Species Profile
Corn Bunting
Emberiza calandra
Quick Facts
Conservation
LCLeast ConcernLifespan
3–5 years
Length
16–19 cm
Weight
38–55 g
Wingspan
26–32 cm
Migration
Partial migrant
Also known as: Common Corn Bunting
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Appearance
The Corn Bunting is a plump, sparrow-sized bird with overall brown plumage streaked with darker markings. It has a large, robust bill, a short tail, and a distinctive 'heavy-headed' appearance. The underparts are pale buff with fine streaking.
Both males and females look similar. Juveniles closely resemble adults but may have slightly fresher-looking feathers with more defined streaking.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Brown
- Secondary
- Buff
- Beak
- Grey
- Legs
- Pink
Attributes
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
Corn Buntings inhabit open agricultural landscapes, preferring cereal fields, grasslands, and areas with scattered bushes or hedgerows. They are found across much of Europe and extend into western Asia and North Africa.
In the UK, they are mainly concentrated in eastern and southern England, with some populations in Scotland. Their distribution can vary seasonally, with some birds moving to lowland areas in winter.
Distribution
Where to See This Bird
Explore regional guides for locations where this bird has been recorded.
Diet
Behaviour
Corn Buntings are often seen perched prominently on fence posts, wires, or tall stems, singing their characteristic song. They typically forage on the ground in small groups, moving with a shuffling gait. During the breeding season, males become territorial and perform short, fluttering display flights.
Calls & Sounds
The Corn Bunting's song is highly distinctive, often described as sounding like jangling keys or rattling coins.
It typically consists of a series of rapid, metallic notes followed by a drawn-out buzzing trill, rendered as 'zit-zit-zit-zit-zeeeeee'. Their call is a short, hard 'tick' or 'tzik'.
Nesting & Breeding
Corn Buntings typically breed from May to August. Males establish territories and attract females with their distinctive song and display flights.
Nests are built on or close to the ground, often in cereal crops or thick grass tussocks. The female constructs a cup-shaped nest of grass and plant stems lined with finer materials. She lays 3-5 eggs, which are pale blue or greenish-white with brown markings.
Incubation lasts about 12-14 days and is carried out solely by the female. The chicks fledge after 9-12 days but remain dependent on their parents for another 1-2 weeks.
Conservation
While listed as Least Concern globally, Corn Bunting populations have declined significantly in parts of Europe, particularly in the UK. Agricultural intensification, including loss of field margins and winter stubble, poses the main threat.
Conservation efforts focus on promoting wildlife-friendly farming practices.
Elevation
Up to 500 meters
Additional Details
- Predators:
- Corn Buntings are preyed upon by various raptors, including Sparrowhawks and Kestrels, as well as ground predators such as foxes and domestic cats.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for Corn Buntings perched on high vantage points in open farmland
- Listen for their distinctive jangling song, especially in spring and summer
- Scan cereal fields and grasslands for small flocks foraging on the ground
- In the UK, focus on coastal areas and lowland farmland, particularly in eastern and southern England
Did You Know?
- Corn Buntings are polygynous, with males often mating with multiple females in a single breeding season.
- They have one of the latest breeding seasons among European farmland birds, which may make them vulnerable to early crop harvesting.
- In some areas, Corn Buntings form large communal roosts in winter, sometimes numbering hundreds of birds.
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