streaking.

Identification & Characteristics

Male Colors

Primary: Yellow
Secondary: Black
Beak: Grey
Legs: Pink

Female Colors

Primary: Brown
Secondary: White
Beak: Grey
Legs: Pink

Female Markings

Streaked breast and crown, less vibrant than males

Attributes

Agility65/100

Strength30/100

Adaptability70/100

Aggression40/100

Endurance55/100

Understanding Attributes

Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Habitat & Distribution

Cirl Buntings are found in southern Europe, from Portugal to Greece, and parts of North Africa. They prefer warm, dry climates with open farmland, hedgerows, and scattered trees.

In the UK, their range is restricted to coastal areas of Devon and Cornwall, with some reintroduced populations in other southern counties. They are generally sedentary, with only short-distance movements in winter.

Distribution

Loading map...

Where to See This Bird

Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.

Devon

ResidentYear-round

Get a personalised bird guide for your area

Diet

Cirl Buntings have a varied diet that changes seasonally. In summer, they primarily feed on insects and spiders, which are crucial for raising chicks. Grasshoppers and locusts are two of the most common prey items.

During winter, they switch to seeds from grasses and cereals, foraging in stubble fields and weedy areas.

Behaviour

Cirl Buntings are often seen perched on top of hedges or low trees, singing their distinctive song. They forage on the ground in small groups, moving with quick, jerky hops.

During the breeding season, males become territorial and engage in aerial displays to attract mates.

Calls & Sounds

The Cirl Bunting's song is a distinctive, rattling trill often described as 'zizi-zizi-zizi', giving rise to its alternative name. Males sing from prominent perches, especially during the breeding season. Their call is a soft 'tsip' or 'zit', often given in flight.

Their songs are loud, and can often be heard up to half a kilometre away.

Nesting & Breeding

Cirl Buntings breed from late April to August. Males establish territories and attract females with their distinctive song and display flights.

Nests are built low in dense vegetation, often in hedges or gorse bushes. Females construct a cup-shaped nest of grass and moss lined with fine roots and hair. They typically lay 3-4 eggs, which are pale blue or grey with dark markings.

Incubation lasts about 12-13 days and is carried out solely by the female. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 12-13 days. Pairs often raise two or three broods per season.

Conservation

Once widespread in southern England, Cirl Buntings experienced a severe decline in the 20th century.

Conservation efforts, including targeted agri-environment schemes, have helped stabilise and increase their population in recent years, particularly in Devon.

LCLeast Concern

^[1]

Population

Estimated: 4,970,000 - 9,300,000 mature individuals^[3]

Trend: Increasing^[2]

Elevation

Up to 1,000 meters

Additional Details

Predators:: Cirl Buntings are preyed upon by various birds of prey, including Sparrowhawks and Merlins, as well as domestic cats in areas close to human habitation.

Birdwatching Tips

Look for Cirl Buntings in hedgerows and field margins in southern England, especially Devon and Cornwall.
Listen for their distinctive 'zizi' call, which gives them their alternative name.
Observe feeding areas near mixed farmland with cereal crops and grassland.
Visit known breeding sites in spring and summer for the best chance of sightings.
In size and basic appearance resembling a finch but with a longer tail, the male can often be seen singing from the tops of bushes or heard vocalising amongst the trees, requiring patience and an eagle’s eye to spot!

Did You Know?

Cirl Buntings are the UK's rarest resident bunting species.
They were once common across southern England but declined by 97% between 1970 and 1989.
Their recovery in Devon is considered one of the UK's most successful farmland bird conservation projects.